"As in many other states, coal mining towns in Illinois are having to face a new future--one without the mines and plants that were such an important part of their communities. Writer Abigail Bobrow traveled to Gillespie, Illinois, to meet with Dan Fisher, a community organizer in Gillespie who is partnering with the University of Illinois Extension to help revitalize the town's economy.
"Built on Coal" is a narrative piece that brings the reader closer to the topic by focusing on one town, providing historical context and the perspective of a man who is fighting for a better future for his town. With a history of miners in the family, Dan embodies both the past, present, and future of towns just like Gillespie. At STORIED, we try to explore issues of relevance to wider society and make an Illinois connection for our readers, and that is just what we did with this piece."
From the Judges
Compelling story that gives the reader a strong sense of the universities impact.
