by Kay Bolden

On the eve of what would have been his 94th birthday, the Joliet Area Historical Museum Honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by amplifying Black voices and organizations from the city’s south side. A special exhibit and panel discussion were presented by the Lewis University History Center’s project, Reclaiming the Narrative: Restoring Black Voices to the Story of Joliet.

“Partnering with the University and community members is part of an ongoing initiative of the Joliet Area Historical Museum (JAHM) to interpret area history in a more honest and inclusive manner,” said Greg Peerbolte, the museum’s Executive Director. “The Reclaiming the Narrative project certainly made it evident that Joliet’s African American churches and cultural organizations have long been responsible for collecting and documenting so much imperative – yet often overlooked – historical information.” The museum also featured a special display about the local history of the Civil Rights Movement, and King’s visit to Joliet during the 1960s.

Participating in the panel discussion were Deborah Summers of the National Hook-Up of Black Women; Gwen Ulmer of Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Deacon Edward and Janice Wood of Second Baptist Church; and Kay Bolden and Jeremy Bolden of Warren-Sharpe Community Center. Panelists spoke about the history of their organizations and the community members they serve. Speakers also lifted up the many notable Black elders from the past who overcame racial obstacles and paved the way for today’s progress.

“A part of the mission of the National Hook-Up of Black Women is to celebrate icons and to point out “Gold Stars” as they rise to the top in the field of arts, health, education, and community service,” Deborah Summers said.  “We take pride in those who came before us and continue to speak their names.” Summers also said she was pleased to note that their legacies were not only being added to the written narratives, but also preserved in the oral tradition of storytelling.

Led by Professor Dennis Cremin, Ph.D, and student coordinator Morgan Jennings, Reclaiming the Narrative collected artifacts, documents, photos and historical information about Black history on Joliet’s south side. Their research was used to create the traveling exhibit, which debuted at the January 14 Museum event. Funding was provided by a grant from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.

The exhibit will be on display at each of the four organization sites during Black History Month: February 4 at the National Hook-Up of Black Women; February 11 at Second Baptist Church; February 18 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church; and February 25 at Warren-Sharpe Center.

Reclaiming Joliet’s African American history will not be achieved with one project, however: it’s an ongoing, visionary process. Laura Franklin, DMA, Dean of College of Humanities at the university moderated the panel. “I think the biggest takeaway for all of us was learning the importance of listening to our community partners and letting them take the lead, “she said. “We realize just how much richness exists in Joliet’s Black community, and we know the work of our current project only scratches the surface.”