The Legacy Wall, a Chicago-based traveling interactive LGBT history exhibit, will be on display on the main floor of Illinois State University's Milner Library Feb. 15-27 in Normal, Illinois. The free exhibit was created by the Legacy Project, a Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to recognizing the contributions LGBT individuals have made to world history and culture.
The large Legacy Wall exhibit features stories of LGBT people from all walks of life throughout history who have made great contributions in more than 20 distinct fields. Featured individuals include social justice pioneer Jane Addams; civil rights organizer Bayard Rustin; British mathematician Alan Turing; U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan; astronaut Sally Ride; artist Michelangelo; and the Rev. Mychal Judge, the "Saint of 9/11." In addition to historical content, the exhibit also highlights the challenges faced by LGBT youth and includes data on the effectiveness of including LGBT-related content in general education for substantially lowering the incidence of bullying in schools.
Speakers on the Illinois State campus during February will present on related topics. Carlos Figueroa of Ithaca College will speak about his latest book in the presentation "Bayard Rustin: Black Gay Quaker Thinker and Civil Rights and Labor Activist," at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center.
Librarian Bill Kemp from the McLean County Museum of History will present "Woman in Blue: Union Army Private Albert D.J. Cashier of Illinois" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, on the main floor of Milner Library. The talk will cover the life of transgender Civil War veteran Albert Cashier.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, Barb Dallinger will interview Windy City Times publisher and executive editor Tracy Baim about her new book, Barbara Gittings: Gay Pioneer. Baim will also speak about founding the alternative paper, Windy City Times, and how she became interested in LGBT historical figures, including several who are included on the Legacy Wall. That event will be held on the main floor of Milner Library.
The Legacy Wall exhibit is endorsed by the Illinois Secretary of State, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Department of Tourism, the Illinois Municipal Relations Association, and the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance.
The display of the Legacy Wall at Illinois State University is co-sponsored by the Prairie Pride Coalition and Milner Library.
