Black History Month - Renaissance - Grand Victoria Foundation

Peoria’s Black Renaissance and Activism

OVERVIEW

Peoria, like many Illinois cities, saw an influx of Black migrants during the Great Migration.

This led to the emergence of Black churches, civic clubs, and civil rights advocacy groups championing social justice causes in the mid-20th century.

SIGNIFICANCE

Showcases how smaller Illinois cities fostered community development, cultural expression, and local activism that contributed to broader Civil Rights efforts.
Individuals in Peoria often worked in tandem with statewide and national movements, providing a microcosm of the Northern civil rights struggle.
Peoria is also the location of Grand Victoria Foundation’s Statewide convening coming July 2025.

Founding of Ebony & Jet Magazines in Chicago (1940s)

OVERVIEW

John H. Johnson, a Chicago entrepreneur and publisher, launched Ebony in 1945 and Jet in 1951. Both magazines aimed to celebrate African American life, achievements, and culture, providing a counter-narrative to mainstream media

SIGNIFICANCE

Cultural Hub: Chicago was a magnet for Black artists, intellectuals, and business leaders during the mid-20th century, and Johnson’s publishing empire became a central player in shaping Black media and culture.
Amplifying Voices: Ebony and Jet spotlighted everything from political movements to fashion and entertainment, fostering a sense of pride and identity that reverberated throughout Black America.

The DuSable Museum of African American History (1961)

OVERVIEW

Established by Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs and her husband, Charles, the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago is one of the nation’s oldest independent institutions dedicated to the preservation and study of African American history and culture.

SIGNIFICANCE

Community-Focused Origins: Originally housed in the Burroughs’ home, this grassroots effort reflected the Black Renaissance spirit of self-determination and cultural celebration.
Nationwide Impact: The museum provided an educational and cultural cornerstone for the Black community in Chicago and beyond, inspiring similar institutions and influencing the larger movement to preserve and honor Black heritage across the United States.