Inside Baseball – Southern Illinois’ Connection to the Legacy of the Negro National League — Honoring Juneteenth | Short Film & Panel Discussion

Saturday, June 13, 2026
12:00 PM 1:30 PM

Honoring Juneteenth: A Living History Event

While the official holiday is observed later in the week, Artspace 304 invites you to join them on June 13 in honor and celebration of Juneteenth.

We are pleased to present in partnership with Illinois Humanities,

A presentation and panel discussion, and a tribute to the legacy and impact of the Negro National League through the lens of a Southern Illinois connection.

Short Film Honoring a Family Legacy – Allen “Memphis” Johnson

We’ll start with a short film by Southern Illinois independent filmmaker Dan Johnson, documenting personal reflections from the family of lifelong Mounds, IL resident Alsandra Lewis, whose father, Allen “Memphis” Johnson, was the owner of a Negro National League baseball team.

Then, Alsandra Lewis herself will join us in a panel discussion, sharing first-hand reflections, with time for a Q&A.

Get Creative

We’ll conclude with an interactive, family-friendly creative arts project to further honor and celebrate.

Panelists

Alsandra Lewis and Jody Johnson, who helped create Lessons from Baseball (a middle school program for Southern Illinois students)
Additional panelists to come

Event Details

FREE & Open to the public
Date: Saturday, June 13
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: Artspace Southern Illinois — 304 Cultural Arts Center, 304 W. Walnut Street, Carbondale
Light refreshments provided