Honoring Estelle M Black
Saturday, May 11th
2:00 - 4:00 PM
Presentation at 2:30 PM
Free
2:00 - 4:00 PM
Presentation at 2:30 PM
Free
On Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 pm, the African American Gallery of the Ethnic Heritage Museum will host a special reception to honor Rockford native, Estelle M. Black. This reception is in connection with a new exhibit spotlighting her life and career that will go on display Sunday, May 5th and will be on display until Labor Day weekend.
Estelle M. Black, retired Assistant Executive Director of Rockford Public Library, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and psychology at Rockford College, and completed work for her Master’s degree in Library Science at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The library at Rock Valley College is named the Estelle M. Black Library in Black's honor.
Prior to her appointment as assistant executive director in 1980, she served as manager of the Montague Branch of Rockford Public Library where she became noted for developing unique programs and services to aid the multi-ethnic patrons of the branch. She also served as reference librarian at the Main Library. Previous library experience in Rockford included positions as assistant librarian at Auburn High School and Rock Valley College, and as Special Research and Development Librarian for Ipsen Industries, a division of Alco Standard Company. |
Mrs. Black was the first president of the Rockford (Women’s) Network following its organization in 1981. She served nine years on the Visiting Nurses Board and received their Outstanding Service Award. She also served nine years as a trustee of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois - the last three years she served as chairman of the board. Mrs. Black is also a charter member and past president of Heritage Kiwanis Club. She is also a member of the Pi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., having served as president in 2004-05.
One of five organizers of the Rockford Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women and a life member, she was named its first president. She is a charter member and past president of the Taus, Inc. service club and is also a long-time member of the League of Women Voters.
One of five organizers of the Rockford Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women and a life member, she was named its first president. She is a charter member and past president of the Taus, Inc. service club and is also a long-time member of the League of Women Voters.
The reception honoring Estelle Black is free to the public but donations are greatly appreciated. The Museum will be open at 2:00 pm and the program will start at 2:30. Light refreshments will be served. The Museum invites visitors to view the Estelle Black exhibit before and after the program.
Other Awards & Recognition
- Top 100 People of the Century by the Rockford Register Star Newspaper in December, 1999
- Booker Washington Center “Stellar Award” in September 2000
- Illinois Library Association in recognition of contributions to the profession and the Illinois Library Community – October 2000
- Sesquicentennial Futurist award, December 2002
- Finalist for the Rockford Register Star Excalibur Award – 2003
- Winnebago County Medical Society Alliance – 2003 Humanitarian Award
- Daughters of the American Revolution – 2005 Excellence in Community Service Award
- Rock Valley College Library named for Estelle M. Black – 2007
- Community Foundation of Northern Illinois – Estelle M. Black Resource Fund established – 2007
- Booker Washington Center – Presented the Delores Bowden Community Service Award 2007
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Regional Centennial Celebration Committee – 2008 class of “Unsung Sheroes” - Central Region Hall of Fame Award
- Juneteenth Award – Presented the McKinley “Deacon” Davis 2008 Juneteenth Award
- Alpha Phi Alpha of The Greater Rockford Area Yellow Rose Award, November 7, 2008
- Gethsemane Christian Church - Biennial Selah Award “First African-American Elected President for the Illinois Library Association” 2021
- Allen Chapel AME Church - Certificate of Appreciation 2022
- Inner City Reconstruction Group - Pioneer Award 2022