Have you ever felt a deep connection to a place, a sense of belonging so strong it feels like home? That's the feeling 'The Rockford Anthology' captures, a book so full of love for Rockford that it's practically a valentine to the city. And the best part? The whole nation gets to read it!
For over a year, Rachel Leon, the editor of this incredible project, has poured her heart and soul into creating something truly special for her community. And now, on October 21st, 'The Rockford Anthology' is officially hitting the shelves! This book is the latest gem in Belt Publishing's city anthology series, which shines a spotlight on Rust Belt cities. But this isn't your typical dry history lesson; it's a vibrant tapestry woven with essays, poems, and stunning images, all painting a nuanced portrait of Rockford.
You can find 'The Rockford Anthology' at Maze Books, and trust us, you'll want to grab a copy. As editor, Leon expresses immense pride in seeing Rockford represented in such a unique way.
But what makes this anthology so special? It's the voices of the people. The book features contributions from over 80 individuals, both current and former residents of Rockford. You'll find stories that resonate with anyone who's ever moved to a new place, left home, or returned after a long absence. There are tales of growing up in Rockford, stories that explore the frustrations of the city's challenges, and pieces that celebrate the deep connections, the strong sense of community, and the unwavering city pride that define Rockford.
"People are really into Rockford," Leon's editor exclaimed after reading the manuscript. And she couldn't agree more. This project was born out of Leon's own deep affection for Rockford, giving her the chance to share the city's true essence with readers across the country.
Leon's love for Rockford is undeniable, but it's not blind. She felt a strong responsibility to portray the city as accurately as possible, warts and all. But here's where it gets controversial... Even with the aim for unfiltered honesty, the recurring themes of Rockford's heart and its genuinely wonderful people shone through, becoming the central message of the anthology. This is why the book is dedicated to the city, echoing Fred VanVleet's iconic words: "Rockford, Rockford, it’s for us, baby!"
And this is the part most people miss... 'The Rockford Anthology' isn't just a tribute to Rockford; it's an investment in its future. 100% of the book's royalties are being directly donated to the Rockford Area Arts Council. Typically, the editor would receive these royalties as compensation for their immense work. But Leon viewed this project as a community effort, making it feel only right to give back to the community that inspired it.
The anthology's contributors themselves played a key role in deciding where the money would go. The Rockford Area Arts Council and the Family Peace Center were neck and neck, but the RAAC ultimately won the tiebreaker. The Liam Foundation, the Rockford Public Library Foundation, and the local branch of the NAACP also received votes, showcasing the many vital organizations that contribute to Rockford's vibrancy. Leon expressed a desire to find a way to support them all, reflecting the book's spirit of inclusivity and community.
The book has already garnered incredible support from the community, and it’s time to celebrate the launch.
Mayor McNamara is scheduled to proclaim the week of October 20th as “Rockford Anthology Week” during his address to City Council on Oct. 20. A whole week of festivities will follow.
Starting with a launch party at 27 Aluna on Oct. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is made possible by the City of Rockford and Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and sponsored by Aldermen Tamir Bell, Chad Tuneberg, and Jonathan Logemann with Forward for Fun funds, as well as local marketing agency Trekk and 27 Aluna.
The following evening, there will be a reading and short Q&A at the Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a virtual reading from 7 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 23. (You can register here: https://outlook.office.com/mail/AAMkADg0N2RlZjExLWNlYjctNGEwMS1hMWE0LWJhMzFhZDA3YTYwYgAuAAAAAACo1AWTYryRQoqTkOv9waicAQDI4qINmdA3SoI82WTs1x%2FmAACzUKW6AAA%3D/id/AAQkADg0N2RlZjExLWNlYjctNGEwMS1hMWE0LWJhMzFhZDA3YTYwYgAQAK%2BFxDn5i9xFtWn67iywmlU%3D/sxs/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWg0AyOKiDZnQN0qCPNlk7Ncf5gAE%2FTBN1AAAARIAEABLOwVyJdBARqd6bZBYooQG). Anthology contributor Matt Schwerin has a photography show at 317 Gallery on Oct. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m., with an artist talk and anthology contributor readings on Oct. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Ars Pvblica will present the theme of “Home,” featuring anthology contributors at The Underground Art Gallery on Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. On Oct. 25, there will be a relaxed, family-friendly event, “Celebrating Third Spaces” (“Celebrando Tercer Espacios”) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the African American Resource Center at Booker Washington Center, with live performances. This event encourages participants to connect and foster a sense of community and is made possible thanks to Inner Strength Therapeutic Loc Services, LLC, Huge Prints, African American Resource Center at Booker, Almas Latinas ZIN, and Joe and Cookie Scandroli. The launch week will conclude with a reading and reception at Howard Colman Library at Rockford University on Oct. 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
'The Rockford Anthology' truly captures the essence of what makes our city special, and the launch week events are a testament to the incredible generosity and support found within our community.
Leon expresses her sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support the book and launch week have received from the city, organizations, businesses, and individuals.
The fifteen months of dedication that went into this project were undeniably a labor of love, perfectly fitting as 'The Rockford Anthology' is a genuine love letter to Rockford.
So, are you ready to celebrate this book, its talented contributors, and our amazing community? Do you believe that art can truly reflect the heart of a city? And perhaps more controversially, do you think donating royalties back to the community sets a new standard for authors and editors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
