ABLE (Allied Blacks for Liberty and Equality)

Founded in 1968, ABLE (Allied Blacks for Liberty and Equality) has promoted cultural awareness in the Knox and Galesburg communities for more than 30 years by raising issues that impact people of African descent. ABLE addresses issues unique to African Americans and the interaction between races. The group also serves as an added support service for the diverse student body at Knox College.

ABLE proudly sponsors numerous cultural, educational and social events throughout the year:

• The annual Cultural Bar-B-Q Jam
• Afrikan Centered Theatre group performances
• Homecoming receptions
• Black History Month programs
• Aa variety of speakers and programs

In the spring, ABLE sponsors the annual formal dinner and dance, and the end of the year barbeque. In previous years, the organization has hosted Estillo, a hip hop ensemble, and Bakari Kitwana, author of Hip Hop Nation.

In addition, ABLE sponsors students to attend the annual Association for Black Cultural Centers’ National Conference. ABLE has been a long standing establishment at Knox and looks forward to serving the community for many years to come.

Black History Month
Organizing events for Black History Month is one of ABLE’S most important activities. Black History Month events have featured

• Movie nights,
• A presentation on the western Illinois Underground Railroad,
• A jazz concert featuring Knox alumna Semenya McCord ’71,
• An open mic night,
• “Dream Alive,” a dramatic one-man tribute to the Reverend Martin Luther King featuring Joe Rogers
• Men’s and women’s appreciation dinners.

ABLE Center
The ABLE Center for Black Culture, located at 168 West Tompkins Street, is the primary space for ABLE organization events such as receptions, parties, workshops and any other programming the organization plans. The ABLE Center provides a safe environment where all students can learn about diverse backgrounds and heritages and discuss current social topics.

The Center houses

• A conference room,
• Library with Afro-centric literature,
• Astudy/meeting area,
• A lounge/media room,
• ABLE organization office space
• A renovated and fully furnished kitchen.

Everyone is welcome to attend ABLE-sponsored events and to utilize the ABLE Center for Black Culture.