From the first Black settlers in Aurora just prior to the Civil War to the contemporary Black leaders of the state's second-largest city, the story of Aurora’s Black community is intrinsically interwoven into the story of the City of Lights.

'Aurora in Black' isn't just about one month, but rather a consistent movement that is highlighted during this month. It is a vibrant reality of Aurora's Black community - every day, every month, every year.

Black History Month 2023 in Aurora features 20+ events (and growing) honoring Black History, Present, and Future:

View the Calendar of Events

The Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board will host the 17th annual African American Heritage Scholarship Dinner on Friday, February 24 at 6 p.m. at Belle Salle Banquets, 1920 E. New York Street.

During the dinner, the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board will: 

INDUCT THE 2023 CLASS OF COWHERD SCHOLARS and awarding these college-bound high school seniors scholarships to pursue their postsecondary education aspirations! They are not just leaders of the future; they are young emerging leaders of now. 

SALUTE THE 2023 LEADER OF THE YEAR, Dr. Jennifer Norrell, the Superintendent of East Aurora School District 131, who has led the transformative changes happening in the state’s first public school district, including a 17% increase in the high school graduation rate.

PRESENT THE 2023 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to an Aurora icon, Servant George Rayford. He has served as a faith leader in Aurora for more than 40 years, including more than 25 years as the leader of New Community Baptist Church. For decades, he was known as ‘the fish man’ as he fed Aurora families physically. Now, he feeds our families spiritually. 

HIGHLIGHT ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY ADVOCATES, BUSINESSES, AND INITIATIVES while having a wonderful evening of food, music, and more - - all while raising funds for scholarships for our youth! 

Tickets - and sponsorship opportunities - are available at the links below, online at www.aurora-il.org/HeritageDinner, via email at [email protected] or phone at 630.256.3368.