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Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes, 1819–1865📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026
📍 Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street, West Chicago
⏰ 6:30 PM – Annual Membership Meetings
⏰ 7:00 PM – Public Presentation
Join the West Chicago Historical Society and the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum as they welcome Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Caroline Kisiel for a special presentation exploring a lesser-known chapter of Illinois history.
Although Illinois entered the Union as a free state in 1818, laws known as the Illinois Black Codes restricted the lives and freedoms of African Americans for decades. Despite these challenges, Black Illinoisans built communities, purchased land, raised families, and helped protect freedom seekers.
Through stories of individuals and communities who persevered, this presentation will highlight the resilience and contributions of African Americans in Illinois between 1819 and 1865.
This program connects to the America 250 theme, "We the People," encouraging us to consider who has been included in our nation's promise of freedom and how people from all backgrounds have shaped American history.
The Historical Society and Museum Friends will hold their annual membership meetings beginning at 6:30 PM, followed by the presentation at 7:00 PM.
All are welcome to attend!
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Event venue
West Chicago Community Center, 306 Main St, West Chicago, IL 60185-2839, United States
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