Americans often connect citizenship with the idea that “all men are created equal,” and that everyone has the right to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” These ideas are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence but have not always applied to all Americans.

You’re invited to “brown bag it” and join our moderator, Dr. Lesa Johnson from the University of Illinois-Springfield, and a distinguished group of panelists for the Lunch and Learn Community Panel: Freeish- A Discussion on Black Citizenship in the Land of Lincoln. The panel will discuss the history of Black Americans in Illinois, and their fight for full American citizenship. The goal of this panel is to display the significance the Black American Experience, the importance of celebrating Juneteenth, and why all Americans are still not fully free!

The program will take place on Friday, June 14, from Noon-1:15 p.m. in the ALPLM library's Classroom. This is a free program. Advance registration is not required.

This special program is a community collaboration between Springfield’s 30th annual Juneteenth Celebration, the University of Illinois-Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.