We invite you to join us for our America 250 statewide initiative...

More Than a Color: the Marginalization of African Beauty Through History

A Road Scholar Program by Karen Anderson

Karen Anderson 2025 reduced
When

Feb 18, 2026
6:30pm–7:30pm

Where

Aurora Public Library District - Main Branch
101 S River St Rms 125 & 126
Aurora, IL 60506

Cost

Free

This presentation takes participants on a walk-through history telling the stories of some women whom many may not know. 

 

Women of Color

Sarah Baartman (no real-life images available), Ann Malone, and Sarah Breedlove (aka Madam CJ Walker)

Anderson will speak about the women of color in 1760 French America who figured out how to legally free themselves from slavery only to be bound by government laws, women like Sarah Baartman who had to choose between being a circus oddity or a slave, and how women like Sarah Breedlove and Ann Malone changed the way women of African descent saw themselves—how these women redefined beauty. Anderson will also reflect on a recent development: our society has started to see women of color as beautiful. 

Anderson will illuminate history filled with women of color who refused to view themselves through social limitation. She hopes to inspire others to decide for themselves what beauty is.

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please Colleen Unger at cunger@aurorapubliclibrary.org.

Venue Parking and Accessibility

The parking lot is located on the other side of the library at the corner of Lake Street (Route 31) and Benton Street. The accessibility entrance is on the Lake Street side with a ramp and sliding doors. The program will take place on the first floor in rooms 125 & 126.

Learn more about Karen Anderson, this program, and how to book it here.

Host Organization