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Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month 2023

February 1 to 28

We invite the Lake County community to celebrate Black History Month with CLC.


Black History Month
Zoom Backgrounds

Black History Month Zoom Background 6
Celebrating Black Excellence
Black History Month Zoom Background
Black History Month Zoom Background
Black History Month Zoom Background
Black History Month Zoom Background

How to use virtual backgrounds for your Zoom meetings:

  1. Click on the images to view these in full size. Then right click on the image you choose to save it to your computer.
  2. Follow Zoom’s directions about how to implement virtual backgrounds in your video calls.

Black History Month Art Showcase at Grayslake, Lakeshore and Southlake Campuses

Wednesday, Feb. 1, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Free Reception for Artists and Community

Esper Petersen Reading Room in Library, Grayslake Campus
Opening remarks by Dr. Sylvia Johnson Jones and Derrick Harden

Eleanor Murkey Community Center Ribbon Cutting & Reception

Eleanor Murkey Community Center Ribbon Cutting & Reception
1-3 p.m.
Lakeshore Campus Student Center, 5th Floor, 34 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan

RSVP is requested by Friday, Feb. 3 via email to SPS.Engage@clcillinois.edu

This reception honoring Eleanor Murkey is part of the grand opening of the Lakeshore Campus Student Center and is the kickoff to CLC’s celebration of Black History Month. The Eleanor Murkey Community Center, located on the top floor of the Student Center, is a space for community engagement, business meetings and special events. With a balcony overlooking Lake Michigan, this center is a unique asset to downtown Waukegan and community organizations, named in honor of Eleanor Murkey, the first dean of the Lakeshore Campus.

All are welcome to celebrate Eleanor Murkey’s service to the Lakeshore Campus and her positive impact on CLC students, faculty and staff as well as the Waukegan community and Lake County. You’ll be treated to musical performances by Mark Cosey & Friends, and refreshments will be served.

Free Hot Chocolate Meet and Greet with Black and African American Employee Resource Group
3-4 p.m.

Grayslake Campus, C106

Celebrating Black Love Film Screening: Brown Sugar
12-3 p.m.
For CLC students and staff

Grayslake Campus, B105

A love-match made through music and childhood memories. Defying stereotypical portrayals of Black love with a film supporting positive love in the Black community. Participate in a discussion about the film before and after the screening.

Black Empowerment Lecture with Guest Speaker Charles Jones
12-1 p.m.
Attendees: Black African American Employee Resource Group only

Grayslake Campus, D212

Charles L. Jones is the CEO and Co-Founder of C&B HR Consulting LLC which was established in 2016. He has over 30 years of expertise in HR Leadership and served as an HR Executive with Mondelez International (formally Kraft Foods Inc.) where he was responsible for human resources strategies and activities in support of North America Sales with net revenues exceeding $6 billion. Prior to joining Kraft Foods, Mr. Jones served six years as a US Army Officer. He reached the rank of Captain and is a Gulf War Combat Veteran. In 2017, he received the Lake County, IL Most Influential African American in Business Award. He is the author of two books “The Company Doesn’t Love You” and “The Career Life Cycle.” He has served on several boards to include the YMCA Lake County, University of Illinois - Lake County Extension, March of Dimes Lake County IL, INROADS of Chicago, 100 Black Men of Madison WI, and YMCA of Madison WI. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Jackson State University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Black History Month Luncheon
12-1:30 p.m.
Attendees: For CLC students, staff, and community members

Lakeshore Campus, Room 34-511

Storytelling by Sharon D. Epps
Music by African Drumming
Food and drinks provided
First 25 people to attend receive a free special gift

Activism Through Film Screening: Summer of Soul
12.-3 p.m.
For CLC students and staff

Grayslake Campus, C147

Picture it...the summer of 1969 in Harlem. Legendary African American singers bringing the black community together to revolt, empower, and celebrate black power through various music genres. Participate in a discussion about the film before and after the screening.

Waukegan Township HBCU Experience Day
Starts at Waukegan High School
10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Waukegan Township hosts its annual HBCU Day Experience at Waukegan High School Washington Campus. This event is for Lake County High School students. HBCUs and non-HBCUs will be represented including College of Lake County’s AA Student Outreach and Programs.

“20/23 Vision” Vision Board Session
12-2 p.m.
For CLC students only

Grayslake Campus, C106

Create a visual motivation for short/long term personal goals. This event will help you plan for next steps towards success.

African American Trivia Bowl
12.-1 p.m.

Southlake Campus Atrium

Test your knowledge of Black History and win prizes!

Salute to Gospel Music Concert featuring Jekalyn Carr - SOLD OUT!
Jesus Name Apostolic Church
208 Lake St. in Waukegan
7 p.m.


For questions, please contact Miesha Ransom at (847) 543-2778 or email mransom@clcillinois.edu.