On Sunday, August 15, the African American Gallery will unveil its newest exhibit honoring the life and career of Lee Marks, former track and field coach for Guilford High School. This exhibit will be on display until the end of October.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, Lee began his teaching career as a fifth grade teacher in the Rockford Public School District in 1966. In 1967, Lee was hired at Guilford High School as a physical education teacher as well as an assistant football and assistant track coach. Lee served 35 years as a teacher. The position of Head Boys Track Coach began in 1969, making Lee the first African American head coach of any sport in the Rockford Public Schools.

Lee devoted 47 years coaching track at Guilford High School. He was awarded the Rockford Register Star Distinguished Service Award in 2016 prior to his death. Recently, the Rockford School District #205 Board of Education officially named the outdoor track at Swanson Stadium The Lee Marks Memorial Track.

On Sunday, August 15th, the African American Gallery will host a special presentation featuring Karen Marks, his widow at 2:15 p.m. Jaxx saxophonist Harlan Jefferson, a Rockford native, will perform at 2:30 p.m. This event is free to the public but donations are greatly appreciated.