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African Americans have significantly contributed to the history, culture, and development of Illinois since the early 18th century. The African American presence dates back to the French colonial era and spans periods of slavery, migration, civil rights movement, and more. Contributions span over politics, business, arts, and social justice sectors shaping the overall cultural landscape of Illinois.

Early History
The first Africans arrived in Illinois as slaves in 1720 when it was still under rule of the French colony of Louisiana. Frenchman Phillipe Renault brought slaves to work in salt mines and by 1763, the slave population had grown to six hundred in Illinois.

Slavery and Emancipation
In 1787, Illinois became part of the Northwest Territory where the Northwest Ordinance prohibited the importation of slaves. Illinois was admitted as a free state in 1818, but the constitution of 1818 allowed slave owners to keep their current slaves and for limited slavery in the salt mines. However, black people that were free faced major restrictions under the Black Codes limiting their rights and threatening them to be sold.

Despite these challenges, black communities emerged in Illinois, particularly in Lovejoy (present day Brooklyn, IL) and Alton which served as crucial stops on the Underground Railroad. The Illinois River and the surrounding areas would also become part of the route for escaped slaves heading to Canada.

The Great Migration
During the 20th century, the Great Migration significantly impacted Illinois’ demographics with a surge in the African American population, particularly in Chicago and the north. From 1916-1970, hundreds of thousands of African Americans migrated from the Jim Crow South for more industrial opportunities in the North. This created an influx that contributed to the population growth of African Americans in Illinois from 2% to 33% by 1970 and transformed the Black population in Illinois to predominantly urban.

While Illinois offered freedom from legally sanctioned discrimination, African Americans still faced racial discrimination in every area of life such as housing, education, and other employment opportunities. It wasn’t until World War 1 that African American men were offered jobs in the factories, and temporarily offered domestic work to the women.

Legacy and Notable Figures

 * John Jones
 * Ida B. Wells
 * Carter G. Woodson
 * Dorothy Height
 * Gwendolyn Brooks
 * Etta James
 * Richard Wright
 * Muhammad Ali
 * Michelle Obama
 * Jesse Jackson
 * Harold Washington
 * Carol Moseley-Braun
 * Emmett Till
 * Louis Armstrong