In Sympathy: Gwen Janet Oliver
Mrs. Gwen Janet Oliver, spouse of Rev. Richard E. Oliver, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Fri., Oct. 2, 2026.
THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS CONFERENCE ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE IS PLEASED TO PRESENT OUR 2024 ARTS AND CULTURE DISCUSSION SERIES.
Quilts have played a significant role in American history and culture for centuries. Quilts are as unique as the people who create them. Similarly, different ethnicities have unique art forms. Join us as we journey to learn about those art forms and help us create an actual NIC quilt celebrating that diversity.
EVENTS
NATIVE AMERICAN ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
a part of the Indigenous People's Day Celebration
Starved Rock Lodge at Starved Rock State Park, LaSalle County
Monday, October 14
Held in conjunction with the ARTF Pilgrimage team and NIC CONAM.
HISPANIC/LATINX ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
in conjunction with the NIC Hispanic/Latinx Ministry Celebration
Saturday, October 19
Franklin Park UMC, 9857 Schiller Blvd, Franklin Park
Learn more
Past Events
BLACK ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
Gateways Festival Orchestra
with special guest Take 6, and conductor Anthony Parnther
April 19, 7:30 p.m.
Orchestra Hall, 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Optional Pre-concert Buffet dinner at Kathryn’s Soul at the French Market
Read a recap from Dr. Richard Guzman
ASIAN ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
Japanese Summer Festival
at the Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford
Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Read updates about the event and see photos
Learn more about the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force
NIC ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE SERIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Tim Alexander, Chair (Schaumburg: Our Saviors UMC)
- Jenny Graham (Rockford: Aldersgate UMC)
- Rev. Toni Lucas (Albany UMC)
- Dr. Betty Hart, Northern GA Conference
- Dr. Richard Guzman (Bolingbrook: Friendship UMC)
- Project Manager: Amania Drane (Bolingbrook: Friendship UMC)