Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

10/14/2026

🎤 MEET OUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES: BETHAL MILES! 🎤

We are thrilled to announce Bethal Miles TV as the Master of Ceremonies for the 15th Annual Honoring Our Heritage Gala! ✨

A proud South Chicago, Illinois, native, Bethal is an award-winning journalist whose passion for storytelling, community connection, and authentic voices shines through in everything he does. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a degree in journalism while competing in track and field as a discus thrower, Bethal began his professional career in Jackson, Mississippi, building his experience as a reporter covering breaking news and stories that matter to the community.

Beyond the newsroom, Bethal brings a dynamic presence to the stage, having hosted step shows and live events across the country, from West Virginia to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, including the Chicago and university student chapters, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

With his love for storytelling, engaging personality, and commitment to authentic connections, we know Bethal will help make this year's gala an unforgettable celebration of heritage, culture, and community!

Join us as we celebrate 15 years of honoring our heritage, uplifting our community, and celebrating the legacy that connects us all! ❤️🖤💚

📅 If you still need to purchase tickets, check out https://spiaahm.org/gala-ticket-%26-ad-sales or visit us in person!

10/08/2026

The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum will be closed Friday, October 9, 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

09/16/2026

Join Us This Saturday at 2 PM for “I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots."

Join us at AAHM, 1440 Monument Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, for a meaningful presentation featuring Tiffany Lee, CEO of Think Black Cultural Media Group and an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar.

The program will feature a 17-minute short documentary, followed by an opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives from people who experienced the riots.

This is an opportunity to listen, learn, reflect, and engage with personal stories and perspectives that help us better understand our community’s history.

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 1440 Monument Ave., Springfield, IL 62702

Come be part of the conversation and bear witness to the stories.

09/15/2026

🎬 I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots

Join us for a powerful presentation by Tiffany Lee through the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars program.

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM

Tiffany Lee will present "I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots", sharing the stories and history behind these underrepresented stories of racial violence in American history. The program will also feature a screening of her short film, bringing these stories to life through film.

This is an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect on the history that continues to shape our communities.

Please join us for this meaningful and engaging program. Mark your calendar and bring a friend!

Tiffany Lee is part of Illinois Humanities 2026-27 Road Scholars Sp...

09/12/2026

Today marks the solemn 25th anniversary since the September 11th terrorist attacks. We honor the first responders and victims, as well as the survivors who continue to carry their experiences with strength and dignity. We stand with the families and every person affected by that day.

May remembrance call us toward resilience, unity, and care for one another. In honoring the past, we reaffirm the importance of compassion and community.

09/04/2026

SAVE THE DATE

PROMISES LONG DENIED
For generations, our communities have fought for promises of equality, justice, opportunity, and freedom; organizing, marching, building, and raising their voices to make those promises real.

For 15 years, the "Honoring Our Heritage" Fundraising Gala has celebrated that legacy while investing in the work still ahead.

This year’s theme, “Promises Long Denied,” calls us to remember what was promised, recognize what remains unfinished, and recommit ourselves to a future where justice is not delayed and opportunity is not denied.

Join us for an evening of history, reflection, celebration, and community as we honor those who came before us and help carry their work forward.

📅 SAVE THE DATE
📍 Details Coming Soon

Our history inspires us.
Our community moves us.
Our future depends on us.

09/03/2026

🎬 I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots

Join us for a powerful presentation by Tiffany Lee through the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars program.

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM

Tiffany Lee will present "I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots", sharing the stories and history behind these underrepresented stories of racial violence in American history. The program will also feature a screening of her short film, bringing these stories to life through film.

This is an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect on the history that continues to shape our communities.

Please join us for this meaningful and engaging program. Mark your calendar and bring a friend!



https://youtu.be/en79o6GPulE?si=XXWWSVZFfbqGJZ5

Tiffany Lee is part of Illinois Humanities 2026-27 Road Scholars Sp...

08/18/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Jesse White Foundation, Official, for providing "Back to School" bags for two of our Black History Bowl participants!

Ms. Arielle and Ms. Yaccari are proud graduates of Springfield Public Schools - District 186 and are headed off to begin their freshman year of college.

Thanks to this thoughtful donation, each student received a laptop and other essential school supplies to help ease the financial burden of starting college.

Thank you for investing in our students and helping them begin this next chapter with the tools they need to succeed! 📚💻✨

Congratulations, ladies, and best wishes on your college journey! 🎉