Oak Park’s Pilgrim Congregational Church highlighted Black history, culture and entrepreneurship over the weekend in its Black History Month celebration.
The fair included song and dance, and it also focused on health, with area hospitals and integrative health care providers and practices on hand to help teach and heal.
Author A. E. Costello (left) sells her book, “The Other Side,” at the BIPOC Vendor Fair at Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Black History Month Celebration on February 24, 2024 | Todd Bannor Credit: Todd Bannor 
Elizabeth Saunders and Jeffrey Hines of Hines State Farm Insurance at the BIPOC Vendor Fair at Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Black History Month Celebration on Saturday February 24, 2024 | Todd Bannor 
Rush Health System community outreach table at Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Black History Month Celebration on Saturday February 24, 2024 | Todd Bannor Credit: Todd Bannor
Free clinical services included cardiovascular, blood pressure screening, women’s health discussions. Black-owned and other businesses/vendors from Austin and nearby communities, such as Nas Nas Hands, also attended to sell their wares.
Panel discussion on building health equity featuring moderator Rev. Gloria Cox, Dr. David Ansell, Dr. Carolyn Fitzpatrick, Clinical Social Worker Heather Watson and Rev. Kirsten Peachey at Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Black History Month celebration on Saturday February 24, 2024 | Todd Bannor Credit: Todd Bannor 
Panel discussion on building health equity featuring moderator Rev. Gloria Cox, Dr. David Ansell, Dr. Carolyn Fitzpatrick, Clinical Social Worker Heather Watson and Rev. Kirsten Peachey at Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Black History Month celebration on Saturday February 24, 2024 | Todd Bannor Credit: Todd Bannor
Youth were featured in talent showcase, including the Just Cause Dancers from Forest Park.; the Betty Shabazz Kuumba Soul Singers and Drummers; Uniting Voices of Chicago.