African American Civil War Soldiers Honor Roll – Call for names

Dear Friends and Community Members,

Across Chicago, countless stories of courage and service remain untold. Among them are the legacies of Black men who, during the Civil War, donned Union blue and fought for freedom—not only for themselves, but for generations to come.

Over the past two years, Bronzeville Historical Society has encouraged family historians and community members to look closely at their family trees, to uncover the names and stories of these patriot ancestors. Already, a few names have been shared with us:

through December 2025.  The names will be added to an exhibit proposed for Illinois250 programs in June 2026.

We now turn to you. We invite Black Chicagoans to contribute the names of their Civil War ancestors who served. Whether you have a photograph, a document, a family story, or simply a name passed down through the years, we want to include your ancestor in this historic effort.

Together, we can weave a collective tapestry of remembrance—one that uplifts our community’s role in shaping the nation’s history.
Please send names, stories, or photographs to: Sherry Williams

                        Chicago, IL 60653

Let us honor our Civil War heroes by making their bravery visible. Their courage made our future possible; now it is our turn to carry their memory forward.