IL Human Rights Commission

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Departure Commemoration May 9-10

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announces the annual Point of Departure Commemoration at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Madison County, Illinois, scheduled for May 9-10, 2026. The free event will feature military reenactors, historic artisans demonstrating trades such as candle making, leatherworking, blacksmithing and woodworking, and educational programming. An Education Day on May 8 will serve more than 550 students from nine school districts in Illinois and Missouri. The site is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and supported by the Lewis and Clark Society of America.

African Descent Reparations Commission Public Hearing - Chicago

The Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC) will hold a public hearing on April 25, 2026, at the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago. The hearing will discuss the Commission's 'Taking Account harms' report documenting economic, social, mental, and physical harms from slavery's legacy affecting Black Illinoisans. Featured speakers include Clayola Brown, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Brooks, Dr. William A. Darity Jr., and A. Kirsten Mullen. The event includes a public remarks segment for Illinois residents to share insights and experiences.

Illinois Awards $970,770 for Lake Michigan Shoreline Protection

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Coastal Management Program, a federal-state partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has awarded $970,770 in grants to eight Illinois organizations for coastal education, recreation, water quality monitoring, and engineering projects along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Recipients include the American Indian Center, Chicago Park District, Current Innovation Inc., Friends of the Forest Preserves, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Navy Pier, and OAI Inc.