The Country and The City
Our social and political discourse reflects deep divisions between urban and rural Illinoisans, yet those who are familiar with both city and rural communities often comment that their residents’ needs, concerns, and values may be more similar than they initially seem. To what extent can rural and urban Illinoisans find common ground on issues that affect both the country and the city? Explore the ways we have approached this question together through history, art, and discussion in The Country and the City programs.
Harold Washington: Roots, Branches, and Bridges Across Illinois
2025
This event explored 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 (which can be viewed below), and a discussion focused 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!
Kaskaskia and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union
2022
This series tells the rich history of Kaskaskia, Illinois, our state's first capital, and the demographic, cultural, and political shifts that impacted the democratic vision of the region.
By considering what “a more perfect Union” may have meant to people throughout the region’s history, we can examine our own aspirations for a more perfect Union.
Kaskaskia and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: Part 1
Kaskaskia and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: Part 2
People, Places, and Power
2020
This program examines the relationship between population distribution and the allocation of political power and public resources from the vantage points of places in Illinois where that relationship is especially significant.
Distribution: People, Places, and Power – Fulton County Edition
Distribution: People, Places, and Power – Cook County Edition
Watch more from the Country and the City series on our YouTube channel.
Contact Us
Fairouz AbuGhazaleh
Director of Statewide Programs
statewide@ilhumanities.org
(312) 374-1553
Funders
Contact
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312.422.5580 312.374.6787 Fax
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