The Aurora Public Library District’s Community Voices initiative returns with a new exhibit and discussion focused on African American stories in Aurora. Designed to highlight the diverse lived experiences of residents, Community Voices invites all community members to learn, reflect, and connect through personal storytelling and discussion.
At its core, Community Voices is a platform for uplifting the histories, identities, and contributions of Aurora’s residents. “We live in a beautifully diverse community,” said Genealogy and Community History librarian, Cailín. “It’s important to celebrate all of Aurora and to give a platform to historically marginally groups whose stories have so often not been centered in public discourse.” Through these exhibitions and subsequent dialogue, we share experiences and knowledge so we can learn from one another. By creating space for these underrepresented stories, Community Voices deepens our understanding of Aurora’s past and present.
This year’s focus on African American voices honors a community that has helped shape the city’s development for over 160 years. “The African American community has been an integral part of the growth and expansion of Aurora,” added Cailín. In 1860, 12 African Americans lived in Aurora. Today that number is close to 20,000. Some Community Voices participants had family who experienced Jim Crow segregation in the South, and they migrated to Aurora with hopes for better opportunities for themselves and their children. Many have deep roots in Aurora, with families who started businesses, organizations, and churches. All have contributed to the social, economic, and civic fabric of our community. “We hope other African American members of our community will see their experiences represented in these stories,” said librarian Megan. “But it’s equally important for people who don’t have the same background to learn something new about their neighbors.”
The exhibit features 13 large-scale posters, each showcasing the personal stories of individuals and families who have made Aurora their home. We will also hold a public panel discussion to dive further into the participants’ stories. “Our contributors kindly shared their stories with us, but we have a limited amount of space in a physical exhibit to convey their experiences,” added Megan. “A discussion opens the door for further reflection, not just for the contributors but for the entire community,” said library assistant Shaheen, who is helping with Community Voices for the first time, describes the discussion as a celebration. “I’m really looking forward to meeting with and seeing the faces behind the wonderful stories that were submitted. I think people will be moved by what they’ve shared.”
Whether you’ve lived in Aurora for decades or just arrived, the Community Voices exhibit and accompanying discussion offer a chance to see the city through someone else’s eyes. We kick off with a First Friday Exhibit Reception on June 6 at the Santori Library, featuring live Motown and jazz by Kendall Nesbitt, chocolate from Ms Jana’s Candy, and live readings from the exhibit. The discussion, Community Voices in Conversation, will be on Thursday, June 26 also at the Santori Library. Learn more at aurorapubliclibrary.org/communityvoices or by contacting the library at 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.