Triton exhibit highlights ‘Crowns of Excellence’
“Crowns of Excellence,” a photo exhibit honoring the rich cultural tradition of Black hairstyles, opened to the public Feb. 2 and continues through the end of the month in the upper level of the library at Triton College, 2000 5th Ave. in River Grove.
The show is a collaborative effort by Visual Communications, Triton College Library and Cosmetology and Barber programs. About 20 photographs of students, alumni, staff and faculty will be shown. Students in the colleges’ new Cosmetology and Barber program provided hairstyling services for participants, and the Triton College Foundation provided a grant.
“The photos you’ll see highlight the beauty and pride of our Triton community, and making this happen is thanks to so many on campus who provided their support,” Shekinah Lawrence, Triton College library chairman, shared via a news release.
The exhibit’s name comes from the CROWN Act, or Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, which “affirms the right to wear natural hair and prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or styles associated with race,” the release noted.
Student Ethan Frazier, who took many of the photos in the show, said he was focused on “conveying the confidence of the models and pride in their hair,” the release shared. “And being able to also help convey an identity that I’ve carried my entire life and to represent a community that I’ve been born into is really uplifting,” he said.
The library, in the A Building, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays.
La Grange American Legion Post hosts Super Bowl party
A Super Bowl watch party is planned for Feb. 8 at American Legion Robert E. Coulter Jr. Post 1941, 900 S. La Grange Road in La Grange.
Doors open at 4:30 and kick-off is at 5:30 p.m. Appetizers, a buffet and dessert are included in the fee, which is $21 for adults and $12 for children. Pull tabs, a cash bar and raffles will be available.
Tickets and information are at www.al1941.org/events-one or 708-354-3300.
Concordia University hosts symphony concert
The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and the Symphony Chorus will present a performance of Brahms’ “Schicksalslied” at 4 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Chapel of Our Lord at Concordia University, 7400 Augusta St. in River Forest.
Other pieces featured during the concert are Mahler’s “Des Knabenwunderhorn” and the fourth movement of his “Symphony No. 4, and Copland’s “Quiet City” and “Outdoor Overture.”
A preconcert talk begins at 3 p.m. and a free reception follows the concert. Tickets cost $30 through Feb. 14 but got up to $35 on the day of the concert; students through college can attend for free. Free parking is available at 1124 Bonnie Brae. Tickets are sold via SymphonyOPRF.org or by calling 708-218-2648.
Seed swap planned in Franklin Park
Area residents who enjoy growing plants from seeds are invited to a swede swap from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Community Center, 9560 Franklin Ave. in Franklin Park.
Participants can exchange seeds with attendees, although plenty will be on hand to share for those who don’t have any to swap.
The free event is offered by the Park District of Franklin Park. For details, call 847-455-2852.
League explores climate change
“Debra Shore Looks at Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region” is the title of a talk from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12 sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area with the La Grange Public Library at 10 W. Cossitt Ave. in La Grange.
Shore, who has been an environmental protection advocate for more than three decades, will discuss how climate change has affected the region, including the Great Lakes, lead lines, flooding and drinking water, as well as how to contribute to a healthier planet and life.
The program, which is free and open to the public, requires registration at lagrange.library.calendar.com. Information is at league@lagrangearealwv.org or www. lagrangearealwv.org.
The league is an organization that encourages informed and active participants in government without supporting specific political parties or candidates.
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