Honoring Juneteenth: A Living History Event

While the official holiday is observed later in the week, we invite you to join us on June 13 in honor and celebration of Juneteenth.

We are pleased to present this session in partnership with Illinois Humanities.

Join us for a presentation and panel discussion, and a tribute to the legacy and impact of the National Negro Baseball League through the lens of a Southern Illinois connection.

Short Film Honoring a Family Legacy - Allen “Memphis” Johnson

We’ll start with a short film by Southern Illinois independent filmmaker Dan Johnson, documenting personal reflections from the family of lifelong Mounds, IL resident Alsandra Lewis, whose father, Allen “Memphis” Johnson, was the owner of a National Negro Baseball League team.

Then, Alsandra Lewis herself will join us in a panel discussion, sharing first-hand reflections, with time for a Q&A.

Get Creative

We’ll conclude with an interactive, family-friendly creative arts project to further honor and celebrate.

Panelists

• Alsandra Lewis and Jody Johnson, who helped create Lessons from Baseball (a middle school program for Southern Illinois students)

• Additional panelists to come

Event Details

• FREE & Open to the public

• Date: Saturday, June 13

• Time: 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

• Location: Artspace Southern Illinois — 304 Cultural Arts Center, 304 W. Walnut Street, Carbondale

• Light refreshments provided

 

Exhibit Honoring First Black Major League Baseball Coach John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil

This program will take place in conjunction with a traveling exhibit honoring legendary player, scout, and manager, Buck O’Neil, who became Major League Baseball's first Black coach and co-founded the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, taking place at Thrillville (Marion Stadium) in Marion, IL

This session is an Illinois Humanities Foreground Rural Hub Program. Artspace Southern Illinois is proud to present this program in partnership with