The 21st Show

Illinois’ most endangered locations include Black-founded town, affordable housing in Cairo

Produced by Jose Zepeda
 
The town of Brooklyn, Illinois, is on this year's list of most endangered places in the state. It's the oldest town incorporated by Black Americans in the United States.

The town of Brooklyn, Illinois, is on this year's list of most endangered places in the state. It's the oldest town incorporated by Black Americans in the United States. Photo courtesy Landmarks Illinois

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Every year, Landmarks Illinois releases its list of the most endangered places across the state. These are locations, which itself can be a physical building or full-on towns, that are being threatened by a lack of funding and/or maintenance, or development that doesn’t take into account the historic significance. 

The 21st Show was joined by two advocacy managers from Landmarks Illinois and two people working to preserve locations on this year's list.

GUESTS:

Quinn Adamowski 

Regional Advocacy Manager, Landmarks Illinois

Kendra Parzen

Advocacy Manager, Landmarks Illinois

Steven Tarver 

President, Men of Power, Women of Strength | Chair, Alexander County Resident Advisory Council

Roberta Rogers

President, Historic Society of Brooklyn, Illinois

 

The photo shows a tall, tan apartment complex.

The Connell F. Smith Sr. Building, a public housing complex in Cairo, Illinois, is slated to be torn down by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Landmarks Illinois says the move would displace 60 residents in a community that is already experiencing a severe housing shortage. (Photo courtesy Landmarks Illinois)

The Oak Cottage in Naperville is also on Landmarks Illinois' list. The cottage was built around 1850. (Photo courtesy Landmarks Illinois)

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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