The Chicago Park District, Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council, and the Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council celebrate African American History Month with a presentation by renowned poet, playwright, and youth worker: Useni Eugene Perkins.

Harvesting New Generations is the “how to” guideforraising healthy, positive and motivated Black children. For anyone concerned about the future of Black people, this classic text is a “must have.”

In this second edition of the classic text, Useni E. Perkins, who has spent more than 45 years working with Black youth, provides an updated version of this important work to include chapters on contemporary issues that impact young people–like hip-hop, spirituality, the juvenile justice system, and street gangs. The poignant essays that made this book a landmark text for Black youth development when it was first published are all here, like “The Crisis of Black Adolescence,” “Shaping a Relevant Education,” and “The Effects of the Media.”

Also performing will be the storytelling duo, In The Spirit, and the John Hope Academy Dance Group. Co-sponsors include DanceAfrica Chicago at Columbia CollegeChicago, The Chicago Community Trust, and Kidstart.

A book signing and reception follows the program.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. For more information, please contact Catherine Chandler at 312.422.5580.