The Springfield Urban League hosts a HBCU College & Cultural tour each year over spring break, offering high school students an enriching experience that exposes them to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as other culturally significant historical and national landmarks. This tour is designed to inspire and educate students, broadening their horizons […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Antiracism training and building the beloved community
A piece of artwork hangs over my desk. For more than 20 years of ordained ministry, it has reminded me of connections with others and a touchstone when the path is cloudy. It is an inscribed painting of the “Golden Rule” as translated from many faith traditions and ethical systems of the world. We share […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The promise of one world
We all know what a time waster surfing the internet can be yet, occasionally, something pops up which illustrates a truth, simply but profoundly. Sometime during the past year, I came upon such a story. It goes something like this. Somewhere in the U.S., a middle-aged man is standing in the checkout line at a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rooted in something more: The women reimagining community in downtown Springfield
There are businesses you visit because they offer something you like. And then there are businesses that, through action, remind a city what community is supposed to feel like. The team at Bloom is the latter. In a downtown Springfield landscape that is constantly evolving, Bloom has created a soft place to land at the […]
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Good trouble
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 […]
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The Passover Seder is an occasion for worship, storytelling and feasting
Before turning my attention to our Jewish festival of Passover, which will begin this year at sunset on Wednesday, April 1, I want to acknowledge the wonderful experience I recently had as a guest speaker at the motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. In conjunction with the Lenten season and in anticipation of […]
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Illinois Innocence Project marks 25 years of fighting wrongful convictions
The Illinois Innocence Project has come a long way since it began as the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project in 2001 at the University of Illinois Springfield. What started with a couple of professors, an investigator, a few UIS undergraduates and a handful of supporters intent on exonerating one innocent man has grown into an organization […]
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Reading the Bible through Jesus’ eyes
You may often hear how important it is for U.S. citizens to return to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights so we don’t lose sight of the wise but imperfect aspirations that birthed our nation into being. Equally for Christians, reading and praying with scripture keeps us grounded in the […]
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Ansar Shrine to bring back SOB Feztival
The annual Springfield Oyster & Beer Feztival will be returning this year at a new location and with a slightly different name, thanks to its new sponsor. Ansar Shrine, a Springfield-based fraternal organization, has announced plans to continue the traditional Labor Day weekend celebration. It will now be hosted at the Ansar Shrine Center in […]
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Free colon cancer test kits available
Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be distributed at several upcoming drive-thru events in Springfield, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Taylorville and Decatur, sponsored by the Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield Clinic and HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and we encourage everyone to take […]
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A call for humility
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:3,5 During this season of Lent, Christians around the world prepare for holy week which begins with Christ’s humble entrance into Jerusalem on Palm […]
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Opportunities blooming at LLCC’s spring career events
Career fairs and networking events do more than introduce students to employers. They open doors to possibility. At Lincoln Land Community College, connecting students to opportunity is central to our mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities through learning. These experiences extend the learning environment beyond the classroom. Students explore career pathways and strengthen essential […]
