DuPage Celebrates African American Heritage, History
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The DuPage County Board has used the recent anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King to commemorate the contribution African Americans have made to the county.
At the start of Tuesday's board meeting, Chairman Dan Cronin noted DuPage County played a role in African American history, and the Underground Railroad – the route Harriet Tubman used to help slaves escape from the South.
"Many of you know that that Underground Railroad ran right through DuPage County; most notably, through the Graue Mill," he said.
The board approved a proclamation celebrating African American heritage, and DuPage County political activist Regina Brent expressed gratitude. Brent had pushed for the proclamation, and was emotional at its passage amid an especially contentious election season.
"I think if you consider what's happening now with the series of divisive remarks being made on both sides of the aisle, your actions today have helped restore human dignity in both the workplace and in government," she said.
Board member Robert Larson seemed overcome by emotion as he said he was honored to push for the proclamation.
"Slavery and racism remain the original sin of our nation," he said.
