African American Resource Center’s Bookerfest brings joy to Rockford community

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — People from around the city flocked to Rockford’s African American Resource Center for Bookerfest on Friday.

The celebration had different vendors, food and music, but the event also educated the younger generation about black culture and history.

“Bookerfest is a very needed type of event to unify the community,” said Bookerfest’s Operations Manager Karen Waller.

Multiple children expressed how much they enjoyed the celebration.

“I feel like I belong here,” said 12-year-old Arella Fort.

“I’m very excited. I might be back here tomorrow,” said 12-year-old Zyayre Burrell.

“I like my candy bucket,” said 10-year-old Ashlyn Strasburg.

The three-day event also focuses on giving back to the community.

“They come here for job readiness, and we teach them job readiness skills such as mock interviews, how to complete an application,” Waller continued. “We have some great success stories.”

The event’s volunteer coordinator believes this is a way for the community to learn and understand each other.

“The more you know about another’s culture, then you break down the barriers and build bridges,” said Leon Smith. “So, I think the way to heal the divide is to know more about one another.”

“If you don’t know where you came from, then your future is going to be kind of dim,” Smith explained. “So, teaching them about their history, teaching where they came from.”