Black History Month: Who founded Rockford's Black Theatre Ensemble?

Chris Green, Rockford Register Star

How much do you know about Rockford's Black history? In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room to bring our readers a local Black history fact of the day.

Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of February to read about the people, places and events that played significant roles in shaping the rich fabric of Rockford's Black history.

February 6, 2024

Dorothy Paige-Turner leads the audience in the song "This Little Light of Mine" during the Women's Suffrage Centennial Sculpture dedication Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, on the grounds of the downtown YMCA in Rockford.
Dorothy Paige-Turner leads the audience in the song "This Little Light of Mine" during the Women's Suffrage Centennial Sculpture dedication Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, on the grounds of the downtown YMCA in Rockford.

In the 1970s, Dorothy Paige-Turner, a teacher and musician creates the Black Theatre Ensemble, putting on productions for youth throughout the city.

Want to learn more about Dorothy Paige-Turner? Visit the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/local-history or in person at the Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Black History Month: Who founded Rockford's Black Theatre Ensemble?