Joliet, Illinois – February 18, 2025 – Joliet Township Government proudly proclaimed February 1-28, 2025, as African American History Month in Joliet Township at the January 14, 2025 Board Meeting. This proclamation honors the significant contributions of African Americans to U.S. history and culture and acknowledges the valuable role of African American residents of Joliet Township Government.
In addition, Joliet Township Government demonstrates its commitment to honoring African American history through its support for the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study since February 2024. This important initiative, made possible through an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Joliet, as well as funds from Lockport Township, Will County, and the State of Illinois, is focused on preserving and documenting Black history in the region.
Supervisor Alicia Morales stated, “This month, we celebrate the important contributions of African Americans to our community and country. Our support of the African American Context Study shows our commitment to preserving and sharing the history of Joliet’s Black community for future generations.”
Currently, the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study is seeking input from community members on places, people, and events significant to the history of the region’s Black community. Share your memories and contribute to the study by visiting www.joliet.gov/blackhistory, or contact us at (708) 683-9121 or blackhistory@joliet.gov.
Additionally, the Joliet Area African American Historic Context Study, Joliet Area Historical Museum, and History on Wheels Museum are collecting photos, artifacts, and archival material on Joliet’s Black history. Attend the Community Collections Scan on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St. For more details, contact collections@jolietmuseum.org or call 815-723-5201.