Aurora in Black (2026)

12/10/2026

👑 BLACK BOY JOY SPOTLIGHT #12:
ANTWAN “AJ” HARRISON MOGUL
Age 13 | Homeschooled HS Graduate
TECH SCHOLAR. PERFORMER. LEADER.
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❤️ MOST 13-YEAR-OLDS ARE THINKING ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL. ANTWAN ‘AJ’ HARRISON MOGUL IS ALREADY A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE HEADING TO COLLEGE! This month, after successfully completing state homeschool requirements, AJ celebrated an extraordinary milestone when he received his high school diploma during a graduation ceremony, while preparing to begin another as a student at Liberty University.

🖤 Described as humble, smart and passionate, AJ has already built an impressive foundation in technology and IT. He is a Cisco-certified IT Support Specialist and has completed training through Cisco Networking Academy in operating systems, hardware, security, connectivity and IT customer support.

💚 AJ is also a young recording and performing artist and one-half of the group, The Demi Godzz, with his brother, Akeem “RJ” Harrison Mogul (Black Boy Joy Spotlight #7). Through music and performance, he uses his voice to address real issues young people face, including faith, bullying, violence, confidence, self-worth and growing up.

💛 His future: AJ wants to build a life where technology, business, music, skilled trades and service all work together. He plans to continue his education at Liberty University, pursue a career in IT with interests in cybersecurity, networking and technical support, and continue developing as a performer and entrepreneur.

👑 Nephew, keep shining and making us proud!! At just 13 years old, you are already proving that age does not have to limit ambition, purpose or possibility. Keep learning, keep creating and keep opening doors for those coming behind you.
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❗ COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION:
➡️ If you can help support AJ’s goals, email [email protected] to be connected to his family!
➡️ Nominate a young king (elementary school through 20s) to be featured during Black Boy Joy Month at www.tinyurl.com/BlackBoyJoy2026!

11/10/2026

👏🏾OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH: a time to celebrate the school leaders who set the tone, shape school culture, support educators and help students thrive!

🫡Aurora in Black salutes every school principal throughout our area, with a special shout-out to some amazing trailblazing school leaders:

⭐️Taveras Crump — East Aurora HS Extension
⭐️Dr. Tonetta Davis — O’Donnell ES
⭐️Dr. Jacqueline Gibson — Cowherd MS
⭐️Chris Grays — Oswego HS
⭐️Dr. LaTanya Harris — Gail McKinzie HS
⭐️Dr. Natalie Henderson — Aurora Christian MS & HS
⭐️Danielle Kullum — Aurora Christian PS & ES
⭐️Cindy Larry — Herget MS
⭐️Dr. Lakita McKinney — Thompson JHS
⭐️Adrienne Morgan — Builta ES
⭐️Tenita Ramey — Gates ES
⭐️Marchel Rogers — Washington MS

❤️ 🖤 💚 Thank you for your leadership, your commitment to our children, their families, our educators and our communities!

🍎 HAPPY NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH!

East Aurora School District 131
West Aurora School District 129
Indian Prairie School District
Oswego Community Unit School District 308
Aurora Christian Schools

11/10/2026

👑 🇵🇷BLACK BOY JOY SPOTLIGHT #11:
DACIAN DELGADO
Age 17 | Senior | Ohio Connections Academy
SOCCER STAR. CHAMPION. TRAILBLAZER.
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❤️ Described by his family as respectful, hardworking and humble, Dacian’s journey began right here in Aurora. Before competing with some of the best young soccer players in the country, he was a student at Oak Park Elementary School and Cowherd Middle School in East Aurora School District 131. Since then, his talent, discipline and determination have taken him to Ohio Connections Academy and the Columbus Crew, where he competes among some of the nation’s top young soccer players.

🖤 Dacian recently helped the Columbus Crew win the U19 Division of the MLS NEXT Cup, contributing a goal and two assists during the tournament. His success has required real sacrifice, including leaving home and adjusting to life away from his family while pursuing his dream. Through it all, he has stayed focused on both athletics and academics, earning Honor Roll recognition for the last three years.

💚 His game has also taken him beyond the national stage. Dacian has proudly represented Puerto Rico and his Borinqueno heritage in international youth competition, including CONCACAF U17 World Cup qualifying. WEPA!!!! 🇵🇷

💛 His future: Dacian has committed to the University of Wisconsin, where he plans to continue both his academic and athletic career. His ultimate goal is to continue developing his game and become a professional soccer player.

👑 Nephew, we remember when you were born! You have definitely make us proud!! You are blazing a trail that young people right here in Aurora can see and believe in. Keep working, keep growing and keep showing the world what is possible when you stay humble, stay focused and keep chasing the dream.
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❗ COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION:
➡️ If you can help support Dacian’s goals, email [email protected] to be connected to his family!

➡️ Nominate a young king (elementary school through 20s) to be featured during Black Boy Joy Month at www.tinyurl.com/BlackBoyJoy2026!

Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council

10/10/2026

❤️🖤💛 CONGRATULATIONS TO Waubonsee Community College ON A PHENOMENAL COLLEGE NIGHT 2026: Nearly 1,000 guests with just over 100 colleges & universities at 1 informational & inspirational night!

Students and families came together to explore their futures, meet face-to-face with college representatives, and learn about admissions, scholarships, academic programs, and campus life.

👏🏾 SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO ALL IN ATTENDANCE, including educator extraordinaire Mrs. Tamela Williams, whose son is a high school senior preparing to make his college choice, and Aurora Ald. Edward Bugg, whose two daughters are students at Waubonsee Community College and are planning their next steps!

YOUR FUTURE!

10/10/2026

🟢🌎TODAY - OCTOBER 10 - IS WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY, AND WE SALUTE ALL MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE HELPING PEOPLE HEAL, FIND HOPE, AND BUILD BETTER LIVES, LIKE . . .

👑 BLACK BOY JOY SPOTLIGHT #10:
QUINTIN INGRAM!
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT!
Age 26 | Licensed Social Worker
THERAPIST. ADVOCATE. LEADER.
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❤️ QUINTIN INGRAM is a 26-year-old Aurora native who has turned his passion for helping others into a career dedicated to improving mental health and strengthening families. Raised on Aurora's east side, Quintin graduated from East Aurora High School in 2018, earned his Associate Degree from Waubonsee Community College in 2020, and continued his educational journey at Aurora University, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in 2023 and Master's Degree in Social Work in 2024. Today, he is a Licensed Social Worker at Family Counseling Service, helping children, adolescents, adults and older adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma and life's everyday challenges.

🖤 BUT THIS YOUNG MAN UNDERSTANDS THAT HELPING PEOPLE HEAL SOMETIMES REQUIRES MORE THAN COUNSELING! Recognizing that financial struggles, food insecurity and the inability to afford basic necessities can contribute to emotional distress, Quintin proposed the creation of the Family Donation Closet at Family Counseling Service. The initiative provides clothing, food, hygiene products, toys and other essential items to individuals and families in need. His vision connects mental health care with practical resources, helping relieve some of the everyday stressors that can affect a person's emotional well-being. His work has even attracted the attention of FOX 32 Chicago, which featured his efforts to help local families.

💚 AND PERHAPS WHAT MAKES QUINTIN'S STORY MOST SPECIAL IS THAT HE IS USING HIS GIFTS TO SERVE THE VERY COMMUNITY THAT RAISED HIM! From East Aurora to Waubonsee to Aurora University, Quintin's educational journey is a powerful example of what is possible when passion, preparation and purpose come together. Now, as a young Black male mental health professional, he is helping break down barriers, encourage conversations about mental health and demonstrate that seeking help is a sign of strength. He is also showing other young Black men that they belong in professions where they can lead, advocate, inspire and change lives.

👑 NEPHEW, YOU MAKE US SO PROUD! You've remained rooted in your community while using your education, compassion and professional gifts to make life better for others. Keep opening doors, breaking barriers and reminding people that their mental health matters. YOU ARE BLACK BOY JOY IN ACTION!
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AURORA IN BLACK IS SHINING A POSITIVE SPOTLIGHT ON BLACK BOYS AND YOUNG MEN THROUGHOUT OCTOBER 2026!

📩 Have a young king you would like to nominate? Email [email protected] or submit a nomination at tinyurl.com/BlackBoyJoy2026.

09/10/2026

👑 THE FIRST NINE NEPHEWS OF BLACK BOY JOY MONTH ARE MAKING AN IMPACT: In just the first nine days of Black Boy Joy Month, their stories have amassed tens of thousands of views and are even being discussed in classrooms throughout the area!

❤️🖤💚THEY REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF BLACK BOY JOY - authors, scholars, athletes, entrepreneurs, leaders, mentors, creatives, performers, and future trades professionals - EACH REMINDING US WHY POSITIVE STORIES ABOUT BLACK YOUNG MEN MATTER!

📸 Pictured in spotlight order, left to right and top to bottom, are Zaire Robinson, Kayden Turner, Xavier Brashares, Carsten Finkley, Elijah Milan, Jason Haymon, Akeem “RJ” Harrison Mogul, Bryson McCullough and Bryce Riley.

🧠 AND ON SATURDAY, YOU’LL MEET NEPHEW #10 ON 10/10, WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY! He is a young Black man using his education, gifts and goals in service to help others heal, improve their mental health and build better lives. STAY TUNED!

🚨🚨🚨🚨YOU CAN STILL NOMINATE A YOUNG MAN TO BE FEATURED THIS MONTH:
➡️ Elementary school through his 20s
➡️ www.tinyurl.com/BlackBoyJoy2026

09/10/2026

Join The Masons as they open their new center in downtown Aurora . . .

💜 IN COMMEMORATION OF DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH, we are excited to announce the NEW CHILDREN’S DYSLEXIA CENTER – AURORA, opening inside Waubonsee Community College’s Downtown Aurora Campus!

A national charity of the Scottish Rite Freemasonry, the Children’s Dyslexia Center will help open doors of confidence, opportunity, and possibility for children with dyslexia and their families.

The community is invited to join us for the:
🎉 GRAND OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING
📅 Wednesday, October 14, 2026
🕓 4:00 p.m.
📍 Waubonsee Community College – Downtown Aurora Campus
18 S. River Street | Aurora, IL 60506

Reserve your seat today! [email protected]

Keystone Lodge #15

09/10/2026

👑 BLACK BOY JOY SPOTLIGHT #9:
BRYCE RILEY
Age 17 | Senior | West Aurora High School
SCHOLAR. ATHLETE. ROLE MODEL.
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❤️ Described as determined, passionate and hardworking, Bryce is a senior at West Aurora High School who continues to excel while wearing several hats. He maintains a 3.6 GPA, works a job and competes for the Blackhawks on the football field as both a running back and linebacker. Whatever is in front of him, Bryce has shown that he is willing to put in the work.

🖤 Bryce’s journey has not been without heartache. The loss of his father has been an especially difficult part of his young life, but he continues to persevere, push himself and move forward each day. His strength is not about pretending difficult moments do not hurt, it is about continuing to pursue his goals even while carrying them.

💚 Beyond what he accomplishes in the classroom and on the field, Bryce is described by his family as selfless and a positive role model. He continues balancing academics, athletics and work while setting an example through his determination and commitment to becoming the best version of himself.

💛 His future: Bryce wants to take football as far as his talent and hard work can carry him. He is also interested in engineering and sees education as another pathway toward building a successful future.

👑 Nephew, you definitely make us proud!! Keep pushing, keep believing and keep showing us what perseverance looks like. We know your father is smiling down on you with pride as you continue becoming the young man he knew you could be. Your story is still being written, and there is so much ahead of you.
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❗ COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION:
➡️ If you can help support Bryce’s goals, email [email protected] to be connected to his family!

➡️ Nominate a young king (elementary school through 20s) to be featured during Black Boy Joy Month at www.tinyurl.com/BlackBoyJoy2026!

West Aurora School District 129

08/10/2026

🙏🏾FAITH IN ACTION: The Chicago Conference Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church recently gathered for its annual convention at Cathedral of Grace - St. John in Aurora, bringing together representatives from approximately 40 AME churches throughout the Chicagoland area.

❤️ As part of the convention, the M.O.M. (Missionaries on the Move) Project organized a diaper and food drive benefiting Loaves & Fishes Community Services in Aurora.

🖤Conference attendees collected an impressive 520 LBS. of diapers, wipes, personal care products and canned food items to support individuals and families in need.

💚From worship and fellowship to service beyond the church walls, these missionaries demonstrated what it means to put faith into action!

Aurora in Black

12/10/2026

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