“Black Laws” in Illinois

 A petition from fifty thousand citizens of Illinois will be presented at the coming session of the Legislature of that State, for the repeal of the Black Laws of Illinois. Mr. Jones, of Chicago, a colored man of great energy, formerly a slave but now the owner of one of the finest buildings in the city, is among the most active in urging this matter. – Chicago Journal. 

                                       (Liberator , December 9, 1864, pg 3)