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CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY’S LEGACY OF BLACK EXCELLENCE IN SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND PHILANTHROPY

Updated: Mar 6, 2023


ROCKFORD, Ill. – In honor of Black History Month, Rockford, Representative West hosted Black Winter - a formal gala celebrating Black scholarship - in partnership with Ald. Gabrielle Torina, Urban Intellectuals 815, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, and the Wabongo Leadership Council, with generous in-kind support from the event venue, Rockford Art Museum.  It was a fantastic night which included great food, quality entertainment, and most importantly an opportunity to support the educational pursuits of local Black students.



Nearly 250 guests attended Black Winter and by the end of the night thousands of dollars had been raised to fund scholarships for local black students in perpetuity.  The scholarships that were funded will help students reach their educational goals and it will change lives in our community.  Thank you so much to all of the event sponsors and to everyone who contributed to this worthwhile cause.  

 

About Friends of Black Winter

Black Winter is an event to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the legacy of Black excellence in scholarship in the Rockford region.  This special evening is a fundraiser for scholarships established to support the educational pursuits of local Black students. Black Winter is presented in partnership by:

  • Urban Intellectuals

  • Gabrielle Torina, Alderman of Rockford's 5th Ward

  • Maurice West II, Illinois State Representative for the 67th District

  • Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

  • Wabongo Leadership Council

 

 

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