March 18 Online Presentation: Unlocking Black Panther History in Illinois–Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark
PEORIA’S WARD CHAPEL, A.M.E. IS ON THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY HERITAGE TRAIL IN ILLINOIS
Free Community Events Leading to Historical Marker Installation
Registration Now Closed
Join us on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT for an engaging and enlightening event that marks the beginning of our free series leading to the dedication of our historical marker in Peoria.
Discover the rich history of the Black Panther Party in Illinois and delve into the vital roles of Mark Clark and Ward Chapel A.M.E. on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois.
Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of our collective heritage!
*You must register to receive the link to the program.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED: March 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Online Presentation
Unlocking Black Panther History in Illinois
Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark
*Email is required; you will receive a webinar link before the program.
WHO: The Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, Ward Chapel, A.M.E. and the family of Mark Clark are inviting the community to participate in a series of public programs leading to the installation and dedication of Ward Chapel’s historical marker. Mark Clark was assassinated with Illinois Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton on December 4, 1969, during an FBI and Chicago Police coordinated raid. These events are not just about sharing history but also about preserving and celebrating the legacy of Mark Clark. Partners include the Clark Virtual Museum, Trust for Public Land, and JAQ Corp Architects. Illinois Humanities sponsored the historical marker.
WHAT and WHY: Ward Chapel, A.M.E. Church stands as a unique site on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois. It is the only Peoria church that welcomed the Illinois Chapter’s Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark to establish a Free Breakfast For Children Program. This remarkable act firmly established Ward Chapel's place in Panther history. In December 2023, the National Park Service added the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party to the National Register of Historic Places, further cementing Ward Chapel's historical significance.
With its legendary past, Ward Chapel is not only the oldest black church in Peoria but also the oldest church in the city. It has hosted speeches from notable figures such as Fredrick Douglas and Booker T. Washington and is now a site on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail. Plans are underway to nominate Ward Chapel to the National Register of Historic Places.
WHEN and WHERE: These events lead to a public dedication and celebration of the Mark Clark and Ward Chapel historical marker on Mark Clark’s birthday, Saturday, June 28, 2025.
We invite you to join us at these free events!
PLEASE DONATE TODAY: Your Donations Help Us Preserve the History of the Illinois Chapter
Thank you for giving.