William Martin speaks to the audience at the Springfield Art Museum in character as A. Philip Randolph, the union activist who successfully organized railroad porters. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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Rod Smith in character as barber turned real estate entrepreneur Phillip Payton who became known as the “Father of Harlem.” (Photo by Jym Wilson)

A Juneteenth celebration performance of “I, Too, Am America” was held at the Springfield Art Museum on June 16.

This event was hosted by the NAACP of Springfield in partnership with the Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

Timmons Hall presented the Live Actors-Living History Tour. It focused on the Harlem Renaissance through the Museum galleries.

Find out more about this past weekend's activities by reading Jack McGee's feature story, “Three days of festivities in Springfield celebrate ‘second Independence Day.’”

Linda Carr portrays singer Nina Simone in a performance of “I, Too, Am America” at the
Springfield Art Museum on June 16. (Photo by Jym Wilson)
“Bessie”, left, played by LaNese Samuel and “Sadie”, played by Katherine Armstrong, the Delaney sisters, famous civil rights activists with ties to Springfield. (Photo by Jym Wilson)
“I, Too, Am America” writer/director Christine Peoples portrays “Everyone” as she embraces the character “Enslavement” played by Jessica Happy Musengesenge. (Photo by Jym Wilson)
Chris Grandberry’s character “America” is that of the universal Black maid. (Photo by Jym Wilson)
William Martin speaks to the audience at the Springfield Art Museum in character as A. Philip Randolph, the union activist who successfully organized railroad porters. (Photo by Jym Wilson)



Jym Wilson

Jym Wilson is a veteran photojournalist who has covered a multitude of topics throughout his career. He’s a Vermont native who began his career at the Burlington (VT) Free Press. He worked as a photo editor at USA Today for 18 years, specializing in entertainment coverage. His work has appeared in the Hauxeda since the day of its launch in 2022.
Email: jymwil@gmail.com More by Jym Wilson