THANKS FOR SAVING IT
Ken Page and the Prince Hall Masons Lodge are to be commended for saving the former Black Firehouse (“Battling the fires of racism,” June 11). Our elected officials obtaining grants for preservation efforts through the years also play an important role. The 1908 Race Riot Monument and Cultural Area Designation will enable more appreciation of the courage of the firefighters that ventured forth on Aug. 13-14, 1908, to save their neighborhood.
Stephen Myers
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
GREAT PROGRESS
Living in the neighborhood, I delight in watching the progress. I look forward to the door installation and the transom window. The yellow brick is beautiful. Architect Bruce Ferry and a colleague were over the other day to check out the work.
Kathryn Harris
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
NOT JUSTICE
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Earl Moore Jr. A sentence of probation and community service is a miscarriage of justice and does not fit the crime committed (“EMT charged with murder sentenced,” June 25). Cadigan stated himself that he had worked in EMS for 24 years. He knew better, and his actions were more than just negligent – they were malicious.
As someone with that much experience, he understood exactly what his responsibilities were and chose not to uphold them. Moore lost his life, yet the punishment amounts to little more than a slap on the wrist. I cannot imagine how Moore’s family feels knowing that this is the outcome. Probation and community service may be appropriate for some offenses, but not for conduct that resulted in such a tragic and preventable death. The people of Springfield deserve better, and so does Moore’s family.
Hayley Lane
Springfield
WHO DO YOU CALL?
The recent court decision for the EMT worker who was one of two people that were supposed to be assisting Earl Moore but instead caused his death should make those in the African American community of Springfield wonder who we should call for help. I say this in reminisce of the killing of Sonya Massey, who called for help and received death instead. What are we doing? I say we because everyone in this community should feel and realize the injustice that exists between these two acts. I say this because again, it raises the question again of, in my words, the demon of racism.
Where are the chosen leaders’ statements or responses to this verdict? I do commend the nationally known lawyer, Ben Crump, for his office’s involvement, and Teresa Haley’s support of the family. But what about others? If you are going to take leadership roles in the community, then you should step up when there is clearly an injustice involved.
Being a man called, and ordained by the Lord God, I feel for all involved in these separate incidents that has caused the community of Springfield to look bad before the nation and world. Although we want to call it racism, I look at it more as a battle between good and evil. We need to call on the Lord God to eradicate these demons from among us.
Minister Gary Pierce
Key of David Ministries
Springfield
This article appears in July 2, 2026.
