Black Panther Party History in Illinois: The South Side Story

Historian Leila Wills, executive director of the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, presents the South Side story of the chapter during this milestone anniversary year. The talk covers the relocation of headquarters from the West Side, the community programs that followed, and the government surveillance the group faced — then introduces the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois, a public history project that documents the related sites across the city. The event runs Saturday, September 19, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at the Walker branch. Sign language interpretation and other accessibility accommodations are available with 14 business days' notice.