- Published: Tuesday, February 03, 2015 01:39 PM
Illinois ushered a new chapter of American history by being the first state to ban slavery 150 years ago. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement to honor Illinois’ role in freeing African Americans. The Illinois Senate commemorated the 150th anniversary of banning slavery in the U.S. in the Senate Chamber with speeches.
Illinois led the movement to end slavery 150 years ago. We transformed our country’s landscape by championing the Emancipation Proclamation and being first to ratify the 13th Amendment.