An Update to Our Community: A Message from Board Chair Jai L. Winston
Features
Jai L. Winston
September 2, 2025
On September 19th, Illinois Humanities will celebrate 50 years of connecting people across the state through the public humanities. It’s a milestone that reminds us of what’s possible when communities come together through shared stories, cultural expression, and critical dialogue, all for a vision of a more just, creative, and connected Illinois.
We are marking this occasion with Illinois Humanities: Momentum, an evening gala full of storytelling, community, and connection at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago.
I support Illinois Humanities because the need for community and connection is just as strong as it was 50 years ago, especially now. As a board member for nearly a decade and Board Chair for the last two years, I’ve had the special honor to see firsthand how the humanities can illuminate paths forward, especially in times of uncertainty.
Through recent points in our history like the COVID-19 pandemic when Illinois Humanities supported the cultural sector by awarding the largest tranche of grants in our history, the building of our five-year strategic plan, or recent federal changes to the National Endowment for the Humanities, Illinois Humanities remains steadfast in our mission to spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois.
From small towns to city neighborhoods, to rural towns and counties, Illinois Humanities has helped people find common ground, lift local voices, and build bridges across the state. Through programs like A People’s Salon and Envisioning Justice, we create spaces where we can reflect on our histories, reimagine our futures, and engage with one another through lived experiences across all of Illinois. These moments are what I consider “bright spots,” reminders that, despite the challenges ahead, there are still so many people who care deeply about the collective and who believe in a brighter future for our state.
Jai Winston, Board Chair of Illinois Humanities, shares a moment with the audience at A People’s Salon, an evening of connection, creativity, and community.
A powerful presence at A People’s Salon: Jai Winston, Board Chair of Illinois Humanities, joins the evening’s celebration of storytelling and civic dialogue.
And while we face real challenges, including a significant loss in federal funding, we refuse to lose momentum because we know the strength of our community.
We’ve already seen an outpouring of support from donors, foundations, and partners who believe in this work. And we know that together, we can meet this moment. In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll see that vision come to life through some truly amazing moments and announcements:
- Illinois 250 – As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Illinois Humanities is taking a lead role, launching a statewide series of free public programs that honor the people and stories shaping our democracy.
- We’re proud to share that Illinois Humanities has received a generous "Meeting the Moment” gift from the MacArthur Foundation, a powerful affirmation of our mission to foster dialogue, community, self-reflection, and civic engagement through the humanities. This timely support helps strengthen our ability to respond in this dynamic moment. We’re deeply grateful for this investment .
- One State in the Arts and Humanities 2025 – This November, in partnership with the Illinois Arts Council, we’ll bring together artists, organizers, and cultural workers from across Illinois to explore how the humanities can help us navigate change, build resilience, and imagine new futures. Join us for bold conversations, creative collaborations, and a celebration of the power of place.
Most importantly, I invite you to join us in our vision of an Illinois where the humanities are central to building a more just, creative, and connected state.
Board Chair Jai Winston and Executive Director Gabrielle H. Lyon at Collections, celebrating the people, partnerships, and stories that shape Illinois Humanities.
Come celebrate five decades of impact and possibility at our 50th Anniversary Gala, Illinois Humanities: Momentum, and help us look ahead to the future we’re shaping together. Attend an upcoming event and experience the humanities in action, whether through a community dialogue, a public program, or a creative gathering that brings people together across Illinois. Or make a gift, no matter the size, to help us continue reaching communities, lifting voices, and protecting the impact we’ve built together.
The public humanities are essential to realizing this vision for Illinois, and whether you attend, sponsor, or donate, your support ensures this work continues to thrive.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
With deep gratitude,
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Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
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Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations, or our funders.
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