Springfield, MO – Christine Peoples, is the Education Coordinator for Timmons Hall, Springfield/Greene County Park Board. She is spearheading a unique initiative to reconnect the local African American community with its rich history. The Silver Springs Programs and Projects Campaign Tour aims to inspire and empower community members by highlighting the past and promoting a positive vision for the future.
The tour, which has been underway for the past month, involves a series of visits to local churches, including Deliverance Temple, Grace Covenant Christian Center, Washington Avenue Church. Other churches that are contributing to the project are Faith Tabernacle, Freedom Baptist, and God’s House of Glory. These visits offer a platform to showcase the contributions of prominent African Americans, such as Alberta Ellis and Rev. Carter Timmons, who have shaped the community’s history.
Peoples emphasizes the importance of preserving historical artifacts, such as a Bible once owned by a Timmons Hall member and a brick from the demolished Gibson Chapel. In collaboration with MSU Special Collections, these items will be carefully preserved for future generations.
The tour also incorporates a focus on nutrition, with the distribution of fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein-powered snacks. This initiative in collaboration with Springfield Community Gardens allows farm-to-table access and aligns with the history of African American farmers and gardening to encourage healthier eating habits.
To bring history to life within Silver Springs Park, the tour encourages volunteering through transferable skill sets such as living history interpretations, docents, and wood-shop to assemble program pop-ups. Additionally, a modern version of the Green Book, the Green Book Passport, will be used to connect the community and historical events, fostering a sense of shared heritage.
A Program and Project Advisory Committee has been formed to involve church congregations in shaping community engagement and presence within community events and annual celebrations. By combining history, education, art, and health, the tour aims to empower individuals to share their stories and contribute to the revitalization of the communities’ shared history.
While challenges remain, such as raising awareness and maintaining momentum, Peoples is optimistic about the potential impact of the tour. By fostering community engagement and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the African American community, the Silver Springs Programs and Projects Campaign Tour is poised to leave a lasting legacy.
