PHOTOS: Black Panther Party Exhibit Reception
First Historical Marker Unveiled
The private reception was at 5:00 p.m. in Chase Hall. The exhibit runs in the Sanctuary Gallery from August 7 through September 28.
We wanted to do something special for our members and friends.
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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.
In its former life, the Epiphany Center for the Arts was the Church of the Epiphany, a place deeply intertwined with the history of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. The Chapter held many meetings and rallies here, earning it the title of the People's Church.
Members of the Illinois Chapter after unveiling the Spurgeon “Jake” Winters People’s Medical Care Center historical marker. Deputy Minister of Health Ronald “Doc” Satchel is featured above the marker.
The Illinois Chapter held a rally at the People's Church on December 3, 1969, hours before Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton and Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark were assassinated by the FBI in collusion with Chicago police. It is the site of Chairman Fred's last public speech on December 3, 1969.
The People's Church, with its stunning architecture, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It is also the first location the Historical Preservation Society (HPS) added to the Illinois Chapter's groundbreaking Thematic Listing on the National Register of Historic Places. We feature the People's Church on the developing Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois.
Exhibit Curator Leila Wills at the Opening Reception
In the first wave of historical markers, the HPS will place 13 markers at significant Illinois Chapter sites, including the People's Church and the influential Spurgeon "Jake" Winters People's Medical Care Center. Like the Free Breakfast for Children Program, the medical center manifested the Black Panther Party's commitment to the people and is responsible for significant legislative change.
At this private reception, we unveiled our first marker dedicated to the Spurgeon "Jake" Winters People's Medical Care Center, which will be placed at 3850 W. 16th Street. This marker is sponsored by former members of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party who worked at the medical center. Their experience working at the center and their commitment to the people led to lifelong careers in medicine. We are honored that these revolutionary medical professionals joined us.
At the exhibit reception, curator Leila Wills provided a unique opportunity to learn about the preservation efforts underway to develop the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois. These efforts, including the creation of the Mark Clark Memorial Park in Peoria in collaboration with Defense Captain Mark Clark's family, are a testament to our commitment to preserving history. We are excited that his family joined us for this special occasion.
EVENT SPONSORS
Our opening reception and exhibit were made possible by the generosity of our sponsors: Chicago History Museum, Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, Epiphany Center for the Arts
PHOTOS!
Thank you to our photographer Corey Walden, our photographer sponsor Brian Gorman, our Onsite Event Manager Kathleen Spale, Jon Rice, Mike Klonsky, Rose Clark Morris and Chuck Carlson for submitting photos!
