Not everyone’s story has yet been told.

That’s why Valley View School District 365U Superintendent James Mitchem said programs such as tomorrow night’s 12th Annual Black History Month Celebration are so important.

“I think now that our society is much more progressive, it’s important that everyone’s story is told with truth,” he said. “Events like these help promote historical truth as well as healing and a sense of camaraderie.”

The free program will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bolingbrook High School auditorium, 365 Raider Way, and include a poetry reading, live music, dramatic skit, African youth dancers, food, door prizes, and Mitchem as the academic speaker.

February marks the 85th annual recognition of Black History Month in the United States.

The goal of Saturday’s program is not only to entertain the community at large but also to educate about African American heritage, said coordinators of the program.

While Mitchem is excited about the event, he hopes eventually it will not be necessary to designate a special month to celebrate Black History Month.

“You would hope the day would come that the requirements of having to utilize a particular month as celebrations would cease to have to exist because all cultures would be celebrated on a daily basis equally,” he said.

The event is sponsored by the West Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.