Vanessa Ferguson

Indigenous People’s Day is a holiday that’s been increasingly recognized by more states and more Americans, but it has yet to become a federal holiday and replace Columbus Day, which has been the subject of criticism in recent years. Two local teachers Michelle Cruz Hine and Emily Anderson have spoken out about removing Columbus Day from the Springfield Public School District 186 calendar. They spoke to Community Voices about the problematic history of Christopher Columbus, the history of the Taino people and the values they want to see celebrated in American culture.

Michael Sullivan is an attorney living in Springfield. Sullivan was the Deputy Prosecutor in the Prosecutor’s Office in Indianapolis and was previously the Senior Assistant Public Defender for Sangamon County. He spoke to Community Voices about Miranda Rights, what it is really like inside a courthouse and his internship at the White House.

In September NPR Morning Edition’s Steve Inskeep spoke at the Mary and James Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture Series, presented by the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies. Author of the book “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America,” Inskeep shared insight into Lincoln and the lessons we can apply to today’s political climate.

“How Women Made Music,” a new book from NPR Music, was inspired by NPR’s “Turning The Tables” series and collects more than 50 years of essays and interviews. NPR Music’s Ann Powers and editor of the book Alison Fensterstock spoke to Community Voices about how the book was put together and the impact women have made in the evolution of music.

The Legacy Theatre is serving the community with its regional premiere of the hit musical “Waitress.” Director Lori Ann McCabe and leading lady Elizabeth Eckert spoke to Community Voices about the show, which features music by Sara Bareilles. They highlighted the cast members and explained how many pies it takes to perform “Waitress.”The show runs Oct. 11-13, 16-20 and 23-27. For tickets visit: https://www.atthelegacy.com/

“Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad” is a new traveling exhibit, which highlights the people and challenges of the Underground Railroad. Sarah Watson, executive director of Looking for Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and Program Manager of Looking for Lincoln Heather Feezor spoke to Community Voices about the exhibit and how it shares stories often unheard about the underground railroad.The exhibit is on view and open to the public at the Lincoln Library: Springfield’s Public Library through November 30, 2024.To learn more visit: https://www.lookingforlincoln.org/

This year is the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln’s Tomb. President of the Old State Capitol Foundation Crystal Boyd and Vice President Alex Smith spoke to Community Voices about the celebration of the 150th anniversary on Oct. 12, which will feature food, a President Grant impersonator and 1800 TinType photography.

MERCY Communities is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an open house on Oct. 11 from 4-7:00 p.m. at MERCY’s Administrative Office at 1344 N. 5th St. in Springfield. Executive Director Amy Voils and Board Member Sister Marilyn Jean Runkel spoke to Community Voices about the organization and its roots with the Dominican Sisters in Springfield. They also shared how transitional and permanent housing reduces homelessness and leads to independent living.To learn more visit: https://www.mercycommunities.org/

Shawn McKinney is the owner of Terror on the Square in Petersburg which provides visitors a spooky experience throughout October. He spoke to Community Voices about his lifelong love of illusions and how he was inspired by the Haunted Mansion in Walt Disney World to create his own haunt. He also shared the history of the funeral home that is now home to Terror on the Square and how the haunt changes from year to year.For ticket information visit: https://terroronthesquare.com/

Local businesses and not-for-profit organizations spoke at the July Citizens Club of Springfield meeting titled “The Adams Street Fire: Reflecting on the Past; Developing a Vision for the Future.” They shared what is known and unknown about the start of the fire, how area businesses were affected and the future of Adams Street.