September 30, 2021 – History of the Heartland and the African-American Cultural & Genealogical Society Museum of Illinois have nominated the late Horace Livingston, Jr. for addition to the Decatur Hall of Fame in the Decatur Civic Center. History of the Heartland has reviewed the criteria provided by the Chamber of Commerce and Livingston clearly qualifies. Horace “Buck” Livingston Jr., (1921-2014) was a local civil rights leader and the owner, editor, and publisher of “The Voice”, a newspaper focused on serving the black community.
More than any other individual, Horace Livingston was the local leader and instigator of the push for equal rights and equitable treatment for black citizens in Decatur. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Livingston was inspired by the example of Rosa Parks to take action. And while King took action on a national stage, Livingston initiated action locally. Livingston was among the earliest organizers of coordinated community actions that ultimately led to changes, both substantive and symbolic, that improved our community in establishing new norms, structures, and values that prevail today. Examples of Livingston’s impact include the integration of Decatur schools and neighborhoods.
“One of the missions of History of the Heartland is to preserve the stories of our people. Our organization works closely with the African American Museum on common interests in local history, ” says History of the Heartland chairman, Bret Robertson.
The final selection of nominees is done by the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce in coordination with the Mayor.
