Lovejoy & Parkland
I was in the library archives to research Parkland’s history and I encountered something I thought was interesting.
Illinois Public Junior College Act of 1965 created what is now known as our Parkland, but it started out as the District 505 Junior College. On March 11th, 1967, District 505 Junior College asked the community to submit ideas for a new name for the college.
Some of the submission letters are still surviving in the archives today. Some letters wanted the college to be closely linked to nature, like Lake of Woods Junior College and Lake View Junior College. There were a couple that suggested names of significant Illinois citizens like past U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen, who was detailed to be “as much Illinois as our corn fields.”
But one man who stood out to me was Elijah P. Lovejoy, with such a name for starters. They left a simple, neat description of the man whose name was in suggestion for leading the future education of many Illinoisans.
“He was an unsung hero. His heartbeat was thick and proud as he thought of the glorious achievements of his countrymen!” Now that’s a description. I needed to know more.
On November 9th, 1802, Elijah Parish Lovejoy was born in Albion, Maine. He was a graduate of Waterville (Colby) College and Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1827, Lovejoy set off for Saint Louis, Missouri, which began his work with journalism.
He eventually became an editor of the St. Louis Observer. This publication is where his he did his most important work.
He used his platform to condemn slavery and support eventual emancipation. All in Missouri, a slave state! Soon, he caught much traction. In 1835 men in the St. Louis area came together to sign a petition demanding he rescinded his comments and stop campaigning for the end to slavery.
Lovejoy responded in true American fashion, telling them it’s a “free” country, so he’ll publish whatever he pleases. Needless to say, after threats of mob action, Lovejoy moved over the Mississippi to “free” Illinois- Alton, to be exact. Despite his move, the pro-slavery violence followed his new press.
On November 7, 1837, Elijah P. Lovejoy was murdered for trying to save his press. His death created a great stirring of action in Northerners, though it would take almost 25 more years for the civil war to come to fruition.
Before finding traces of his name in a box of forgotten letters, I had no idea who this man was. As a fellow journalist, I find myself moved by his will to continue to write what he knew was right, despite the backlash and violence which came.
Writing Contest
Lovejoy deserves to be known by other Cobras, as they almost bore his name. So, I am creating this writing contest to celebrate his life and give awareness to his name.
Submit a piece, whether it be a poem, essay, or short story with a theme of freedom.
When have you felt the freest to be who you are?
Is it through a class at Parkland? Is it through art?
You could create a short story of a character experiencing their freedom against the clash of conformity.
We can celebrate our freedom to be individuals with this contest.
The due date for entering will be November 14. Submit your entries to ncarsten1@stu.parkland.edu.
The winner will be announced and featured on the Prospectus on November 16. Good luck, Cobras!
