Who was the first African American to serve in the Illinois legislature? Some might answer Harold Washington, others Cecil Partee in the 1950s—but they would all be wrong. In fact, the distinction belongs to John W.E. Thomas, a former slave elected in 1877.
Now, after 125 years of relative obscurity, Thomas’ story and those of other African Americans who served in the Illinois state government and championed the cause of civil rights will be documented for the first time in “Pioneers in the Struggle”—a video, CD-ROM and curriculum program developed by The HistoryMakers that will premiere 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, in the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St.
The documentary, which chronicles the lives and careers of such Illinois representatives as George Ecton, Cecil Partee, Charles Chew, Carol Mosley Braun and many others, will feature a media showing and reception hosted by Gov. George H. Ryan, Mayor Richard M. Daley, County Board President John Stroger, Jr., and Illinois’ four legislative leaders, Senate Minority Leader Emil Jones, Jr., Senate President James “Pate” Phillip, House Minority Leader Lee Daniels and House Speaker Michael Madigan, as well as representatives from various academic and research institutions.
The HistoryMakers is a Chicago organization chronicling the history of 5,000 African-American history makers through a series of video-recorded narratives. These stories, available on print and electronic media for educational purposes, represent the single largest archival project of its kind since the recording of former slaves during the WPA period of the 1930s. Through the production of these narrative interviews and “Pioneers in the Struggle,” the HistoryMakers fosters a greater understanding that African-American history makers are a significant part of American history, whose numbers are not in the hundreds, but in the thousands. For additional information about The HistoryMakers, visit www.thehistorymakers.com.
Admission for the premiere screening of “Pioneers in the Struggle” on Oct. 3 is free and open to the public. However, space is limited and advance reservations are required. To place a reservation or obtain information, call MK Communications at (312) 822-0505.
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