“Kaskaskia and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union, Part 2”

The documentary premiere will expand upon themes introduced in Part 1 and discuss African American residents of Kaskaskia whose achievements made a national impact. These noted figures include Nance Legins-Costley, who, after multiple attempts, obtained freedom through a precedent-setting Illinois Supreme Court decision, and John Willis Menard, who became the first African American elected to Congress but was prohibited from serving.

A segment produced by guest contributors Kenita Jalivay and Chastity Mays will examine contemporary African American life in Randolph County, where Kaskaskia is located. Additionally, Part 2 will highlight efforts to sustain and promote Randolph County’s French American heritage, including the work of organizations such as Les Amis du Fort de Chartres and the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, as well as Prairie du Rocher’s annual “La Guiannée” celebration.

Kaskaskia and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union is made possible in part by a grant from National Endowment for the Humanities A More Perfect Union initiative.