Mother-Daughter Team Honored with Kane County Black History Month Proclamation
The Kane County Board has officially proclaimed February 2026 as National Black History Month in Kane County, recognizing the history, achievements, and lasting contributions of African Americans locally and across the nation. 
During the full Kane County Board meeting on Feb. 10, 2026, Kane County Board member Anita Lewis highlighted a mother and daughter from Aurora during Black History Month, presenting Dolores Hicks and Dr. Peggy Hicks with a proclamation honoring their decades of service, leadership and commitment to the community.
A lifelong Aurora resident, Dolores Hicks is a retired nurse whose career in health care spanned more than four decades, including 25 years with Mercy Hospital, six years with VNA Health Care, and 10 years with CCS Medical. Known affectionately as “Mother Hicks,” she is widely respected as a mentor and advocate. She also serves as a longtime elected trustee of Aurora Township.
Hicks is the proud mother of five children, 14 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Her children include three standout basketball players — Matt “Skip,” Ron, and Derrick Hicks — baseball player Al Hicks, and daughter Peggy Hicks, who has followed her mother’s example of service as a leading community activist.
For more than 40 years, Dolores Hicks has been a dedicated servant and leader, providing selfless care and strengthening the Aurora community through both her profession and volunteerism.
Her daughter, Dr. Peggy Hicks, is a distinguished community psychologist, consultant, faith leader and seasoned advocate. With expertise in leadership development, research, policy analysis, and community building, she has advised educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and government agencies to enhance their strategy and engagement.
Beginning in 1986, Dr. Hicks served nearly a decade as President and CEO of the Quad County Urban League, where she expanded the organization’s reach and established innovative programs that continue to benefit residents today. During the Urban League’s 50th anniversary celebration, she was recognized as a foundational cornerstone of the movement launched by Aurora civil rights leader Marie Wilkinson.
Together, the Hicks family legacy reflects generations of service, leadership and dedication to improving lives in Kane County.
------------------------------------PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2026 AS NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN KANE COUNTY
WHEREAS, February is recognized nationwide as Black History Month, formally designated as a month-long observance in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, and serves as a time to honor the history, achievements and contributions of African Americans to the United States; and
WHEREAS, Kane County is home to a diverse and growing population of an estimated 520,000 residents, with African Americans representing approximately six percent of the community, according to U.S. Census Bureau 2024 estimates; and
WHEREAS, African Americans have played vital roles in shaping Kane County and the nation through leadership, innovation and advocacy in fields including civil rights, education, industry, media, law, public service and the arts; and
WHEREAS, Kane County's history is deeply connected to the struggle for freedom and justice, as demonstrated by the designation of the Joseph P. Bartlett Farm in Campton Township as the first verified Underground Railroad safehouse in Kane County, joining Newsome Park in Elgin as one of only two such sites in the County; and
WHEREAS, African American history in Kane County includes the courage and service of approximately forty African American Civil War veterans¹ who made Kane County their home, as well as the early African American families documented in communities such as Batavia, Elgin, and Aurora during the mid-19th century; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on both historical and contemporary contributions while reaffirming a shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and inclusion for all residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Kane County Board does hereby recognize February 2026 as National Black History Month in Kane County, Illinois, and encourages all residents to learn about the history, culture and contributions of African Americans—both nationally and within our own communities.
¹ Source: Sutton, Raleigh. African American Civil War Veterans of Kane County, Illinois.
