Being a resident of this town often reminds you of the Vachel Lindsay poem Springfield Magical. Lindsay describes Springfield as “the City of my Discontent” and any longtime resident would second his sentiment. As a native of Springfield, I am all too familiar with the feeling of discontent this city breeds. Growing up here, I loathed the city for its lack of diversity, cultural enrichment and career opportunities. However, after leaving for college and living in other places, I have a newfound love and respect for my hometown. Springfield has a rich history and an even richer community of “good trouble” inhabitants. Over the years the “good trouble” that has happened in Springfield was because inhabitants have shown that at their core they are inherently for positive, effectual change. The inherent need for “good trouble” is part of what makes Springfield so magical!
A little over a century ago, in 1908 a deadly anti-Black race riot riveted the city, destroying a thriving black business and residential community. From this dismay, Springfield community-organizers from varying backgrounds formed one of our nation’s longest standing civil rights organizations, the NAACP. Currently, the local branch of the NAACP has been influential in ensuring our public schools’ consent decrees are followed to provide equitable and fair access for all students regardless of race.
A little more than 80 years later, Springfield community-organizers formed the grassroots organization One in a Million, Inc. (OIAM, Inc) after traveling to Washington, DC for the historic Million Man March. OIAM, Inc. has led the way in Springfield for service and historical programs to supplement the needs of low-income and minority inhabitants. Most notably OIAM, Inc. is responsible for the Eastside Pride coat drive and was the lead community organizer of the area’s Juneteenth celebration from 1994 to 2016.
On July 6, 2024, after calling 911 to report a prowler on her property, Sonya Massey was tragically killed at the hands of a Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy. After months of protests, rallies and public meetings, Springfield community-organizers convened to establish the Massey Commission. This citizens’ commission was established to take action and make recommendations that expand safe and equitable access to services by addressing systemic racism and mistrust in law enforcement and other helping professions.
From the bellows of discontent this city has birthed a plethora of other groups and organizations primed to make “good trouble.” Springfield has shown that when its inhabitants are fed up with their discontent they move to community organizing for effective and systemic change.
Since 2025, we have witnessed the erosion of our civil liberties and employment standards for workers all across this nation. This includes changes to child labor laws and minimum wage requirements. For many of us we spend our time either going to, coming from, or preparing for work. The one commonality most people have – rich or poor, black or white, citizen or non-citizen – is that we are all part of the labor force. Very few of us create the systems in which our discontentment lies. However, collectively we have the power to change the system. More than ever, right now is the time for Springfield’s labor force to rally together and answer the call to action. It is time for us to be more informed, be deeply engaged and get into “good trouble!”
The magic of Springfield is rooted in the passion of community organizers striving for meaningful, effective change. Let’s move the discontent we may have into powerful, meaningful and effective community organizing. Join us at Faith Coalition for the Common Good and answer the call to get into “good trouble!” The Faith Coalition for the Common Good was established by dedicated faith and community leaders to address social injustices and promote the common good in central Illinois.
Email Faith Coalition for the Common Good at info@faithcoalition-il.org. When you send the message, include the subject line “good trouble.” Include your name, address and telephone number in the call to action request.
Also, I invite you to Faith Coalition’s 2026 Spring Gala on April 24 at Erin’s Pavilion. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Faith Coalition website or via email.
Cherena Douglass is the vice-president of Faith Coalition’s representing AFSCME Local 2600. If you have any questions or want more information on how to get involved, email info@faithcoalition-il.org or visit https://faithcoalition-il.org/.
This article appears in March 12-18, 2026.
