African American History Month events scheduled in Pullman

CHICAGO - Several programs and a special exhibit will mark the observance of African American History Month in Chicago's historic Pullman neighborhood. All of the events are free and open to the public.

Glennette Tilley Turner will present "The Story of the Underground Railroad in Illinois" on Sunday, February 10 at 3 p.m. at the Hotel Florence, Pullman State Historic Site, 11111 S. Forrestville Avenue. Turner is the author of The Underground Railroad in Illinois and is an advisor to the National Park Service as they develop the national historic Underground Railroad trail. Visitors may see the new "Every Day a Struggle" exhibit, and refreshments will be served.

Tuskegee Airman Melvin Knazze will lead a discussion and the films "Tuskegee Airmen" and "Night Fighters" will be shown on Friday, February 15 at 7 p.m. in the Historic Pullman Visitor Center, 112th and Cottage Grove Avenue. Refreshments will be served.

A gospel concert that will lead guests on a historical trip from before the Civil War to the present will be held Friday, February 29 at 7 p.m. at Greenstone (Pullman United Methodist) Church, 11201 S. St. Lawrence Avenue. Notable gospel performers and local talent will be featured during the evening.

A new exhibit, "Every Day a Struggle: African Americans and the Pullman Experience 1900 to 1930" may be viewed during the month of February at the Hotel Florence, Pullman State Historic Site. The exhibit features documents, photographs, illustrations, and newspaper accounts that highlight race relations and the Pullman factory and company town. The Pullman Porters, Chicago Defender, and the "Jim Crow" separate but not equal rail passenger cars are all examined in detail.

The African American History Month activities are sponsored by the Pullman Civic Organization, Pullman Visitor Center, Historic Pullman Foundation, Pullman State Historic Site, Greenstone Church, and the Bronzeville Historical Society.

The Pullman State Historic Site, including the Hotel Florence, is administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.