Illinois Humanities

Did you catch executive director Gabrielle Lyon on Tri States Public Radio? Listen to her interview with Rich Egger about how the arts and humanities are making an impact in Western Illinois. https://lnkd.in/d3Nr3GR3

Educator and genealogist Tony Burroughs has studied community history for more than 30 years: exploring books, archives, and analogue records to trace Black ancestry and legacy. With the support of an Activate History Microgrant, he turned his research toward a piece of his own legacy: his grandfather, attorney A.M. Burroughs. Read our Q&A with Tony for his thoughts on how technology has changed genealogy, and how he looks beyond traditional records to uncover Black history. https://lnkd.in/d3PgrKp4

Go Tonika! 🙌 Her work to uplift the history of black home ownership and help South Side residents build equity continues to expand, and her latest project, unBlocked Englewood, needs your support. Read about how the initiative will help Black homeowners to restore their homes and beautify neighborhoods in Block Club Chicago NFP. https://lnkd.in/gejq3TDT

Mireille's story is so important. Read about how this Odyssey Project graduate's lived experiences became the foundation for her bachelor's degree thanks to Northeastern Illinois University's University Without Walls program. https://lnkd.in/g3qBPnfD

Illinois Humanities has been a champion for the humanities in our great state for nearly 50 years. That's huge. We've come this far because people like you continue to show your support for free, accessible humanities programs for ALL Illinoisans. When you make a gift to Illinois Humanities, you play a direct role in helping to ensure our state is just, creative, and connected. If you want to be a part of this legacy, consider making a contribution today at ilhumanities.org/donate. Here's to celebrating 50 years of IH in 2025! 🎉

Comedian Eliana La Casa has joined the lineup for 80 Minutes Around the World on July 31! Get to know all the incredible storytellers taking the mic at Haymarket House and come out for a great show! RSVP on our website 👉 https://lnkd.in/g-S3HcAK

Looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend? Check our grantee partners' events. From Honey Pot Performance and Chicago Black Social Cultural Map’s "Building Movements" celebration in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood to the premiere of Chris Vallillo’s "Forgottonia: An Intimate Portrait of Rural America" in Macomb, plenty is going on throughout the state. 🎫Visit our Partner Events calendar for details: https://lnkd.in/g4k35BWD.

Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson is thrilled to announce the Golden Poets Contest Winners! “Poetry from seniors invokes a wisdom and a life’s journey from which we can all learn,” said Jackson. Take a moment to read the winning poems: https://lnkd.in/g4HT9edJ • 1st Place Winner: Stronger Values by Cathy Safiran (age 75) • 2nd Place Winner: Sulphur Cosmos (The Friendship Flower) by Judith Dubin (age 85) • 2nd Place Winner: Memoir by Adagio Micaletti (age 86)

Heads up! Applications for the latest round of Envisioning Justice Grants are due this Monday, July 15 at 5pm CT. Find the grant that's right for you and start your proposal at ilhumanities.org/Grants.

We're over the moon to be putting on another exciting storytelling program with award-winning storyteller Nestor Gomez! 🎤 July 31 at Haymarket House, come through for 80 Minutes Around the World, an evening of stories by immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, their descendants, and allies, as we reflect on the "American Dream" and what it means today. We'll hear stories by Archy Jamjun, Kory May, Maritza Rangel, Alina Serban, and more to be announced! RSVP for this free show on our website 👉 https://lnkd.in/g-S3HcAK