How much do you know about Rockford’s Black history? In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with the Rockford Public Library‘s Local History Room to bring our readers a local Black history fact of the day.
Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of February to read about the people, places and events that played significant roles in shaping the rich fabric of Rockford’s Black history.
In a career spanning nearly 16 years, Sam Gaynor achieved the positions of the first Black sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief in the Rockford Police Department.
Want to learn more about Sam Gaynor? Visit the Rockford Public Library’s Local History Room at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/local-history or in person at the Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St.