National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee facts for kids

The National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee, also known as the National Half Century Anniversary Exposition and The Lincoln Jubilee : 50th Anniversary Celebration, was held in Chicago from August 22 to September 16, 1915, and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It was held at the Coliseum on Wabash Avenue and Fifteenth Street.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by United States president Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. A gathering was held in Chicago in 1911 and an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of emancipation was proposed. It was originally planned for 1913 as the Illinois (National) Half-Century Anniversary of Negro Freedom.

The third Chicago Coliseum

Atlas Printing Co. published the official program. The Fraternal Press in Chicago published a history and report on the event including the history of its establishment and photos of organizers that is available online. The event's photographer, John H. Ballard, published a photo album covering the event in 1915. It includes a leaf of music at its back titled "Praise God we are not weary" with words by Tom Brown, music by Tom Lemonier, and arranged by J. Wm. Coleman. The album is viewable online.

The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History was established by a group of prominent attendees who met during the event. Four months later member Carter G. Woodson published the first issue of the Journal of Negro History.

Chicago businessman Anthony Overton participated and promoted his skin care products at the event. He launched his Half-Century Magazine the following year.

The Library of Congress has a collection of Chicago Daily News photographs that includes images of the event.

Gallery

See also

• American Negro Exposition, diamond jubilee of Emancipation