Harold Washington: Roots, Branches, and Bridges Across Illinois
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Sun-Times
When
Aug 4, 2025
6:00pm–7:30pm
Cost
Free. Registration is recommended.
Join us as we explore Chicago Mayor Harold Washington’s family roots in southern Illinois and their potential influence on his perspective regarding urban-rural and interregional dynamics within our state.
Presentations, a short film, and a discussion will focus on Harold Washington’s family roots in southern Illinois, their ties to “Little Africa”/Pinkstaff (Lawrence County) and the Lakeview/Carrier Mills (Saline County) along with the historic significance of these communities, Harold Washington’s involvement in the 1977 Illinois Senate leadership election, and much more!
Free food and beverages will be provided.
This event, part of our The Country and The City program series, is co-sponsored by the Lawrence County Historical Society.
About the Presenters
John King
John King is an historian and member of the Lawrence County Historical Society.
Brendan Jennings
Brendan Jennings is a local historian from Lakeview/Carrier Mills (Saline County).
More to come
Stayed tuned. More will be added to the lineup.
More About...
Lawrence County Historical Society
The Lawrence County Historical Society was organized on January 23, 1961, by a group of local residents to collect and preserve the county's historical materials systematically.
Pinkstaff United Methodist Church
Harold Washington’s grandfather, Rev. Mack Washington, a regionally prominent minister, served as pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church near Pinkstaff in the 1920s. When that congregation dissolved in the late 20th century, many of the remaining members joined the Pinkstaff United Methodist Church, which now considers itself an approximate successor to Bethel A.M.E.
Follow the Church on Facebook.
Venue Parking and Directions
Parking
There is ample free parking available behind the Pinkstaff United Methodist Church.
Directions
Pinkstaff United Methodist Church is locacted on County Road 1540 N, 0.6 mile east of Illinois Highway 1. Get driving directions here.
Accessibility
The venue is ADA compliant. There are stairs and a ramp available to access the building. There are ADA compliant restrooms available.
If you require accommodations to participate in this event fully, please contact Brooklyn Rue at events@ilhumanities.org at least 48 hours before the event.
The Country and The City
The Country and The City brings rural and urban Illinoisans together to exchange ideas and foster mutual understanding. Through the arts and humanities, we discover new connections and bridge differences.
Register for This Event
Contact
Suite 650, 125 South Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312.422.5580 312.374.6787
600 Troy Road
N4, Room 207
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618.468.5580
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