The Illinois Black Hall of Fame

Honoring the Legacy of Influential Black Leaders with Illinois Connections

Did you know that the Illinois Black Hall of Fame is located in the Chicago Southland at Governors State University? Its creation coincided with the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. The mission of the Illinois Black Hall of Fame (IBHOF) is to recognize and salute the accomplishments of notable African American achievers and role models with an Illinois connection.

Among the inaugural class of inductees was political activist, minister and civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, Sr., Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington, and Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn an international pilot’s license.

The IBHOF will provide future leaders with a forum that promotes Black pride by teaching and preserving the proud Black history presence in the state of Illinois. Several high school seniors are also recognized each year as well. Learn more at IBHOF.org.