The Book That Reveals Hidden Racism…
By Anthony Saluto
James w. Loewen spoke at the Mclean County Museum of History on Thursday September 13. His book, Sundown Towns covers the subject of towns, many right here in Illinois, where hidden racism still exists and how we can eliminate it. Loewen is well versed on the subject, having
taught race relations at the University of Vermont for 20 years. After the downtown presentation, Loewen presented at Milner library and Capen Auditorium he also spoke on other subjects.At the Mclean County Museum of History, Loewen had a nice audience of about 53. His audience consisted of a wide array of people, many differences in personal backgrounds and ages, including students and even Mayors.
Loewen Talked about ‘white forced communities’. One member of the audience said 90% of the lecture was sad and shameful.
One question was, “what can we do about this?” Loewen’s reply was a simple one. He instructed people not to move to communities where there is blatant racism and to notify people like himself or others.
Loewen’s has numerous books in print. People were walking out having bought piles of his books.
FARMERS MARKET PULLS IN TOUR
By Anthony Saluto
The big red bus was something I didn’t normally see on my walk through Downtown Bloomington’s Farmer’s Market and Artist Alley. With my large lens in tow I hadn’t decided yet to take photos of the event. I was just looking around for something interesting. But once you start looking with photos in mind, at the square on Saturday morning, there is no escaping the ambiance that the event seems to spread. The Peoria charter Coach Co, http://www.peoriacharter.com/, was pulled up to the event and was empty. So, I started asking around. I spoke with farmers markets own Elaine Sebald about the tour which is headed by Sally Davis. Sebald has been a volunteer coordinator of the event for last 8 years. “Mike McNeil recruited me back in 2000 when it was at the parking lot by Lincoln garage”, Sebald says. In asking about attendance, “in peek weeks we estimate attendance at 3-5,000 people”, Sebald adds, “There are about 45 booths total and 37 of those are farmers. The market will go through October 27. Then we’ll have a market inside the US Cellular Coliseum on November 17th, which should enable the town’s people to stock up on Thanksgiving Day ingredients, pies, decorations, and much more.”
When I spoke with Sally Davis, she was excited about her Bloomington trip. “We had such a great time here” Davis said. Normally they go to the St. Louis area or the Chicago area on 3-4 tours a year. After spending time on the downtown streets the tour was scheduled for lunch at the Garlic Press in Uptown Normal. “We were welcomed with snacks and the owners at the Garlic Press, everyone was so nice” Davis told me. Along with a stop at the Bronze Frog and World Gourmet, the charter toured several organic farms in the area. “All together we had 28 people on the bus”, explained Davis. The tours go for $63 through Peoria Coach Charters. Among the farms they visited were, Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm (http://www.roppcheese.com/ ) off of Rabb Road. Davis elaborated,” We got a tour of cheese making that was wonderful”. Others included Wettstein Organic Farms. Here they spent about 45 minutes sampling beef, lamb, and chicken. “We basically sampled food all day long” Davis says, “Tasting 6-8 varieties of tomatoes.” at the Blue School House Farm was part of the tour. Ms. Davis explained, “The whole trip raises awareness of organics, and new methods which we all learn from”. Henrys farm had 500 varieties of vegetables and lots of methods. While there, they took a walking tour. (This) “Downtown Farmers Market had many special samples for tasting when we arrived and we felt so welcome here” she added. I guess we get her vote!
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photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
editing, maggie saluto borkholder
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Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
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