Six new Community Hubs invite Illinoisans to re-envision justice

Great change happens in community. That’s why Illinois Humanities is proud to share a new initiative from the Envisioning Justice program: the creation of six new Community Hubs that will engage Illinoisans in arts and humanities programs to address the impacts of mass incarceration on a local level. 

Through grants and public programs, Envisioning Justice has worked closely with artists, educators, nonprofits, and community groups since 2017 to build relationships with Illinois communities impacted by mass incarceration. Nearly all of the individuals and organizations who have joined the program’s Community Hubs have been collaborators and grantee partners of Envisioning Justice for years. With their partnership, more Illinoisans will have the opportunity to become more informed and connected with the issues that impact themselves, their community, and their state.

“At Illinois Humanities, we know the humanities are central to a state that is just, creative, and connected.” Illinois Humanities Executive Director Gabrielle Lyon said. “Envisioning Justice Hubs across the state work locally in ways that strengthen our collective well-being for all Illinoisians. This effort is a critical investment in partner-centered work to strengthen the state’s cultural ecosystem.” 

Get to know our Community Hub partners:

• Beyond the Wall, Carbondale
• The Community Archive, East St. Louis
• Leanne Trapedo Sims, Knox College, Galesburg
• Shakespeare Corrected, Millikin University, Decatur
• YWCA McLean County, Bloomington-Normal
• Sam Smith, Krannert Performing Arts Center, Champaign-Urbana

Each of the organizations and individuals leading community hubs have been engaged in social justice work, the public humanities, and the arts, and take a community-responsive approach. 

The selected hubs collaborate with Illinois Humanities to bring visibility to organizations and programs that use the humanities and the arts to educate Illinoisans about mass incarceration, encourage healing, and invite change. In addition to receiving financial and capacity-building support, each hub is supported by Illinois Humanities to develop a suite of programs, events, or activities that are responsive to community needs.