Gloria Readus, Sun City resident, moved to Sun City with her husband, Joseph, after retiring from teaching. She remembers with fondness the early days of watching the lodge and nearby homes being built.
For the past two decades, she has been keeping history alive at Sun City.
“Every year, except during the pandemic, I’ve organized displays to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month,” she explains. On Monday, January 19, in the Prairie Lodge Social Lounge, Readus facilitated discussion and answered questions about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his enduring legacy.
Witnessing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in person in Chicago during the 1960s was an exciting experience for Readus. She attended the event alongside her husband. Thinking about that historic moment, she pointed to a stirring passage from the “I Have a Dream” speech as her favorite, highlighting Dr. King’s urgent urge to act: ‘Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy… to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.’
For Readus, these words remain a powerful reminder.
Readus poses here with a sample of her Black History Month displays. (MSDN File Photo)
Readus said, “Many Americans remain unaware of the deep contributions African Americans have made to our nation’s history. To close this gap, I continuously update my displays with new findings, such as the tragic history of Black Wall Street.”
Readus also mentioned figures in other areas of study that need inclusion in Black History Month.
Readus said, “I was passionate about history, but the contributions made to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) struck me the most.” From early pioneers in the 1700s to modern-day icons, Readus highlighted key figures such as Benjamin Banneker, George Washington Carver, Katherine Johnson, and Mae Jemison. Their work fundamentally transformed modern technology, medicine, and space exploration.
This year, Readus will host a Black History Month display in the Prairie Lodge Social Lounge for the community to view, Monday through Friday, February 23-27. She will be on hand each day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer any questions.
Readus measures success through the meaningful times shared with visitors. Whether it’s the dedicated couple who return every year or the man who spent time at every single easel, the engagement is clear.
“One person was even crying with emotion after seeing the display,” Readus shares. “In those moments, I know the effort is worth it.”
Readus thanks the association and Melissa Hornick, Lifestyle Manager, for their ongoing partnership in her annual presentations. While she is a staple at Sun City, Readus also maintains displays at several other venues and remains a strong supporter of National Women’s History Month in March.
When ask why she continues to do the displays, she says, “I am excited about sharing.”
