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Illinois State Armory, built in 1936 and designated a Springfield landmark, hosted numerous historic events including speeches by Presidents Kennedy and Nixon, Muhammad Ali, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

State of Illinois included the Illinois State Armory in the Capital Development Bill with over $100 million allocated for renovations.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the Illinois State AFL-CIO at their 8th Annual Convention at the Armory on October 7, 1965, connecting labor rights with civil rights movements.

Resolution urges the Illinois State Armory committee to place a bronze plaque at the renovated facility commemorating Dr. King's visit, including quotes from his 1965 speech about organizational progress, justice, democracy, and faith.

Plaque is intended to honor the historical moment when Illinois workers connected with the national civil rights movement.