R Dale Evans Hopes Black History Month Educates People About History and Advances

Black History Month is celebrated in the U.S. throughout the month of February.

American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week to commemorate the contributions that people of African descent have made to our nation.

The first celebration occurred on Feb. 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for the celebration to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and editor Frederick Douglass.

In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Each year, U.S. presidents declare February National African-American History Month.

Here in Joliet, we will speak to a leader in the African American Community every week in the month of February. Our stories will run on Thursdays.

Q&A:

What is your name?

R. Dale Evans

What is your profession?

Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator with the Housing Authority of Joliet

Why is this month important to so many Americans?

"The hope is during this month, people will learn about the rich history of African Americans, to know that our history did not begin in America, but in Africa," R. Dale Evans said.

He added that he hopes that the celebration of Black History Month will help people to realize the accomplishments that have been made were in what might have seemed to be insurmountable odds at times.

Who are your role models?

"It’s my mom, Genevieve Brown," he said. "Because my mom has done just that, I have seem my mom face insurmountable odds, raising five children as a single mom."

In the 1950s, Brown was the first African-American cheerleader in Joliet Township High School, but then she became pregnant.

It was the 1950s, you could not just drop off your child in daycare if you were a teen mom," Evans said.

We’ve come so far in our country’s history, but what more would you like to see happen?

I would like to see more people get connected and engaged in the opportunities that are currently available, opportunities in education, civic engagement and cultural activities.