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Commemorating Black History in Illinois
Illinois Bureau of Tourism Highlights February Events That Inspire the Soul
Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) - There is no better place to be during Black History Month than Illinois. As the home of two U.S. presidents -- Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln -- who have contributed greatly to the sundry story of our nation's rich African-American heritage, Illinois offers a variety of activities that commemorate and celebrate African-American life, culture and accomplishment. Illinois is also home to many iconic African-American figures and site of several historical events that have collectively shaped not only African-American history and Illinois history, but American history. From the 1908 Springfield Race Riots, which ultimately led to the beginnings of the NAACP, to the vibrant African-American communities that have cultivated great African-American business leaders and enterprises, Illinois is proud to embrace its cultural legacy and honor black history.
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"We are proud that Illinois has such a remarkable legacy, and as such, can take great pleasure in the celebration of Black History Month," said Jan Kostner, deputy director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism. "The state is pleased to support events that bring forth the intent and scope of Black History Month, and we aim to offer extraordinary programming that elevates the state's distinctive history and immerses residents and visitors alike in this reflective celebration and recognition of history."
CHICAGO
The city's founder and first settler, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable laid way for a rich, complex amalgam of black history and culture throughout the city. DuSable Museum (www.dusablemuseum.org), named for this trailblazing "Father of Chicago," showcases the touchstones of African-American history all year and will feature two important and timely exhibits this February: "Distant Echoes: Black Farmers in America" and "Red, White, Blue & Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Forces."
The Museum of Science & Industry (www.msichicago.org) will recognize African-Americans' impact on environmental and social architecture during its annual Black Creativity program. The 2009 exhibit, "Green Revolution," will focus on black designers, architects, engineers and business leaders who are advancing the "green movement" via renewable energy, organic agriculture, sustainable building and other approaches. Lectures will address the eight principles of green village-building, the green collar job economy and green empowerment and sustainability initiatives, among many other topics. Black Creativity 2009 programming will run through March 1.
History isn't confined to Chicago's museums, either. With the election of President Barack Obama, Illinois visitors now have the unique opportunity to experience history in motion via the state's Obama Trail (www.enjoyillinois.com). The newest Illinois presidential trail features Chicago-based stops in Grant Park, where the President gave his acceptance speech, and at the University of Chicago Law School, where then-Professor Obama taught constitutional law for more than a decade. President Obama follows the State of Illinois' treasured history of meaningful contributions to the rich tapestry of the African-American story. From his humble political beginnings on Chicago's Southside to the storied halls of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, President Obama's historical path to the White House is a celebration of African-American achievement and his documented journey can be traveled in the heart of Illinois.
CENTRAL
The Obama Trail's other two stops -- the Old State Capitol Building and the Illinois State Capitol, both in Springfield -- connect President Obama to Illinois' other most recognized commander in chief, Abraham Lincoln. The state is abuzz on the cusp of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, and Springfield is a staging ground for programs that thoughtfully bridge Lincoln's legacy and significant events in African-American history. On Feb. 12, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) (www.alplm.org) will hold two roundtable discussions that examine the lead-up to and aftermath of the Civil War. Among the most celebrated presidential libraries and museums and the most-visited, state-controlled museum in the nation, the ALPLM also features two longstanding exhibits that are of special interest to African-American history and the African-American traveler: 1) "The Slave Auction" gallery space where exhibitors can confront the horrors of a family being separated by auctioneers; historians believe that Abraham Lincoln may have witnessed such a scene in his early years; and 2) "What Are They Wearing in Washington?" which depicts Elizabeth Keckley preparing a ball gown; Keckley was a master seamstress and loyal confidant of Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd. Another prominent site to visit is the Lincoln Home National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/liho/), which will feature "discussions" between Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr., as portrayed by local actors, on Feb. 13.
There's also an opportunity to revisit the events around the 1908 Springfield Race Riot, a pivotal event that led to the formation of the NAACP, which just recognized its centennial. Both the Springfield Convention & Tourism (www.visit-springfieldillinois.com) and Springfield Walks (www.springfieldwalks.com) offer guided tours of race riot markers, and on Feb. 7, a sculpture that artfully encapsulates the Riot's events will be unveiled at the Illinois State Museum, Springfield. The piece, created by famed artist and Illinois native son Preston Jackson, is slated for permanent installation in Springfield's Union Square Park this spring.
WESTERN
Anyone wanting to learn more about Jackson's body of work should consider heading west to the Peoria Public Library (www.peoriapubliclibrary.org), which will be staging a year-long installation that features its hometown hero's work. A visit to the city's African American Hall of Fame Museum (www.africanamericanhalloffame.org) will reveal much more about him and other prominent black Illinoisans. In the nearby city of Quincy, Friends of Dr. Richard Eells House (217-223-1800) is a historic house museum offering visitors a gateway into pre-Civil War black history. Built in 1835, the former home of Dr. Eells is the oldest surviving brick home in Quincy that served as an integral stop in the Underground Railroad.
SOUTHWEST
Another Illinoisan who left her mark on the arc of arts and culture is mother-of-modern-dance Katherine Dunham, who called East Saint Louis home -- take in her inimitable life and pointe lines at the Katherine Dunham Centers for Arts and Humanities (www.kdcah.com).
The region's claim to trailblazing activity extends even farther, and more importantly, into history: The tracks of Illinois' Underground Railroad were forged in the part of the state, a critical intersection in the journey to free land for hundreds of slaves. The Cahokia Mounds (www.cahokiamounds.com) and A.A. Burlingame House are two landmark sites that served as network stops, and you can arrange private tours of the Railroad's intact structures by contacting J.E. Robinson Underground Railroad Tours (618-462-5590).
EDITOR'S NOTE: Media materials and downloadable images are available via the Soulful Illinois online media center at www.soulfulillinois.com. Additional photography may be obtained by contacting Meghan Haynes at mhaynes@beamaninc.com, 312-751-9689.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.
CONTACT:
Dana Gleeson
312-751-9689 x14
dgleeson@beamaninc.com
Meghan Haynes
312-751-9689 x15
mhaynes@beamaninc.com
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