A statewide award honoring leaders of culture and civic engagement has been awarded to McLean County's Mike Matejka.
The labor leader, former Bloomington City Council member and board member of the McLean County Museum of History will be celebrated with a 2026 Public Humanities Award at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago this month.
Matejka is among other honorees from Illinois Humanities, a statewide nonprofit, for their work strengthening the humanities of communities through storytelling and their leadership. He is the only one outside of Chicago to receive the honor this year.
“At a moment when protecting and preserving history, heritage and culture feels more important than ever, these honorees show us how to do it and ignite our imaginations along the way,” said Gabrielle H. Lyon, executive director of Illinois Humanities.
Matejka’s work includes the boards he serves on such as Illinois Labor History Society and the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park and the organizations and initiatives he helps steer closer to home like Not in Our Town of Bloomington-Normal, the McLean County Museum of History's Social Justice Walking Tour, and Bloomington's annual Labor Day Parade.
“Central Illinois has shaped so much of who I am and how I understand the power of community,” said Matejka. “It’s an honor to be recognized for work that celebrates our history, stories and shared experiences.”
He has spent much of his work as a labor advocate, writer and even in government. Matejka was the governmental affairs director for the Great Plains Laborers District Council for 22 years. He currently also serves on the Normal Planning Commission.
His passion for social justice and labor rights, according to Illinois Humanities, comes from his parents who shaped his worldview on worker rights.
The annual Public Humanities Awards on Sept. 23 will take place at Home Court of the Obama Presidential Center.
