Springifeld's Old State Capitol is listed to National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network of Freedom

• Springfield
• Old State Capitol

Springfield’s Old State Capitol is finally getting the recognition it deserves. The National Park Service recently announced that the Old State Capitol has been accepted to the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The site, which is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is one of 17 new listings from the 43rd round of applications, representing sites and programs in 13 states across the nation. The new listings, alongside more than 700 sites, facilities and programs already in the Network, provide insight into the diverse experiences of freedom seekers who bravely escaped slavery and allies who assisted them.

Built in 1837, is the Old State Capitol is noted for being the site of candidacy announcements by former Presidents of the United States Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama. The Old State Capitol also served as the seat of the Illinois Supreme Court from 1841 to 1872. During this time, the Court heard several cases that effected freedom seekers and allies operating within Illinois’ Underground Railroad. At least two cases were heard condemning allies who assisted freedom seekers: Eells v. The People and Willard v. The People, both of which ended in court fining the “conductors”. The most iconic case during this time, known as “Thornton’s Case,” which was the result of a Black man named Thornton who argued that a local constable wrongfully arrested him and that he should be freed. Since the local constable could not provide evidence to prove otherwise, the Illinois Supreme Court was forced to drop the charges against Thornton and release him from custody.

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom is designed to honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight. Currently the Network represents more than 700 locations in 39 states. Through its mission, the Network to Freedom helps advance the idea that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from oppression. To be able to link this historical site to the Underground Railroad, gives deeper insight into the rich history the city of Springfield possesses and its fight to ensure the safety of the African American residents.

The Old State Capitol is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more or plan a visit, please visit https://bit.ly/IDNRosc.

Illinois claims two of the Top 50 best places to live in America

Illinois is home to the Bears, deep dish pizza, Abraham Lincoln and to some of the best towns in America. A report from Money listed 50 places in the country as the best places to live in the U.S. These cities were chosen based on a method which analyzed economic opportunities, quality of life, diversity, education, health, fun and amenities, and more. Of these 50 places to live, two towns in Illinois were selected: Rogers Park and Naperville.

According to the top 50 list, Rogers Park is one of the most welcoming places to live, home to residents of all kinds of different religions, creeds and ethnicities. Roger Park is ranked 5^th overall, and it is known as the most diverse neighborhood in Chicago. Roger Park is unique for its multiculturalism. When visiting Roger Park, one can come across a mosque, temple, synagogue or a church on any corner. Residents in Roger Park are part of a close-knit community who support and uplift each another.   

Naperville, ranked 16^th on Money’s list, has been named the best place to be a kid by the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s not hard to see why families would have a great time raising their children in this city. The city has a number of locations perfect for families to visit, including a Riverwalk Park (seen in the image above), the Morton Arboretum, and even a manmade beach for summer lovers called Naperville’s Centennial Beach. Naperville also has some of the best public schools, making it a place where kids can learn and have fun.

To read more about the top 50 best places to live in the U.S., click here.

Chicago pays tribute to Mahalia Jackson honoring her legacy with new court

One thing the windy city is known for is producing some of the most iconic music stars. From Sam Cooke and Kanye West, to Styx and Fall Out Boy, Chicago’s very own Mahalia Jackson is notably one of the most iconic and influential singers of the 20^th century. In honor of her legacy and life, the city of Chicago Department of Planning and Development alongside the Greater Chatham Initiative and Carter Temple CME Church, opened the Mahalia Jackson Court on the corner of 79^th and State Street in Chicago. In a ribbon cutting ceremony in conjunction with the  Carter Temple CME Church, supporters, politicians, and members of the community came together to pay homage to the iconic gospel singer and civil rights activist.

The Department of Planning and Development awarded the Great Chatham Initiative $500,000 for the construction of the site. The Cultural Affairs and Special Events provided an additional $50,000 for constructing the Mahalia Jackson memorial. Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot, who was also  in attendance,  said the Mahalia Jackson Court is one way the city of Chicago plans to revitalize the neighborhood. The Mahalia Jackson Court, is an 8,500 sq. ft. public plaza that serves as a beacon of light for the South Side residents in the Chatham neighborhood.  Lined with daily food trucks, music, and art, this new safe haven also possesses a 3-foot statue of Jackson, designed by gallery owner and artist Gerald Griffin.

In 1927, Jackson migrated to Chicago from New Orleans during the Great Migration, finding solace and security in the Midwest. While attending Salem Baptist Church. To learn more about Mahalia Jackson Court, visit the official website here.

A little bit of Hollywood in Illinois

A little bit of Hollywood can be found in Illinois at the annual Elgin Short Film Festival! Every September since 2009 Elgin, Illinois has been host to a number of talented young film makers from around the country and world. The event begins with a red carpet reception featuring interviews with filmmakers, followed by a film screening. At this year’s 2022 Film Festival, six short films were screened. The films are all 20 minutes or less, and contain two categories: animated and live action. Three films of each category had been pre-chosen for the event, and the winners of each category are selected by the judges and audience members in attendance.

This event celebrates the arts and cultivates the creative talents of people around Illinois. First place prizes receive $1,000. The very first winner in 2009 was an Illinois resident from Chicago. David Priego won with his short film “House of Cards”, which received a great rating of 8.5/10 on IMDb. The film is about a divorcing family who, in the war over the division of their material items, only realize the importance of family when tragedy strikes.

The film festival takes place at the Hemmens Cultural Center. The center is named after Hattle Pease Hemmens, who left over a million dollars after her death in 1957 to establish a non-profit Community Auditorium in the city of Elgin. The short film festival brings glitz, glamour and charm to the City of Elgin. Friends, families and film lovers are all welcome to attend the event, and every year the festival has been growing in notoriety. Hollywood has come to Illinois, and it can be found in the enchanting city of Elgin! Find out more about the event at the city of Elgin’s website here.