The Bettendorf Public Library aspires to be a champion for local music. Throughout the rest of February, the Library’s popular Brown Bag Lunch series is offering a virtual concert featuring Soultru. The Davenport native’s soulful music is available via the Bettendorf Public Library’s YouTube channel. Viewers can find a ready link through the Library’s website at www.bettendorflibrary.com. No registration is required to access this online concert and viewing is free thanks to the support of the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library. The Library’s monthly Brown Bag concerts are the... Read More

You may have heard of Dred Scott from the U.S. Supreme Court decision that bears his name. But did you know that he stayed in Davenport? Join us Tuesday, February 22nd at 6:30 pm and learn more about Dred Scott and other historical African Americans from Davenport. This program is scheduled to be held in person at the Fairmount Library (3000 N. Fairmount St.) and virtually. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance at: https://bit.ly/dpl-blackhistorydavenport. For in-person attendees, please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety recommendations. This... Read More

State Rep. Candidate Thurgood Brooks is asking the public to withhold judgment after an article was published in the Quad City Times on February 17, 2022, containing false statements about Mr. Brooks and the events surrounding the Rock Island City Councilmeeting of February 14. “When video of the events in question is made available, everyone in District 72 will be able to judge for themselves” says Brooks. “But I want to be very clear that the article that appeared in the Quad City Times on February 17 is misleading and contains statements about me that are false.” Mr. Brooks, a respected... Read More

The Boyz II Men concert at Davenport’s Rhythm City Casino has been officially rescheduled and the group will perform in the Event Center on Saturday, June 11th, 2022 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $90, $70, $60 and $45 not including taxes and additional fees when purchased online. Tickets are available now on our website here: https://rhythmcitycasino.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=100  Read More

Throughout February, Western Illinois University will celebrate Black History Month with a schedule full of events. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the events vary from virtual to in person. This year’s theme for the campus and the national celebrations is “Black Health and Wellness.” Campus events planned as part of this year’s celebration include: • Tuesday, Feb. 15 – : Veterans Resource Center Movie Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room. • Saturday, Feb. 19 – 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Huey’s Breakfast, Multicultural Center Multipurpose... Read More

Illinois Humanities is excited to announce that the African American Museum of Southern Illinois will host the final tour stop of the Illinois Freedom Project, a traveling exhibition that examines the pursuit of civil rights by and for African Americans in Illinois. The exhibit opens on February 12, during Black History Month, and will be at the museum at 1237 E Main St, Carbondale, IL through March 19. The Illinois Freedom Project exhibition is an outgrowth of an educational program that engages young people with African American history in Illinois. The exhibition traces Black Illinoisans’... Read More

The 20th Century African American Civil Rights (AACR) Grant has been awarded to the City of Rock Island. The City in their application to the National Park Service, named the sub-recipients of this award to Pearson Consulting and QC PastPort. With this award, Pearson Consulting with the help of QC PastPort will develop a series of ten historical markers within the City of Rock Island focused on the Civil Rights movement from 1900-1970. “Our focus is to communicate and educate anyone interested in learning the Quad Cities African-American story. This is a terrific opportunity for the younger generation... Read More

The Rock Island Coalition of African American Stakeholders is insisting that the City of Rock Island return The African American Civil Rights Grant to the federal government. The Rock Island Coalition of African American Stakeholders released a statement today insisting that the City of Rock Island return the African American Civil Rights Grant to the federal government for the following reasons: To the City of Rock Island, this is merely $33, 500 thousand dollars and a means to expand their economic development plan, simply a funded means to an end. However, to us, the Black Community, this is... Read More

The weather outside is frightful, but the good news is so delightful! We’re back again with What’s The Good News, our team-up every month with KWQC-TV6’s “Paula Sands Live” to highlight some of the great news going on in and around the Quad-Cities! So, what’s the good news for January, Quad-Cities? Glad you asked! Rock Island Math And Science Helps QC Paws Rock Island Center for Math & Science raised $1,000 for QC Paws through its Leader in Me service project “Cause for 4 Paws”! Students and staff raised funds through various fundraisers the school held and presented... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Thurgood Brooks announced today that he will run for Illinois’ 72nd District state representative seat. Announcing on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Mr. Brooks enters the race with Dr. King’s words in mind – “The time is always right to do what is right.” Thurgood Brooks’ strategic plan for district 72 centers on talent development for existing and green energy economies, creating safe, vibrant, and inclusive cities, and improving access to attractive and affordable housing. Thurgood Brooks is a community builder and organizer who believes deeply in the power of Rock Island... Read More