A Road Scholar Program by Gregg Bonelli

Power is a social mechanism. Doing something, not doing something; sometimes, just having it can influence events. Using power for good brings a social benefit. Abusing it, even for arguably noble reasons, brings collateral damage to the social structure. Illinois has an important place in the use and abuse of power. It was here that the Blackhawk treaty forced the Native Americans to accept the reality that white men would own the land they had been living on. Here too that the power of democratic government gave voice to the wishes of the high and low of society and helped shape the future of our country. This program is intended to show an overview of historic events in Illinois in which the state abused its power and the legal consequences that followed.

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact Becky Ault, 618.292.4793.