BLACK HISTORY-SUPPORT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Kimberly Du Buclet

Symbolic Illinois resolution urging schools and cultural institutions to promote accurate, year-round Black history and celebrate Illinois’ contributions and figures.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Summary of HR0663 (104th General Assembly) – Illinois

Purpose and intent

The resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary (February 2026) of Black history commemorations in the United States, recognizing the contributions and resilience of African Americans to Illinois and the nation.

It situates Black history as American history and calls for year-round integration of Black achievements into the broader American story.

The resolution ties the celebration to ongoing milestones, including the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, highlighting Black Americans’ role in American progress.

Key provisions and changes

Acknowledges the historical origins of Black History Month and the broader purpose of Woodson’s work to study, preserve, and disseminate information about African American life and history.

Cites the historical evolution from Negro History Week (begun 1926) to Black History Month (1976), with President Ford’s support for national observance.

Enumerates a list of notable Illinois-associated figures who contributed to Black history (examples include Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Ida B. Wells, Oscar De Priest, Bessie Coleman, Muddy Waters, Gwendolyn Brooks, Carol Moseley Braun, Barack and Michelle Obama, and others).

Affirms Illinois’ historical role in Black innovation and leadership across arts, business, journalism, medicine, politics, and culture.

Declares support for recognizing the 100-year legacy of Woodson’s movement and the importance of preserving Black history as essential to democracy and freedom.

Urges citizens, schools, and cultural institutions in Illinois to engage with the full, accurate truth of Black history.

Who or what would be affected

Educational and cultural institutions in Illinois (schools, libraries, museums, historical societies) as well as the general public.

The resolution primarily provides symbolic guidance and a call to action rather than creating new programs or funding.

It elevates awareness of Illinois’ historical figures and invites broader engagement with Black history within the state.

Procedural and timeline aspects

This is a House Resolution recognizing a historical milestone and encouraging educational engagement.

It references February 2026 as the 100th anniversary of formal Black history commemorations.

The resolution is introduced with a co-sponsor (Kimberly Du Buclet) and does not specify budgetary allocations or specific implementation steps.

As a resolution, passage would express the sentiment of the Illinois House and encourage institutions to emphasize comprehensive Black history; it does not create new law or mandatory programs.

Notable details

Emphasizes that Black history knowledge protects the historical record from erasure.

Provides a curated list of prominent Illinois- and nationally significant Black historical figures and their contributions.

Connects the theme to broader national milestones: a century of Black history commemorations and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Overall, HR0663 is a symbolic resolution aiming to honor Black history, highlight Illinois’ contributions, and encourage widespread, accurate engagement with Black history across educational and cultural institutions in Illinois.