A special presentation, featuring screenings of a powerful documentary about Black political organizing and influence within the Chicago Democratic political machine, is coming to Carbondale and Springfield on Jan. 19, courtesy of a Southern Illinois University System Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday event.
The free, public “Citizen Bowen DocuFilm and Book Tour” presentations will also include talkbacks with Charles Bowen, one of the few surviving insiders of the transformative era of Chicago politics from 1949 to 2005. Times and locations are:
- 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at the Dove Conference Center, 619 E. Mason St., Springfield.
- 5-7:15 p.m. at the Southern Illinois African American Heritage Center, 1237 E. Main St. in the University Mall, Carbondale.
Powerful presentations
Both sessions will begin with a screening of “Citizen Bowen.” After the 90-minute film, audience will enjoy a 45-minute discussion with Charles Bowen, the hero of the film.
At age 20, Bowen became the youngest precinct captain in the organization when he joined Chicago’s 2nd Ward Young Democrats in 1949. His expertise in bringing votes to the party quickly drew him into the powerful inner circle and under the leadership of Congressman William Dawson. Bowen learned to traverse and navigate complicated relationships with Chicago City Hall, the White House and organized crime. Now well into his 90s and semi-retired, Bowen will share behind-the-scenes stories, first-hand accounts and historically underrepresented narratives of a formative era of Black political leadership, Black muscle, Black money, and civic and political power in the Windy City.
Award-winning writer, director and cinematographer Michael NG Wright brings more than 30 years of experience to his role as director and editor of the documentary. His honors include a 2009 Emmy, seven Telly Awards and a 2025 Queens World Film Festival Best Cinematography. His career includes producing commercials for such major brands as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Sears. He’s currently in his 37th year as cinematography instructor at Columbia College Chicago.
The presentations are a collaborative effort from the Southern Illinois University System, SIU Carbondale, Columbia College Chicago, the NAACP Carbondale and NAACP Springfield Branches, the Southern Illinois African American Heritage Center and Wright Brothers Photoplay.
