Media Release: Artspace Southern Illinois & Marion Carnegie Library to Host — Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes 1819-1865
For Immediate Release
Media Contact
Chuck Benya, EdD, CEO & Executive Director, Artspace Southern Illinois
phone: 618-457-5100
Dr. Caroline Kisiel, Associate Professor at DePaul University and Illinois Humanities Road Scholar, presents this free program as part of the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau
Carbondale & Marion, IL - June 22, 2026 — This June, Artspace Southern Illinois will co-host a presentation with the Marion Carnegie Library — exploring African Americans whose resilience under the Illinois Black Codes, enforced from 1819 to 1865, helped change Illinois history.
“We’re glad to partner with the Marion Carnegie Library to bring this meaningful presentation to our community as part of our Humanities Community Sessions, strengthening connections and encouraging exploration across cultures and ideas,” said Chuck Benya, EdD, CEO & Executive Director, Artspace Southern Illinois.
The presentation, Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes 1819-1865, will take place on Saturday, June 27, at the Marion Carnegie Library, Marion, Illinois, 1:00—2:30 pm.
Dr. Caroline Kisiel will trace the history and share stories of African Americans whose resilience helped change the course of Illinois history.
Part of Artspace Southern Illinois Humanities Community Sessions.
This event is co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Road Scholar speakers travel throughout Illinois sharing free, dynamic presentations about literature, philosophy, theater, local history, film, music, politics, and more, at no cost to host organizations. The program enables local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities.
With more than 30 years in education and two decades researching Illinois history, Dr. Caroline M. Kisiel brings a deeply informed and compelling look at the state’s Black Codes and the communities who persevered under them.
Event Details
FREE & Open to the Public
Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Marion Carnegie Library, 206 S. Market Street, Marion, IL
About Artspace Southern Illinois
Artspace Southern Illinois is a nonprofit cultural arts organization serving the southern Illinois region with offices in Carbondale, Illinois. Founded in 1987 as a grassroots effort, Artspace Southern Illinois has grown to serve people from communities across the region, showcasing the arts through three dedicated venues and a network of partnerships. The organization offers services and resources to independent artists, provides grant funding for the cultural arts, and offers opportunities for people to experience and participate in the cultural arts, including in underserved communities and areas where it can have a significant impact. Artspace Southern Illinois receives support from the Illinois Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Illinois Humanities, Good Chaos, City of Carbondale, and generous donors throughout the region.
Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois. Founded in 1974, we are the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities and are supported by state, federal, and private funds. Stay connected with Illinois Humanities on Facebook,Twitter,Instagram, and LinkedIn @ILHumanities.