Join LHS as we host Caroline Kisiel as she presents “Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes, 1819-1865.”

While Illinois is home to celebrated champions of freedom like Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, it can be surprising for many Illinoisans to learn about the state's long history of slavery, racial segregation, and exclusion.

The Codes imposed several restrictions on free Blacks in Illinois. They were required to carry certificates of freedom and register themselves and their family members with the court. Hiring free Blacks without these certificates was a crime. Bringing slaves into the state with the intent to free them was also criminalized, carrying a $1,000 fine if discovered. Additionally, enslaved people and servants were prohibited from selling goods, gathering in groups of three or more, or traveling more than ten miles from their master’s home.

Despite these harsh restrictions, African Americans in nineteenth-century Illinois persevered. They built livelihoods, established communities, and purchased land. They complied with oppressive laws, registering themselves and their families, while also sheltering, protecting, and defending runaway slaves, or "freedom seekers."

This presentation will spotlight stories of African American resilience under the Illinois Black Codes. Co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, this event features Road Scholar speakers who travel across Illinois, offering free, engaging presentations on topics like literature, philosophy, theater, local history, film, music, politics, and more. Through this program, local nonprofit organizations can bring free cultural experiences to their communities at no cost.

This presentation is Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2 P.M.

This is a FREE event, but requires registration. Register below.