Seven Ways to Freedom: Founding New Philadelphia, Illinois with Abdul Alkalimat

The founding of New Philadelphia, Illinois, was an extraordinary act of courage, strategy, and determination. In this presentation, Abdul Alkalimat—descendant of the town’s founders, Frank and Lucy McWorter—shares the story of how the McWorters built a town, protected their freedom, and shaped Illinois history. The program invites audiences to think more deeply about freedom, community, and legacy.

This presentation is in partnership with Illinois Humanities Speakers Bureau Program. FREE admission for all.

ABOUT ABDUL ALKALIMAT:

Abdul Alkalimat wants to help raise public awareness of African American history, especially in the state of Illinois and the town of New Philadelphia, in which he is a descendant of the town’s founders.

Abdul Alkalimat (born Gerald McWorter) is a founder of the field of Black Studies and author of many books and papers about Black liberation. A lifelong scholar-activist, he wrote the first college textbook for the field, Introduction to Afro-American Studies, which has seen seven editions, the last one free and online.