HR1000 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1000 LRB099 20153 MST 44978 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, John Jones was one of the most prominent advocates for the repeal of what were known as the "Black Codes", a series of laws that were designed to restrict the ability of African Americans to experience citizenship and equality; and

WHEREAS, John Jones was born a free man in Greene County, North Carolina; he became an indentured servant to a tailor named Richard Clere, who transferred his contract as an apprentice to another man; he became concerned that the family of the man for whom he did his apprenticeship might attempt to claim him as a slave, and so, in a preemptive move, obtained a Certificate of Freedom in 1838; he then moved to Alton, a certified and bona fide free person; he moved to Chicago in 1845, where he set up a successful tailoring shop on Dearborn Street; and

WHEREAS, Once in Chicago, John Jones began to fight for equal rights for people of color; in 1850, President Millard Fillmore signed the Fugitive Slave Act, giving slaveholders the right to seek runaway slaves in the free states; he forcefully denounced the Fugitive Slave Act, and he and 6 other men, set up Liberty Association to watch for slave catchers seeking runaway slaves; he and his wife, Mary, brought fugitive slaves and anti-slavery activists into their home, including John Brown and Frederick Douglass; and

WHEREAS, In 1864, the Chicago Tribune printed John Jones' pamphlet entitled "The Black Laws of Illinois and a Few Reasons Why They Should Be Repealed"; he approached Illinois General Assembly members and spoke to them at the State House (now the Old State Capitol Building) about why the Black Codes should be eliminated; his efforts succeeded in February of 1865 when the General Assembly voted in favor of repealing the Codes; and

WHEREAS, John Jones went on to be elected as the first black Cook County Commissioner in 1871, serving a second term from 1872 until 1875; during his time in office, he helped pass legislation that outlawed segregation in local schools; his tailoring business continued to thrive; after his death on May 21, 1879, the Chicago Tribune reported that he had been the most prominent black citizen in the City; and

WHEREAS, John Jones refused to allow the discrimination of African Americans to continue unchallenged in Chicago and throughout the nation; his efforts brought about real change in Illinois, moving the State closer to true equality; he dedicated much of his time, energy, and money to the repeal of these repressive laws; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor abolitionist and civil rights pioneer John Jones for his tireless efforts in fighting for the repeal of the Illinois Black Codes; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Jones as an expression of our esteem and respect.