Richard Blue performed by Gregory D. Hicks -- 2023 Evergreen Cemetery Walk

Richard Blue (1842-1921) was born in Ohio and came to Bloomington at age 9 with Judge Rayburn and his family. Blue joined the Union Army in 1865, serving as a musician in the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry. After the Civil War, Blue worked as a janitor and door keeper for the Illinois General Assembly, was a barber in Bloomington, and was often a butler for large social events. He was heavily involved in community service and Black politics, including running for city alderman in Bloomington. Blue was also active in advancing Black literacy, helping start the “Bloomington Literary and Protective Association.”