A round-up of news from across the state.
State rep calls for equity in funding for HIV in Black community
SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) highlighted the disparity in health outcomes for Black Illinois residents.
“We cannot afford inaction while Black communities face disproportionately high rates of HIV/AIDS illness and limited access to life-saving resources,” she said at press conference with the Black Leadership Advocacy Coalition for Healthcare Equity (BLACHE) for Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Racism is still a public health issue, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Although Black Americans make up just 14% of Illinois’ population, they comprise 48% of new HIV diagnoses and 52% of existing AIDS diagnoses — a percentage that has remained unchanged for almost two decades..
Springfield state historic sites to celebrate Black History Month
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois state historic sites in Springfield will present a variety of engaging hikes, talks, tours, and films to commemorate Black History Month in February.
All events are free, open to the public, and require no reservations. Programs are put on in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; the Illinois State Museum; Lincoln Library, Springfield’s public library; the Illinois State Military Museum; and Fever River Research.
The 1908 Race Riot Walking Tours begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 and Friday, Feb. 28 at the Lincoln statues at Sixth and Adams streets. The walking tour will take visitors through downtown Springfield near the Old State Capitol to learn about the destruction that took place in 1908.
Black History Cemetery Hikes begin at the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 in Springfield’s historic Oak Ridge Cemetery. The hikes focus on Springfield’s Black community. Water and walking shoes are recommended. The tomb is at 1500 Monument Ave.
Turnpike Troubadours to perform at Illinois State Fair Aug. 17
SPRINGFIELD – Turnpike Troubadours will perform at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Sunday, Aug. 17.
“Turnpike Troubadours perform a unique kind of music that we are happy to have at the Illinois State Fair,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “This band will feel right at home here in central Illinois.”
Turnpike Troubadours have racked up 1.5 billion streams globally and are selling out arenas and headlining festivals.
Tickets for Turnpike Troubadours will go on sale Saturday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.
Eaglets are briefs about news and events for the community. It is published most days. The deadline to submit a brief is 5 p.m. most weekdays to be published the following day. Briefs may be edited for length and clarity. Send briefs to illinoiseagle217@gmail.com or use our submission form.
