The 17th Annual African American Heritage Dinner shines a spotlight on Black Excellence by paying homage to the past, promoting the game-changers of the present, and preparing our youth for the future.

Join the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board as we 

INDUCT THE 2023 CLASS OF COWHERD SCHOLARS and awarding these college-bound high school seniors scholarships to pursue their postsecondary education aspirations! They are not just leaders of the future; they are young emerging leaders of now. 

SALUTE THE 2023 LEADER OF THE YEAR, Dr. Jennifer Norrell, the Superintendent of East Aurora School District 131, who has led the transformative changes happening in the state’s first public school district, including a 17% increase in the high school graduation rate. 

PRESENT THE 2023 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to an Aurora icon, Servant George Rayford. He has served as a faith leader in Aurora for more than 40 years, including more than 25 years as the leader of New Community Baptist Church. For decades, he was known as ‘the fish man’ as he fed Aurora families physically. Now, he feeds our families spiritually. 

HIGHLIGHT ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY ADVOCATES, BUSINESSES, AND INITIATIVES while having a wonderful evening of food, music, and more - - all while raising funds for scholarships for our youth! 

Deemed the ‘Crowning Event of Black History Month,” the 17th Annual Heritage Scholarship Dinner will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Belle Salle Banquets, 1920 E. New York St. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. and the Dinner/Program at 7 p.m. 

Individual seats are $60.  Tickets can be purchased below or via phone at 630.256.3368. 

PURCHASE TICKETS

SPONSOR THE DINNER  (Download Sponsorship Guide)