African American African American Heritage Heritage Community Community Voices Voices
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TheAfricanAmericancommunityhasbeenanintegralpartofthe growthandexpansionofAuroraforover160years.In1860,12 AfricanAmericanslivedinAurora Thatnumbertodayiscloseto 20,000.Overthecourseofthishistory,BlackpeopleinAurorahave beencivicallyengagedmembersandleadersofthecommunity, contributingtoAurora’seconomic,social,structural,spiritual,and politicaldevelopment
CommunityVoicesisaninitiativetoprovidespaceforcommunity memberstosharetheirindividualstories.Themissionof CommunityVoicesistofosterconnections,cultivateempathy,and nurtureasenseofbelongingatthelibrary WecenterCommunity Voicesexhibitsaroundparticularheritagesoridentitiesthatare meaningfulforourcommunity
Tellusaboutyourself.
My name is Natalie Bonner. I have two beautiful children. I am the founder of a nonprofit organization, a business consultant, and a children's book author. I was born and raised in Aurora. I started my education at O'Donnell Elementary, then moved to the west side of town. Once I relocated, I attended Nancy L. Hill Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, and I graduated from West Aurora High School in 2000. Family and service to the community are extremely important to me. My family has been in Aurora for over 80 years.
Whatdoyouwishour greatercommunityknew aboutyour heritage/identity?
Whatisasourceof prideforyouinyour heritage/identity?
My grandfather, the late Bishop William Haven Bonner, started his church, the Greater Mount Olive COGIC in 1944. In 1982, the City of Aurora renamed Pond Avenue to Bonner Avenue to celebrate my grandfather's contribution and impact in the community. My mom dedicated her career to serving troubled and at-risk youth. The Bonner family has a legacy in the city of Aurora.
My wish is that people know my family's legacy of giving, service, and excellence. Throughout life, I've experienced my family's leadership, not just in the church, but in the community as a whole: from my grandfather's preaching, to my grandmother’s cooking; from my mom's mentoring and counseling, to my aunt's teaching. I started my nonprofit because I had amazing examples in my family. My family's impact will last for generations to come.
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Tellusaboutyourself.
My name is Pamela Abdullah. My connection to Aurora is my daughter, my grandchildren and great-grands. It has always been crucial to me that the community they chose to live in offered both security and a sense of belonging. I grew up in Indiana, and I am the proud owner of a Soul Food Catering Service.
Whatisasourceof prideforyouinyour heritage/identity?
My parents faced challenges with strength and never gave up on their dreams of becoming business owners. Their work ethic was incredible.
Whatdoyouwishourgreatercommunityknew aboutyourheritage/identity?
That we all are very much alike despite the color of our skin and when understanding this diversity, it helps to dispel harmful stereotypes and recognizes the richness not only in the African heritage but in all identities.
I am a physician, married mother of five, and 20year resident of Aurora. I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. I grew up in lower Alabama in close proximity to Tellusaboutyourself. Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. I enjoy being with family, traveling, and living a life of continuing education and civic engagement. My goal is to serve my community through action and example.
Whatisasourceofpridefor youinyourheritage/identity?
On the maternal side, I am the 4times great-granddaughter of Ossie (or Osia depending on the historical record) and Iena Keeby (alternate spelling Keebie) who arrived in Mobile, Alabama on the Clotilda, the last slave ship to arrive in the USA. They were instrumental in founding Africatown. On the
paternal side, my grandmother immigrated from Barbados at the age of 19. Their stories of resilience and ultimately triumph are embodied in themselves and their descendants.
Whatdoyouwishourgreater communityknewaboutyour heritage/identity?
I think my particular story has the interesting element of including my categorization as an American Descendant of Enslaved Peoples, as well as being a descendant of someone who arrived on the Clotilda, in which enslavement was not the outcome despite the intention of those who commissioned the ship, and also an immigrant's story. I think it's reflective of the complexity of our backgrounds and experiences in this country.
a i a h M o n t g o m e r y
Communit y VOICES
I am a sophomore at Millikin University studying art therapy. Art has always been my favorite thing. As a kid, I loved drawing skyscrapers, bridges, and landmarks. Lately, I’ve been focused on illustrating classic cars. Art, family, travel, mental health, social justice, education, and my faith are all important to me. I was born in Chicago but
Tellusaboutyourself. have lived in Aurora since I was one. Even though I go to school at Millikin University in Decatur, Aurora is my home.
Whatisasourceof prideforyouinyour heritage/identity?
I’m proud of my family’s legacy of education and hard work. Both of my parents have professional degrees. My aunt is an attorney, and my uncle is a college professor. My grandparents were teachers, a minister, and a postal worker.
Many were college graduates; all highly valued education. As a Black family, they achieved so much despite the barriers they faced. I’m grateful for the path they paved and the example they set for me and others.
Whatdoyouwishourgreater communityknewaboutyour heritage/identity?
I want people to know that Black people face real barriers, but that doesn’t mean we lack the ability to succeed. My family proves we achieve academically, professionally, and financially through hard work and determination. Nothing is handed to us. I also want people to understand that I’m neurodivergent. It shapes how I experience the world, but it doesn’t limit me. I’m a proud Black neurodivergent young man with goals and a future.
Whatisasourceof prideforyouinyour heritage/identity?
I am a working mother and a Black author. I grew up in the church community! My father is a Black Baptist minister of New Jerusalem Baptist Church. My mother is a strong Black woman. She birthed fifteen children. I love how Aurora is like a family. Connect on many levels and trying to bring people of all backgrounds together.
I am an African American poet. A mother to three beautiful children! My son is in the United States Navy and two daughters in college. Tellusaboutyourself.
Whatdoyouwishour greatercommunity knewaboutyour heritage/identity?
Black people have a rich history in Aurora. We are strong and resilient! Our faith guides us! African Americans are very caring and concerned for everyone’s well-being. Everyone they meet is family.
Communit y VOICES
Tellusaboutyourself. work extra hard and take nothing for granted. This laid the groundwork for my NIU degree in journalism, my 40year career in publishing, and my love for books, adventure, and travel Most recently, I am excited to have joined the APL Foundation Board of Directors
I have lived in Aurora for 30 years with my husband and two children Although I hadn’t imagined Aurora would be where I’d raise my children and call home, the city welcomed us, and it quickly became the community we needed all along. I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I’m the fifth of seven children born to working-class parents who migrated from South Carolina in the late 1950s My African American parents left the segregated Jim Crow South believing the move to Chicago would provide better opportunities for their children by offering them an education they were both denied. My father nurtured my love of reading by having me read aloud to him from local newspapers every Sunday morning. He reminded us that as African Americans in the United States, we’d need to
Whatisasourceofprideforyouinyour heritage/identity?
Growing up, my heritage was present in family gatherings where stories about ancestors were told around traditional southern cuisine These stories of relatives overcoming oppression instilled pride in my African American family
and strength of character that I don’t believe I’d have otherwise. I’ve continued the tradition of stories about ancestors with my children. I’ve also explored my own African ancestry and traced my lineage to the Bamilkeke (“people of faith”) peoples in Cameroon
Whatdoyouwishourgreater communityknewaboutyour heritage/identity?
African Americans are a resilient people for whom family goes beyond biology and often is extended to friends and neighbors Living in Aurora, I have found a diverse family in the public library, in Black- and minority-owned businesses, in the independent bookstore, the local theaters, the performing arts, and in the animal shelter (shout out to Bella) all these spaces make up the vibrant community that I’m proud to call home
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I was born and raised on the east side of Aurora. I received my education from East Aurora School District 131. I am the mother to 5 children and 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson, Kayden, who is nonverbal autistic. Tellusaboutyourself.
I am a community organizer and the director of Community Advocacy Awareness Network (CAAN), a 501(c)(3) organization. We serve youth, seniors, veterans, babies and moms, and advocate for bullying issues, autism, and IEP support in the school setting. I have a passion for serving families in need. Family stability is very important to me. I love collaborating with others to serve.
A source of pride for me is my family's legacy of giving, rooted in the values instilled by my mother, Beulah Fultz. Our family motto is to never look down on anyone regardless of Whatisasourceofpride foryouinyour heritage/identity?
their race, gender, or status in life and always have an open heart, willing to give, because you never know when you may need someone in life. Having a prayerful life really makes a difference for me.
Whatdoyouwishourgreatercommunity knewaboutyourheritage/identity?
As an African American woman who has been blessed to overcome cancer and a stroke, I wish to inspire others with my story. It's essential to remember that no one defines your identity, your destination, or your capabilities. It is important to believe in diversity and unity. Challenges will arise, but
with the right mindset, you can overcome them. I stand as a testimony to the power of resilience and determination. You can do anything you put your heart and mind to!
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Tellusaboutyourself.
I am a social impact entrepreneur. My company, DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants, offers leadership development training services. My work is in Team Development and Team Bonding. I am new to Aurora, IL. I came from Chicago's West Side where I still provide community harm reduction training. I have been married to my husband and training partner, Darryl Sr., for 40 years. We have 6 children and 16 grandchildren with 1 greatgrandchild. Our motto is Family First.
Whatisasourceofprideforyouin yourheritage/identity?
As a corporate trainer, we offer more than fifty percent of our services in underserved communities. It is our pleasure to skill, upskill and reskill Aurora's workforce. We want to ensure today's workforce is prepared for the challenges ahead of us in an ever changing world.
Whatdoyouwishourgreatercommunity knewaboutyourheritage/identity?
Our TRUE story. African Americans have been central to every chapter of U.S. history —from the Revolutionary War to modern technology, music, politics, and beyond. To separate Black history from American history is to leave out key contributors, innovations, and stories of resilience and brilliance.
agencies—to my grandmother, who dedicated over 40 years to raising funds for the United Negro College Fund, their legacy fuels my purpose. Their strength and vision paved the way for me to dream boldly, uplift others, and create a lasting impact. S h a n n a h T r a i l o rS t e w a r t
Communit y VOICES
I am a storyteller, educator, and advocate with a heart for uplifting children and communities. Born in Chicago, I discovered the power of words early, publishing two books before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Media Management from Columbia College Chicago. My passion for education has taken me into over 100 schools, where I inspired young minds through Tellusaboutyourself. dynamic presentations. I have worked with impactful nonprofit organizations, including The Black Star Project. Above all, my greatest masterpiece is motherhood— raising my daughters, Summer and Savannah, with love, wisdom, and the spirit of possibility.
Whatisasourceofprideforyouinyour heritage/identity?
I take pride in being an African American woman, shaped by a long line of creative risk-takers and resilient ancestors. From entrepreneurs who built businesses—stores, beauty salons, gas stations, laundromats, and travel
Whatdoyouwishourgreatercommunityknew aboutyourheritage/identity?
I want people to know that as African Americans, we are the descendants of survivors. Our ancestors were stolen from their homeland, torn from their families, and stripped of their languages and traditions. Forced to rebuild what had already been established for centuries, they created new legacies without the generational wealth stolen by the slave trade. Though these injustices set us back, they did not break us. We honor their resilience with pride, knowledge, and an unshakable drive to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible.
k i n s
Communit y VOICES
Tellusaboutyourself.
I have lived in Aurora for more than 40 years since moving here from Chicago’s South Side. I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL where I majored in Journalism. I came to Aurora after landing a public relations position at Northern Illinois Gas Company corporate headquarters in Naperville, IL. My young family enjoyed Aurora’s libraries where my twins, boy and girl, enjoyed the children’s library and my wife and I checked out books regularly. Aurora was a diverse city with nice people who helped one another.
Whatisasource ofprideforyou inyourheritage/ identity?
Rearing twins in Aurora was wonderful. Our children attended
Nancy Hill and Saint Joseph elementary schools. They attended West Aurora High School and excelled in a diverse educational environment. Our son played on the 1997 Class AA West Aurora Basketball team that finished second in the State High School Basketball Championship.
Our daughter was selected Who’s Who Among American High School Students in 1994|95. We met wonderful people like the Hayden Family who we remain friends with today.
Whatdoyouwishour greatercommunityknew aboutyourheritage/ identity?
I had the opportunity to work for some of the most outstanding companies and organizations that
shaped my life and career. I worked for the Chicago Defender newspaper as a freelance journalist and photographer; served as Director of Communications for
the two top youth-serving organizations in Chicago. Those opportunities paved the way for me to join the national public relations firm for McDonald’s Corporation and later the Aurora Economic Development Commission as Assistant Director and Executive Director from 1999-2012.
Communit y VOICES
Tellusaboutyourself.
I’m a writer, youth advocate, and special education assistant who has lived in Aurora for 24 years. I’m the founder of Believe and Be Brave, where I write a series of guided journals and teach self-esteem workshops that help elementary-age students believe in themselves so they can take brave action toward their goals. I also run Stacey M Design, where I design greeting cards and gifts that promote positivity and self-love. I grew up in the Northeast in
Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey and now proudly call Aurora home. I’m married and have a son in college. Helping young people feel seen, valued, and confident is my passion.
Whatisa sourceofpride foryouinyour heritage/ identity?
I’m proud to be the author of eight guided journals for students. After my son experienced trauma during his school years, I created tools to help him rebuild his confidence, and now I help other kids do the same. Through my work, I support students in understanding their worth, embracing their uniqueness, and celebrating their achievements. Turning a difficult experience into something that uplifts others is one of my greatest sources of pride.
Whatdoyouwishourgreatercommunityknew aboutyourheritage/identity?
As a Black woman, I was raised by parents who were active in the civil rights movement. From an early age, they taught my sister and me that we could do anything we set our minds to, even when society tried to limit us. My work is rooted in that belief. I want all kids, including my son, to understand their worth and feel valued, especially those harmed by negative messages about who they are.
Communit y VOICES
Tellusaboutyourself.
I am the President and CEO of Quad County Urban League and a dedicated advocate for underrepresented residents in Aurora. Originally from Charleston, Missouri, I have devoted my career to empowering communities through education, workforce development, and economic opportunities. Passionate about family and healthy living, I enjoy traveling, gardening, and cooking in my free time. My leadership at Quad County Urban
League reflects my commitment to fostering growth and equity in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties. Through my advocacy and dedication, I continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of those I serve.
Whatisasourceofprideforyouinyour heritage/identity?
I am a proud first-generation college graduate and a dedicated hard worker. Understanding the challenges students face in pursuing higher education, I have been committed to creating opportunities for future generations. I led the Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians, and Managers (TSTM) program, helping countless students navigate their paths to college. Through my leadership, I continue to inspire and support young minds, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.
Whatdoyouwishourgreatercommunityknew aboutyourheritage/identity?
I live by the words of Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” This guiding principle shapes my dedication to service, fairness, and uplifting others in my community. My deep commitment to these values is rooted in my background and beliefs, including my proud Black and partial Native American Cherokee heritage. I believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect, fostering opportunities for growth and success.
Communit y VOICES
Tellusaboutyourself.
Being a husband, father, and coach brings me great joy. My purpose is to train and empower athletes to achieve their maximum performance level. Raised in Aurora, I graduated from East Aurora High and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. For over 40 years, I’ve coached at multiple schools in Aurora and founded the Aurora Flyers Track Club, leading 500+ athletes to collegiate scholarships. Married to my wife Linda for 54 years, we raised five academic/athletic accomplished daughters. I was honored as the 2017 Outstanding African American Leader, and in 2021, the City of Aurora dedicated “The Coach Thomas Boatright Bench”.
Whatisasourceofprideforyouinyour heritage/identity?
My legacy is built on faith, family, and athletic excellence. My daughters and grandchildren have upheld this by putting God first, setting school records, and achieving championships at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. My family’s success includes six college graduates and two currently enrolled. As a devoted coach, mentor, and leader, my life reflects passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment—not just as an extraordinary athlete, but as an inspiring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather shaping generations through love, excellence, and dedication.
Whatdoyouwishourgreatercommunityknew aboutyourheritage/identity?
I have always been committed to the growth, health, and success of my family, but my dedication extends further — to the youth of Aurora and beyond, supporting those I encounter, helping them reach their fullest potential. True success isn’t measured by accomplishments, but by my obedience to God and my care for His children. I believe we are all called to be great on purpose. It is my pleasure to serve my community in this way.