ECC Presents Echoes of Resilience: Black Voices in Literature with Chicago Poet

Tags: Events
Published 02/07/2025
Black History Month 2025

Black History Month 2025

Elgin Community College (ECC) is celebrating Black History Month (BHM) with the 2025 theme We Built This! Rooted in Power, Courage, and Resilience. On Tuesday, February 11, ECC is proud to present Echoes in Resilience: Black Voices in Literature, featuring Chicago-based poet Timothy Rey.

He will share his insights, experiences, and creative works that explore themes of identity, resilience, and social justice. The free public event will take place from 12:30 to 2 pm in Building C, Room C120, located on ECC’s Spartan Drive Campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, Ill. 

Rey is also a playwright, performer, and educator whose work highlights the richness of diverse cultural experiences. A former student of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa at Indiana University Bloomington, Rey’s contributions to literature and the arts span over two decades.

“Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, stories, and cultural impact of Black individuals throughout history,” said Gretchen Taylor, student readiness coordinator at ECC. “Through Echoes of Resilience: Black Voices in Literature, we aim to highlight the power of storytelling in shaping narratives, reclaiming history, and fostering change. Timothy Rey’s work embodies this mission, offering a voice that resonates with themes of race, identity, LGBTQ+ experiences, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. This is an opportunity to experience a compelling performance, engage in meaningful discussions, and be inspired by the legacy of Black literary excellence.”

This event is dedicated to amplifying Black voices through literature, poetry, and performance. 

Check out all of ECC’s BHM events by visiting elgin.edu/BHM. For more information, contact the Office of Student Life at 847-214-7079.

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