Tale of Two Cities: Evanston and Oak Park

The film screening of Evanston's Living History will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Oak Park residents who have both researched and experienced African American integration in Oak Park. Evanston filmmaker Craig Dudnick and publisher Dino Robinson will also participate. Evanston's Living History, a documentary film produced by Craig Dudnick, explores memories of African American citizens who live in Evanston, many of whom migrated to Evanston during the early 20th century after lynchings in the south. Hear the stories of men and women who persevered to break the color barriers in the city, the schools, the banks, the athletic teams, the police and fire departments. The panel of residents includes Sherlynn Reid, community relations manager for the Village of Oak Park, 1970-2000; Bobbie Raymond, founder and director of the Oak Park Housing Center, 1971-1997; Stan West, radio broadcaster, filmmaker and adjunct professor of film at Columbia College Chicago; and Frank Lipo, executive director of the Historical Society of Oak Park & River Forest.