Public event to honor the life of Eugene Williams 100 years after his death
By Raymond Ward, The New 411
The Chicago History Museum and DuSable Museum of African American History will join forces to remember the race riots that altered Chicago’s socio-political atmosphere 100 years ago during “1919 Red Summer: Chicago Remembers.” Artists and historians will lead the way in honoring the life of Eugene Williams and others affected by police brutality and segregation in Chicago. The event is free and open to the public on July 27, 2019.
“The Chicago History Museum strives to create programming that highlights the city’s most impactful moments in history, and we are honored to present “1919 Red Summer: Chicago Remembers” to reflect on a time of violence and political change in our city,” said Nancy Villafranca, Director of Education at the Chicago History Museum. “Partnering with the DuSable Museum of African American History and showcasing forms of expressive art embodies the Chicago History Museum’s commitment to shed light on Chicago’s history and inspire change.”
Interdisciplinary artists, Jefferson Pinder and AJ McClenon, will join the event to engage Chicagoans in a performance on the beach as part of Pinder’s Red Summer Road Trip series. Inflatables crafted specifically for the event will allow participants to float on the lake together to memorialize the site of violence against Chicago teenager Eugene Williams 100 years later. Other program elements include a presentation by Julius Jones, assistant curator at the Chicago History Museum, and performances from Lethal Poetry, After School Matters and the DuSable Museum, Momma Kemba as Ida B. Wells, Avery, and Red Clay Dance Company.
“The DuSable Museum of African American History is committed to sharing the poignant stories of African Americans in Chicago and beyond,” said Erica Griffin, Director of Education at the DuSable Museum. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Chicago History Museum to present ‘1919 Red Summer: Chicago Remembers’ to honor the lives of those affected during the Red Summer of 1919 and continue to encourage progress in our communities and around the world.”
“1919 Red Summer: Chicago Remembers” will take place on July 27, 2019, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Margaret T. Burroughs Beach. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: https://www.chicagohistory.org/event/1919-red-summer-chicago-remembers/.
About The Chicago History Museum
The Chicago History Museum serves as a hub of scholarship and learning, inspiration and civic engagement. The Museum has dedicated more than a century to celebrating and sharing Chicago’s stories through dynamic exhibitions, tours, publications, special events and programming. Located at 1601 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Museum collects and preserves millions of artifacts, documents and images to help audiences connect to the city and its history. To learn more visit www.chicagohistory.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.
