History
AARC AT BOOKER HISTORY
- The Booker Washington Community Center was established in 1916 as a community center for Colored Soldiers during World Wars I and II. Originally known as the Colored Soldiers Club and located at 218 South Main Street, it was founded by Dr. Richard S. Grant to provide services for African-American soldiers from Camp Grant who did not have access to other community centers and services. Dr. Grant organized a group of volunteers to run the center, where more than 300 soldiers would gather weekly for entertainment and relaxation. Recognizing the need for a similar center for African-Americans in Rockford, the Advisory Committee to the Colored Soldiers Club helped pave the way for the center's establishment.
- In December 1936, the center moved to 524 Kent Street, home of the former Kent Street School (Rockford’s third school), an elementary school building and historic structure dating back to 1857. It was then renamed after Booker T. Washington, an educator, author, and the first president of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (now Tuskegee University). The club evolved into the Booker Washington Center in 1918 and was formally incorporated in 1942 as the Booker Washington Association. The organization has undergone several renovations. Throughout its history, the center has served as a USO Club during both world wars, provided a War Day Nursery School for working families, and housed the Sorelle Library beginning in 1945. It has consistently served as a hub for resources, innovative programs, education, recreation, and cultural enrichment.
- On July 1, 2015, the Booker Washington Association handed over the operation of its programs, financial matters, and facilities to the African-American Resource Center at Booker. AARCB, founded by Jessie Bates, an entrepreneur and professional leader, and the Booker Washington Association collaborated to bring about this merger. In December 2015, the center was designated as a landmark, signifying its historical importance as a gathering place for African-Americans and the need for its preservation.
Celebrating Our LEGACY: Colored Soilders
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AARC AT BOOKER Historical Gallery
Memories of Booker
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1005 South Court Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102, United States
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