Since their arrival in the 1840s, African Americans have helped to shape this community. This exhibit tells the story of their strong drive for independence which aided them in achieving success in business, securing political positions and attaining personal honor in service to the country; examines the actions they took against racial injustices in order to gain the rights and privileges due all citizens; and looks at how they nurtured one another by expressing their beliefs and celebrating the uniqueness of their culture.
Want to know more? Purchase the exhibit companion book Presence, Pride, and Passion, by Susan Hartzold and Laura Wheaton in our gift shop. Or, explore the Bloomington-Normal Black History Project oral history interviews in the Museum's archives.