Don’t shy away from the past, urges Black History Month organizer in Peoria

PEORIA (25News Now) – Black History Month celebrations are underway, highlighting historical figures and local trailblazers.

The library’s Lincoln Branch at 1312 West Lincoln Avenue is honoring Mae Reeves, a Philadelphia woman who made her mark in fashion and community activism.

According to the Smithsonian, Reeves was one of the first African American women to own a business in Philadelphia and was known for her custom hat designs.

Reeves created more than 60 custom designs for stars including Eartha Kitt, Lena Horne, and Marian Anderson. She also championed important causes in the Black community, including the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments.

“We need to know what the past is like, not hide it or shy away from it,” said Cynthia Smith, who is manager of the library’s Lincoln branch.

“I think it’s just significant that we know. The more that we know, the better we can be to people and not repeat things,” Smith said.

For more information about Black History Month at the Peoria Public Library, click here.

You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.

Source link