In 2018, Springfield residents celebrated several events of historic significance to the African American community:
- The relocation and restoration of Historic Timmons Temple
- The 100-year anniversary of Silver Springs Park
- The dedication of the African American Heritage Trail
- The commemoration of the Rev. Oliver Brown’s 100th birthday and the proclamation of Aug. 19, 2018 as Reverend Oliver Brown Day in Springfield
- Springfield City Council naming the fourth-floor conference room in the Busch Municipal Building as the Councilman Denny Whayne Conference Room to honor his service on City Council and his decades-long commitment to justice and equal rights.
While reflecting on these great celebrations and planning the annual People’s History Café (formerly the annual Meet and Greet Celebration) to kick off African American History Month, I realized the impact all of this history would have on our children and youth if brought together in one place.
Please join us 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, 397 E. Central, to learn different ways to preserve and share African American History through historic sites and landmarks. The event is free and open to the public and will feature exhibits on the African American Heritage Trail, Timmons Temple restoration, Lincoln High School; a panel discussion and movie inserts from “Simple Justice,” the 1993 film about Brown v. Board of Education; and Missouri State University’s Dr. Sabrina Brinson on the importance of culturally responsive literature.
Celebrating 5 years
With help and collaboration from churches, volunteers and the Midtown library, we hosted the first Meet and Greet Celebration five years ago on the first Saturday in February to kick off African American History Month. Thanks to all of those who continue to make this annual event possible.
If you are interested in supporting the work of People’s History Café by becoming a volunteer or a sponsor, or if you are interested in booking a traveling exhibit, please contact me at 417-353-3189 or email ministerpeoples50@gmail.com.