Unity Forum 2-17-19

These notes document the key discussion themes Black History Month and the many events within our community to celebrate.

Discussion
- Last CommUNITY Night was cancelled due to weather
  - Shared vignettes on Black History achievements
    - Onesimus introduced smallpox inoculation to America
    - Black cowboys and the story of Bass Reeves
    - First African American female pilot, Bessie Coleman
    - The interracial couple that fought the miscegenation laws, Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter
- Alice’s Ordinary People Movie
  - Was shown at the Library
  - Empowering to learn about efforts of one person with huge impact
- Africa Night at SIUE this past Saturday
  - Showcased the diversity at SIUE
  - Celebrated the culture and talent of students
- International Potluck
  - Monthly initiative to be announced in LeClare newsletter for Spring
- NAACP event – Tues, Feb 26, 2019 at Mt Joy
  - Program on race statistics by chief of police and SIUE chief
- Mannie Jackson Fundraising program hosted in Godfrey – March 26 –
  - Program at 6:30
  - $200
  - Guest speaker Fareed Zakaria

Recommendations
- Kevin Hart’s Netflix special on Black History
- Book Study on Black Migration
- Print flyers for future Library events to increase attendance
- Share the SIUE flyers around town to generate awareness