News and Updates

The Heritage Trail Continues with the Better Boys Foundation
Historical Preservation Society Historical Preservation Society

The Heritage Trail Continues with the Better Boys Foundation

Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton and Deputy Minister of Education Billy “Ché” Brooks decided that the Archie Moore Boxing Gym would be a great place to start the first Free Breakfast for Children Program. After all, the gym was considered neutral territory in North Lawndale for the surrounding gangs, and Brooks was a member. All they had to do was convince Joseph Kellman and his board, which they did. The program opened on April 1, 1969.

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Peoria Dedication Success!
Historical Preservation Society Historical Preservation Society

Peoria Dedication Success!

On June 28, 2025, the first marker of the inaugural Heritage Trail was dedicated at Peoria’s Ward Chapel, A.M.E. Church. Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark started the city’s Free Breakfast for Children Program at the city’s oldest church. Mark was the first to be assassinated on December 4, 1969, in an FBI and Chicago police coordinated attack.

The church continued the feeding program until the COVID-19 pandemic, and the dedication was held on Mark’s 78th birthday.

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Demolished Panther Headquarters to Receive Historical Marker at Former Site
Historical Preservation Society Historical Preservation Society

Demolished Panther Headquarters to Receive Historical Marker at Former Site

As we announced last week, the City of Chicago has approved our first historical marker installation at 2350 W. Madison, the former location of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party headquarters. We will hold a dedication ceremony at 2350 W. Madison on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please join us!

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VIDEOS: Free Community Events Leading to Peoria Historical Marker Installation
Historical Preservation Society Historical Preservation Society

VIDEOS: Free Community Events Leading to Peoria Historical Marker Installation

The Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, Ward Chapel, A.M.E. and the Mark Clark family invite the community to participate in a series of public programs leading to the installation and dedication of Ward Chapel’s historical marker.

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PHOTOS: Heritage Trail Dedication and Celebration
Historical Preservation Society Historical Preservation Society

PHOTOS: Heritage Trail Dedication and Celebration

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, we invited our members, donors and friends to share the unveiling of all 13 historical markers marking the start of the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois.

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PHOTOS: Black Panther Party Exhibit Reception
Historical Preservation Society Historical Preservation Society

PHOTOS: Black Panther Party Exhibit Reception

On August 7, 2024, we marked a significant moment in history with the opening reception for an Epiphany Center for the Arts exhibit dedicated to the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. The exhibit, Preserving the Heritage of the Black Panther Party in Illinois, is a powerful testament to the chapter's enduring legacy, capturing its politics and programs.

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Bus Tour Success!
Historical Preservation Society Historical Preservation Society

Bus Tour Success!

We haven’t come down from our fantastic voyage on Saturday! We are so grateful for the turnout, the comradery, and all we learned to make it even better in the future. Thank you for sharing this special experience with us!

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Walter “Slim” Coleman: City-Wide Memorial May 30
Leila Wills Leila Wills

Walter “Slim” Coleman: City-Wide Memorial May 30

A special Sunday service dedicated to Rev.  Coleman will be held on April 21,  11:00 a.m., at Lincoln United Methodist Church, 2242 S. Damen Ave., Chicago. There will be a city-wide memorial honoring Rev. Coleman on May 30.  More details to come.

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Fred Hampton and Mark Clark Park
Historical Preservation Society Historical Preservation Society

Fred Hampton and Mark Clark Park

Franklin Park, 4320 W. 15th Street, is near several significant sites in North Lawndale, the most prominent Black Panther Party area.

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