DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Artifacts and their stories keep memories alive for the next generation. The African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society of Illinois Museum is one place to find those artifacts.
Executive director Evelyn Hood is dedicated to uncovering and preserving history.
"Whatever we do is a legacy for us. We may not see the ending, but that's okay. We are here to help make a better world," said Hood.
On the second floor, in a display case, is a black turban style hat that's not much different than the one a 42-year-old seamstress wore after work one day in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955.
When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a White man, she was arrested. Parks later said that she "was not tired...but tired of giving in."
"We can protest without violence," said Hood. "Your voice is your power."
Parks' arrest sparked a yearlong boycott of the segregated system. Thousands of Montgomery residents chose to walk, carpool, or ride in Black-owned cabs rather than take city buses. The boycott was led in part by Martin Luther King, Jr.
"We need to look at her, and Dr. King, and see how they got out of their comfort zone and spoke the truth," said Hood.
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