Caroline Kisiel

Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience Under the Illinois Black Codes, 1819-1865

As the home of celebrated champion of freedom, Abraham Lincoln, it may be surprising to learn that Illinois has a long history of slavery, racial segregation and exclusionary laws. Although Illinois entered the union as a free state in 1818, residents prior to statehood had practiced slavery and indentured servitude since the 1700s. This laid the groundwork for the Illinois Black Codes, laws which regulated the lives of enslaved people, indentured servants, and free Blacks in Illinois for 46 years (1819-1865). 

Among the restrictions, free Blacks in Illinois were required to possess certificates of freedom and register themselves and family members with the court, and hiring of free Blacks who did not possess certificates of freedom was a crime. 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. But African Americans persevered. They forged livelihoods, established communities, purchased land, and abided by the draconian laws in acts of resilience. And they sheltered, protected and defended freedom seekers. 

Stories of resilience that will be shared include that of a free Black resident of Albion in Edwards County, Gilbert Burres, who first registered with the county clerk as a free person of color in 1824 and returned seven times over 36 years to register himself, his wife and his children, and the story of formerly enslaved “Uncle Joe” Higginbotham, who arrived in Clay County around 1835 and reportedly acquired 800 acres of land during his lifetime, raised a family and attracted other free Black settlers. Free Black settlements such as Brooklyn and Africa, and the biracial community of New Philadelphia were safe harbors for freedom seekers. These and other stories of African American resilience from this period will be illuminated, celebrating our Illinois forbears who persevered despite the Codes.

This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.

Audience Recommendations

This presentation is for general audiences in non-profit/educational settings or school groups. It is geared toward adults, college and graduate students, high school students (ages 14-18), and could be adapted for middle school students (ages 11-14).  Specific groups that could find this program useful include audiences from historical societies, libraries, communities/civic groups that seek to understand this forgotten past, communities that have some connection to the Illinois Black Codes or have past or current African American populations and wish to understand more about the history of this community.

Program Logistics

The structure of this presentation includes: (a) a presentational overview of key historical information, (b) stories of individuals and communities, followed by (c) a question-and-answer period which can include facilitated audience engagement activities around questions raised about the lives of these courageous historical figures and the value of their resilience for today. For groups with additional engagement needs, interactive discussions can be facilitated live or virtually. Beyond the basic tenets of the presentation material, delivery methods can be flexibly combined. 

This is a 45-50 minute program that requires the host to provide a projector, screen or large smart TV, microphone, and if possible a podium. A table for handouts is recommended. The presentation draws on academic research presented in a PowerPoint that includes pictures, text excerpts, maps, key dates, an overview of the Illinois Black Codes, and scanned historical documents. The presentation also includes profiles of communities and significant people who persevered under the Black Codes.

Following the program, the presenter can allow for as much time as the host organization wishes for Q&A. If the organization wishes, collaboration on handouts with questions for attendees to consider and respond to can be arranged, but this is not required as a traditional Q&A period usually works well.

Audio and video recording – whether in-person or virtual – is not allowed to protect Caroline Kisiel’s intellectual property. However, two handouts are provided to the host organization connected to the presentation: (a) one that lists all links from the presentation slides, and (b) a two-page bibliography that directs audience members to additional resources related to slavery, abolition, and African American life in early Illinois. These handouts can be printed or shared electronically with attendees as PDFs, as they contain links.