Our latest pop-up was on Saturday, August 15, from 8am-2pm in Chandler Park. We had tabling for mental health, legal aid, voting rights, census, and WIRC.
We had a central display detailing the 2001 #CrossBurning on a local family’s lawn, and the lack of support from the community which continues to this day. There was a drum circle, music, and many posters from Black community members, artists, allies, and community health educators. Racism is a pervasive public health crisis, and we should be talking about that.
Our speakers were amazing, and we are very grateful for their time and willingness to share their expertise and experiences with our community.
- Janell McGruder, McGruder Counseling
- Stirling Edwards, Chair, Equal Opportunity & Fair Housing Commission
- Dr. Essie Rutledge, Sociologist & Professor of Sociology, Western Illinois University
- Ameya Isabel, local activist
- Mimi Carr, Co-Chair, Racial Justice Coalition