SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)- For Black History Month, Springfield city leaders met to celebrate achievements the city has made. Among the list of recent achievements, the city currently has the most simultaneously serving alderpeople of color, the most people of color in a mayor’s cabinet, and the most Springfield police officers of color.
“We take a moment to embrace the city, not for the sake of a pat on the back, but to pay homage to the city’s firsts,” said Gwen Harrison, Director of the Lincoln Library and honoree at the event. “It is time to continue to move forward with heart, courage and tenacity. It is time to remind our youth and citizens that there are paths that may be taken, roads that we must build, and strides that will be surmounted.”
As part of the celebration, a group of youth dancers performed two songs, and a musical trio played a selection of songs. The common theme was the importance of representation for youth.
“With me growing up, I didn’t see a lot of officers of color in this position, and I believe that had I would have seen that, it would have just gave me idea to, you know, you don’t have to necessarily be an athlete or musician,” said Lonnie Lucas, a patrol officer for Springfield Police Department. “There’s other things that you can do and be great at it.”
For Sergeant Charles Peters, who has worked at SPD for 10 years, the representation goes beyond him. He is excited that his daughter can see women of color in power in the city.
“I’m definitely extremely hopeful,” said Peters. “I’m extremely excited. I have a young daughter, and she can look at all the directors and see that I can be that one day, they look like me. They’re women like like she is.”
Honorees at the event included the three members of the Black Aldermanic Caucus: Lakeisha Purchase, Shawn Gregory, and Roy Williams. The city’s Director of Communications, Haley Wilson; Director of Community Relations, Ethan Posey; and Director of the Lincoln Library, Gwen Harrison, were all honored as well. The event also recognized the Springfield Police Department’s efforts to increase diversity.