National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee facts for kids

A photo from the Lincoln Jubilee album.

The National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee was a big event held in Chicago. It took place from August 22 to September 16, 1915. This celebration marked 50 years since African Americans were freed from slavery in the United States. It was held at the Chicago Coliseum, a large building in the city.

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. This important document declared that most enslaved people in the Confederate states were free. In 1911, a group met in Chicago and suggested celebrating 50 years of freedom. The event was first planned for 1913. It was called the Illinois (National) Half-Century Anniversary of Negro Freedom.

The third Chicago Coliseum, where the event was held.

About the Event

The official program for the Jubilee was published by Atlas Printing Co.. A company called Fraternal Press in Chicago also printed a history of the event. This book included details about how the event was started. It also had photos of the people who organized it. You can find this history online today.

The event's photographer, John H. Ballard, created a photo album in 1915. This album showed many pictures from the celebration. It even included a song called "Praise God we are not weary" at the end. The words were by Tom Brown, and the music was by Tom Lemonier. This album can also be viewed online.

Important Organizations Formed

During the Jubilee, a group of important attendees met together. They decided to create the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. This organization helps people learn about African American history.

Just four months later, one of the members, Carter G. Woodson, started a magazine. It was called The Journal of African American History. This magazine shared important stories and research about Black history.

Business and Media

A Chicago businessman named Anthony Overton took part in the event. He used the Jubilee to promote his skin care products. The next year, he launched his own magazine, called Half-Century Magazine.

The Library of Congress has a special collection of photos from the Chicago Daily News. This collection includes many pictures taken at the National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee.

Gallery

See also

• American Negro Exposition, a later celebration of Emancipation