The 21st annual Community Wide Black History Month Celebration honored two trailblazers in the African-American community.
Oscar Wilkerson, a Tuskegee airman, and William Norwood, the first African-American pilot and captain for United Airlines, were celebrated at the event.
“It’s very special. It’s special because I like to talk to young people and tell them the story that I had. Hopefully that will inspire some of them to work and make the extra effort to be successful,” said Norwood.
Nearly 700 people gathered in Bolingbrook High School’s Auditorium to see the legendary airmen.
The event also showcased a handful of other memorable performances.
“Our program base is on education and entertainment. So we combine the two and call it endutainment. I think it’s really good to be able to reach the youth, [and] show them what’s possible. Our theme this year is soaring to new heights,” said Anita Scott, the Executive Director at The Black History Month Awareness Club.
The theme pays homage to the trailblazers and hopes to inspire the younger generation into making their dreams a reality
“Here are the first people to have done this in this field that you may be interested in or any other field. So, if it hasn’t been done before you could be the first,” Scott said.
Soaring to new heights, and setting new trails.
Naperville News 17’s Christian Canizal Reports.
