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What if understanding our history could help us better understand each other?

The story of Black America is not just Black history; it is American history.

Join our next Advocates 4 Justice series Meet Your Allies: The Black American Story. This will be an afternoon of learning, reflection, and honest conversation as we explore the history of slavery in America, the generations of injustice that followed, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

This conversation also invites us to reflect on how history shapes the present. While every people's story is unique, themes of dehumanization, segregation, displacement, resilience, and the fight for freedom continue to echo across communities. Understanding Black American history can help us engage more thoughtfully with struggles for human rights around the world, including the experiences of Palestinians.

Everyone is welcome. Come with an open mind. Leave with a greater understanding.

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)

👥 Featured Panelists:
Marvin Slaughter Jr.: Board Chair, State of Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC)
Erica Nanton: Community Leader and Organizer, St. Sabina Church & Black Lives Matter activist
Nick Thompson: Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Aurora and organizer with Black Alliance for Peace

📍 Fountaindale Public Library – Meeting Room A, 300 W. Briarcliff Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440

☕ Refreshments will be served.

At Advocates 4 Justice, we believe that understanding our shared history is one of the first steps toward building a more just, equitable, and united future.

🎟️ Reserve your free seat today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/meet-your-allies-the-black-american-story

Please help us spread the word by sharing this event with your friends, family, neighbors, and anyone who values learning, dialogue, and community.