History Comes Alive

Topic: Henry Stephens, African American Coal Miner

Presenter: Doug King

Join Mr. Doug King as he discusses parts of his book, “Sundown Town” and African American coal miner, Henry Stephens. Based on a true story Stephens lead hundreds of African American coal miner families to Illinois from Alabama in search of a better life, only to find out the promise of a better life did not exist, and the continued pursuit of it could cost them their lives!

 Copies of his book “Sundown Town”, which was co-written by Kevin Corley, will be available for purchase.Mr. King’s professional career spanned almost 30 years in information technology. He served the community as a board member of the United Way and was a founder and president of the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum. He is currently retired and lives in Springfield with his wife Pamela. The couple have been married since 1971.