Join Dr. Brian Mitchell of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for a talk on the African American community of late 19th-early 20th century Springfield. African American history in Springfield has been overshadowed by the legacy of the Springfield Riot/Massacre of 1908. Although traumatic, the massacre does little to illustrate the complexity and connectiveness of Black Springfield. Late 19th and Early 20th century Springfield, offered an abundance of opportunity for those African Americans who were enterprising, educated, and entrepreneurial. The story of Black Springfield is one of resiliency, community, and risk taking. My lecture explores some of the more notable personalities of Black Springfield in hopes  of having a better understanding of Springfield’s diverse history.