Illinois Humanities Awards $150,000 in Envisioning Justice Grant Funds to 20 Illinois Cultural Organizations

Reparations Media — Our Underground Library — $10,000

Reparations Media is a media education and production organization committed to delivering accessible, high‑quality information on issues affecting marginalized communities across the U.S. and globally. Their animated series Our Underground Library uses Schoolhouse Rock–style visuals, original music, and spoken word to explain lesser‑known laws and policies shaping citizenship and human rights.

King Moosa (Winnebago County) — Split Second Decision — $5,000

King Moosa, a resilient soul who turned adversity into art. After serving 13 years of a 25-year sentence, emerged from incarceration with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to transformation. During his time behind bars, he discovered the healing power of art, using spoken word, music, and drawing as therapeutic tools to survive, reflect, and rebuild.

Split Second Decision explores split-second choices that lead minors into the justice system. Through interactive experiences, personal stories, and visuals, this exhibit uncovers the hidden truths of how America's legal system was designed to punish not protect its children. Visitors will be confronted with the weight of a moment, forced to choose a path that determines their fate, just as so many young people must.

Millikin University (Macon County) — Shakespeare Corrected — $8,000

The mission of Milikin University’s Shakespeare Corrected is to bring undergraduate students together with marginalized populations to create an artistic experience that creates an atmosphere of respectful inclusion and supported expression.  Beginning in the fall and ending in the spring of every year, Shakespeare Corrected works within eight separate facilities throughout Macon County, including the Decatur Correctional Center.