Prairie Fire: Season 3 - Episode 5 - February 2026

On February's all new Prairie Fire: a celebration of Black History Month. We'll take you to the University of Illinois where for one intense week every summer, Dr. Ollie Watts Davis brings kids from Central Illinois to campus to learn the music of Black Americans.  And Tinisha Spain speaks with Dr. Jeanne Morris about her legacy as a top educator and Black activist in Bloomington Normal.  And finally -- We'll introduce you to the art of Josh Garber, a sculptor who uses industrial materials to make eye popping works of art. 

Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM) Black Chorus Camp

No better way to mark Black History Month than by showcasing one of the coolest summer camps for high schoolers: the U of I Black Chorus Camp led by the estimable Dr. Ollie Watts Davis. This experience gives kids intense exposure to many of the forms of music created by Black Americans in a university setting. Kids dig deep to build confidence and performance skills as they prepare for a (fabulous!) grand finale concert.

A Conversation with...Dr. Jeanne Morris

Tinisha Spain sits down with Dr. Jeanne Morris, an pioneer in the field of early childhood education and a civil rights activist, in this special Black History Month conversation.

Josh Garber - Sculptor

We introduce you to a sculptor from Chicago who creates eye popping pieces of art using industrial materials.