Category: Illinois Bicentennial

This blog post is part of a series on Black History Month. Please visit the Bicentennial Celebration – February page for an introduction to the topic and other blog posts in the series.

In 1884, former Republican governor Richard J. Oglesby carried the vote to again assume the state’s highest office. Applying for “any honorable position” in Oglesby’s administration was Southern Illinois politician John J. Bird. A longtime advocate for African American voices in Illinois government, Bird served in various public offices throughout his life and helped push for equality in the post-emancipation Midwest.

John Bird and his family spent some years in both Canada and Ohio before they settled in Cairo, IL.… Read More

This blog post is part of a series on Black History Month. Please visit the Bicentennial Celebration – February page for an introduction to the topic and other blog posts in the series.

Fannie Barrier Williams was born in Brockport, New York on February 12, 1855. Brockport was a non-segregated community outside of Rochester and her parents were of high social standing. Brockport was said to be “north of slavery,” and because of this Barrier Williams enjoyed a much more privileged upbringing than those living in the South.

Brockport had never seen slavery or segregation due to New York legislation that gradually led to the emancipation of slaves.… Read More

Not only is February the second month of the Illinois bicentennial (1818-2018), it’s also Black History Month! To celebrate, we’re bringing you 28 days of trivia, quotes, fun facts, and more about the lives and legacies of African Americans in Illinois history. You can follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and our blog.

Pictured above is Chicagoan Oscar Stanton De Priest, the first African American elected to Congress in the 20th century.

Want to learn more about African American history in the Prairie State? Come visit us, give us a call, or send us an email or message! We’d love to help.… Read More