The Bess Bower Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, launched its first virtual exhibition, "Our Voice is Black History: Past, Present, Future," on February 6. It will run through October 31. The exhibition will be open for in-person viewing at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville starting July 3. The exhibition and related programming are sponsored by the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves, with additional support provided by College of Lake County (CLC), and USG.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the Dunn Museum and the College of Lake County's Black Student Union. "The exhibition examines and explores multigenerational stories and experiences through graphic design, poetry, writing, art, and video interviews that portray the voice of the African Americans' past and reality,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. "It offers a unique representation of the African American voice of Lake County." 

Dunn Museum staff approached CLC Multicultural Coordinator Beverly Phelps about the project idea last summer. She enlisted the help of students and faculty. The team incorporated several aspects into the project. CLC held a student art contest in an effort to collect original pieces for the virtual exhibition and will create a book with these elements this spring. CLC students, with the support of Dunn Museum staff, interviewed prominent Black leaders in the community to gain perspective. "We hired a professional videographer to document the interviews and help turn them into polished products to go on display virtually," Buckardt said.   

Leaders and prominent community members were interviewed including three mayors: Sam Cunningham of Waukegan, Leon Rockingham, Jr. of North Chicago, and Billy McKinney of Zion. CLC student Jermaine Hilton, who is studying computer science and serves as president of the Black Male Xcellence club, was involved with the interviews. "I learned how many different leaders before my time have been inspiring, working and teaching the Black youth, as well as everyone in our community," Hilton said. "They taught our history through different ways such as art, church, law, and civil service. It was an eye-opener for me."

"The collaboration involved with this project has been beneficial," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "I am proud of the partnership between our Dunn Museum staff and the students and faculty from CLC who have worked together to create this exciting new virtual exhibition." 

The Dunn Museum is partnering with CLC on several programs that will take place during the run of the exhibition. The first series of programs are virtual book clubs for various age groups. Tickets are required to attend the free virtual book club meetings conducted through Zoom. 

• After-school book club, 3:30–4:15 pm, Thursday, March 4, for children ages 9–12. Educators will read "Antiracist Baby" and "Malcolm Little." The program also includes historical information, discussion questions, and activities. 
• Put on your pajamas and gather virtually before bedtime to hear diverse and inclusive stories such as "Antiracist Baby" and "Sing a Song: How 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' Inspired Generations." This book club for families, sponsored by USG, includes interactions with educators through discussion, songs and activities. It takes place from 6–6:45 pm, Thursday, March 4.
• A book club session for adults runs from 10–11 am, Saturday, March 6. Join CLC faculty and staff in a virtual discussion of renowned race scholar Ibram X. Kendi's first book, "Stamped From the Beginning," chronicling the legacy of racism in America. 
• A young adult book club takes place 3:30–4:30 pm, Saturday, March 6. "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" is a "Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning." Gather with CLC staff and students to discuss the book and how to take these ideals and turn them into action. 

For free tickets to the book clubs, visit LCFPD.org/BookClub.

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Courtesy of College of Lake County
CLC student Jermaine Hilton interviewed North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. as part of the "Our Voice is Black History: Past, Present, Future" virtual exhibition.