SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The great-grandson of a civil rights icon spoke at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum this week in celebration of Juneteenth.
Dan Duster is the great-grandson of Ida B. Wells. On Tuesday, a partnership between the University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies, Juneteenth Inc. and the museum brought him to town.
Duster spoke to attendees about Wells’ work to help others overcome obstacles, and to stand up to injustice. He’s collaborated with community organizations, corporations and schools to encourage equity, was present at the White House when the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act was signed, and has worked with the National Governors Association as well as the Congressional Tri-Caucus
"Find something that you’re passionate about, find a cause, find a goal, standing up for the rights of others, whether you know, it’s against racism, sexism or any other ‘isms’ that are happening out there," Duster said. "And being vigilant about it. And you don’t have to change the world. You can change your world. And so that starts with telling friends, family, you know, ‘Hey, got to be an anti-racist.’"
The event was free for the public to attend, and was a part of the City of Springfield’s week-long Juneteenth celebration.
On Wednesday, the celebrations continue at The Outlet, located at 3306 S 6th St, Southern View. It’ll take place beginning at 4 p.m. and will feature free food, games and a poetry slam contest for people aged 7-18. The next day, young people are invited to a breakfast at the Salvation Army, located at 1600 E. Clear Lake Ave in Springfield. It’ll run from 10 a.m. to noon, and attendees can expect a morning of food, creativity, and an event "dedicated to uplifting young voices," organizers said.
Then on June 19, community members are invited to an evening of music. The concert will take place at Y-Block, located at S 4th St & E Jackson St in Springfield. The lawn opens at 6 p.m. Visit Juneteenth Inc’s website for more details on this event, as well as other Juneteenth events that are being held in Springfield.
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via WCIA.com https://www.wcia.com
June 18, 2025 at 04:00PM
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