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Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes, 1819-1865
June 25, 2024 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to welcome Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Caroline Kisiel to Our Front Porch for a presentation titled Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes, 1819-1865 on Tuesday, June 25th at 6:30 pm. The one-hour presentation will be followed by a twenty-minute engagement activity led by Kisiel prompting conversation on the topics presented. Refreshments will be served. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door.
Kisiel will inform guests about the Illinois Black Codes, a series of harsh laws passed post-statehood that regulated the lives of enslaved people, indentured servants, and free Blacks in Illinois from 1819 to 1865.
Among these restrictions, free Blacks residing in the state were required to possess certificates of freedom and register themselves and their family members with the court. Hiring of free Blacks without these certificates was a crime. Bringing slaves into the state for the purpose of freeing them was also prohibited, punishable by a $1,000 fine if discovered. Enslaved people or servants were barred from selling goods, gathering in groups of three or more, or traveling more than ten miles from their master’s home.
Despite these restrictions, African Americans in nineteenth-century Illinois persevered. They forged livelihoods, established communities, purchased land, and abided by the draconian laws, registering themselves and family members. They also sheltered, protected, and defended runaway slaves, known as “freedom seekers.” Free Black settlements such as Brooklyn and New Philadelphia were established, attracting settlers seeking safety and opportunity. Kisiel’s program will highlight the resilience and contributions of African Americans despite the oppressive conditions imposed upon them by the Black Codes.
This event is co-presented by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. Road Scholar speakers travel throughout Illinois sharing free, dynamic presentations about literature, philosophy, theater, local history, film, music, politics, and more, at no cost to host organizations. The program enables local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities.
About Caroline Kisiel
Caroline Kisiel is a public historian and educator who has been teaching for over 25 years. With a background in immigration law, literature, history, storytelling, and performance, Caroline writes and presents on early Illinois history and is currently conducting research on the role of Albion, Illinois in the struggle to keep Illinois slavery-free in the early years of statehood as well as research on stories of African American resilience under the Black Codes.
Caroline showcases researched information and historical documents, and facilitates audience engagement activities around questions of the value of history and activism through themes of early Illinois struggles to keep slavery at bay in the state, the fight for African American rights, and key early Illinois figures in this period who fought against racism and exclusion–and persevered despite the odds.
About the Western Illinois Museum
The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. It is quickly becoming a vibrant community hub that features exhibits, an open collection area, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square.
A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org or follow on social media @wimuseum. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.
About Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois. Founded in 1974, we are the state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by state, federal, and private funds. Stay connected with Illinois Humanities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn @ILHumanities.
Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.