Community Voices African American Heritage Let us introduce you to Theodia, Isaiah, Phyllis, Shannah, Mary, Alysia, Thomas, Kenisha, Sherman, Natalie, Stacey, Sandra, and Pamela! These are your neighbors and fellow Aurorans. Get to know them through our newest installation of Community Voices, which showcases stories from our African American community. The African American community has been an integral part of the growth and expansion of Aurora for over 160 years. In 1860, 12 African Americans lived in Aurora. That number today is close to 20,000. Over the course of this history, Black people in Aurora have been civically engaged members and leaders of the community, contributing to Aurora’s economic, social, structural, spiritual, and political development. Community Voices is an initiative to provide space for community members to share their individual stories. The mission of Community Voices is to foster connections, cultivate empathy, and nurture a sense of belonging at the library. We center Community Voices exhibits around particular heritages or identities that are meaningful for our community. View the exhibit online
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While the library invites and provides space for members of the community to share their story, the library neither advocates for nor endorses the viewpoints expressed herein.