Join us for the 20th Annual AAHAB Heritage Dinner, celebrating our rich cultural heritage and honoring the trailblazers in our community!
February 27, 2026, 6 p.m.
Lincoln Inn Banquets
1345 South Batavia Avenue
Batavia, IL 60510
Purchase Your Tickets
Heritage Dinner Sponsorship Information
The African American Heritage Advisory Board’s Henry Cowherd Scholarship honors the remarkable life and legacy of Mr. Henry Cowherd, an enduring figure in Aurora’s history whose leadership and service left a permanent mark on the community. Born in 1924 and raised on Aurora’s East Side, Cowherd was a graduate of East Aurora High School before serving his city for decades in numerous roles.
In 1969, he became the first Black person elected to the East Aurora School District 131 Board of Education, serving a total of 13 years. Known as both a “barrier breaker” and a “bridge builder,” Cowherd was deeply involved in the district as a mentor and founder of key organizations and in the broader community through civic boards, service clubs, and advocacy groups. East Aurora’s Cowherd Middle School proudly bears his name, and his legacy endures, continuing his mission of opening doors for others through education.
Since 2003, the Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board (AAHAB) has been working to preserve heritage and prepare Aurora’s next generation of Black leaders. Beginning in 2005, AAHAB has hosted its Annual Heritage Dinner to provide scholarships to college-bound and/or trade-school bound, high school seniors who have demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence and community service. AAHAB scholarship recipients are referred to as Cowherd Scholars, named in honor of Mr. Henry Cowherd who sadly passed away in 2017.
Deadline is February 10, 2026 With your support of the 20th Annual AAHAB Heritage Dinner on Friday, February 27, 2026, you can help in the preservation of the legacy of Mr. Henry Cowherd by continuing to champion Cowherd Scholars in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Natalie Bonner (Founder, Talented Tenth Social Services, Inc.)
Michele Williams Clark (President, NCBW Aurora IL Metropolitan Chapter)
Yolanda Dunn (Owner, It’s Fit Time)
Jacqueline Gibson (Principal, Cowherd Middle School)
Drew Tolliver (President, Aurora Gators Youth Football)
William Whitfield (Officer, Aurora IL Police Department)
Pastor Johnny McGowan (Gayles Memorial Baptist Church)
Dr. Peggy Hicks (Founder/CEO, Hicks-Wright Organization)