Learn about the events and efforts of a small group of African American citizens from Atlanta, Illinois, who hosted an area-wide BBQ celebration at their local fairgrounds. The event noted the 12th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which granted freedom to the enslaved people of the United States.

The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble.  Narration was provided by Springfield Illinois actor, Reggie Guyton.

This episode is funded inpart by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Music by Chris Vallillo www.chrisvallillo.com
Ragtime Annie, Picayune Butler, Golden Slippers

Music by Mike Anderson and Royce Jones www.dulcimerguy.com
Lincoln and Liberty-Rosin the Bow

Sounds supplied by www.freesound.org by the following creators under various creative commons licenses: Cannon Blast: kyles; Train: FunWithSound; Outdoor Crowd: Kneeling; Civil War Music: adeluc4; Horse Gate/Mud: Canukfa; Horse Whinny: InspectorJ; Crowd Reactions: Craigsmith; Laughing: Richwise; Arkansas Traveler: ecfike; Crowd People: klankbeeld; Hammering: WIM; Audience Clap/Yell: klankbeeld; Marching Band: flathill; CrowdCheer: DeletedUser; Cheerful Clapping: qubodup