Bill Kemp has served as librarian/archivist for the McLean County Museum of History in downtown Bloomington, IL since July 2003. He has graduate degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield and Illinois State University.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Grave Marker Project

Dr. Jeremy Krock

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April 18
7:00 p.m.
Illinois State University
Milner Library, Main Floor

Dr. Jeremy Krock is an anesthesiologist who lives and works in Peoria. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Still University Health Sciences/Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 1984. In 2003, Dr. Krock began the Project (http://www.nlbgmp.com/) that has placed over 25 grave markers at unmarked graves of former Negro League baseball players, an umpire, and a sportswriter. He has been interviewed by the Chicago Tribune, ESPN, National Public Radio, New York Times, MSNBC, and Sports Illustrated.

Press coverage
"Milner to host founder of Negro Leagues Project" - Vidette (4/14/12)

From Cuban Giants to Cuban Stars: The International World of Black Baseball

Dr. Adrian Burgos, Jr.

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April 26
7:00 p.m.
Illinois State University
Milner Library, Main Floor

Adrian Burgos, Jr., is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Illinois, specializing in U.S. Latino history, urban history, and sport history. His latest book, a biography of Alex Pompez entitled Cuban Star: How One Negro League Owner Changed the Face of Baseball, was published in 2011 by Hill & Wang. His first book, Playing America’s Game(s): Baseball, Latinos, and the Color Line, received the inaugural Latino/a Book Award from the Latin American Studies Association and was also a Seymour Medalist Finalist. His academic writings have appeared in the Journal of American Ethnic History, Journal of Sport and Social Issues, and Social Text, among other academic and popular venues.

Press coverage
"Baseball historian reveals unknown stories of discrimination" - J-News (5/9/12)

Negro League Baseball: Yesterday & Today

Ernie L. Westfield

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May 3
7:00 p.m.
Illinois State University
Milner Library, Main Floor

Ernie L. Westfield played for the Cubs’ Organization in 1958 when he finished high school. He is a former Negro League baseball player who pitched for the Birmingham Black Barons. He was the starting pitcher for the last East-West All-Star game August 20, 1960 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL. After baseball, Ernie received a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and worked with the Illinois Department of Employment Security for 31 years retiring in 1999. Now he is the CEO of ELW Enterprise, which specializes in Negro Leagues memorabilia.

Press coverage
"Negro League Baseball player speaks on history" - Vidette (5/3/12)