2021 - ECC discussion series delves into the history of racism in the Midwest

Elgin Community College’s Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee (MAGIC) presents the next installment of its popular “Black Lives Matter” series in conjunction with Black History Month. Part VI, titled ‘A Historical Perspective,’ is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, at 2 pm. You can join the discussion via Zoom.

“The existence of systemic racism in our community and institutions has long been ignored,” said Clark Hallpike, ECC professor of business and MAGIC co-chair. “MAGIC is helping students and the community to address it and take action towards making our environment more equitable.”

The panel will cover the historical migration of Black families from the post-war South to the Midwest. Session attendees will gain insights into the systemic racism Black families found – and still find today – when they resettled in the Midwest. Participants will also gain the tools to help Black families feel welcome and supported in the community.

“We are very pleased with the overall reaction to the Black Lives Matter discussion events, and we plan to continue this series indefinitely, as long as the environment of systemic racism continues among us and in our institutions,” said Susan Timm, EdD, ECC professor or business and MAGIC co-chair.

To bring you this critically important series, MAGIC has partnered with ECC Black Student Achievers (BSA), ECC Student Life, ECC Police Department, ECC Renner Academic Library, Elgin Police Department Gail Borden Public Library. The event is limited to 300 participants; however, the session will be recorded and made available afterward.

ECC’s Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee aims to prepare individuals to succeed in a diverse society by providing and supporting multicultural learning experiences at Elgin Community College and within District 509 with the ultimate goal of creating an inclusive environment at the college.

For additional information, contact Hallpike at 847-214-7542 or challpike@elgin.edu, or Timm at 847-214-7916 or stimm@elgin.edu.