Empowering Communities Together

Welcome to the Illinois Freedmen's Bureau (IFB)

At the Illinois Freedmen's Bureau, we honor the legacy of resilience, determination, and progress that defines the Freedmen community. Our mission is to empower, educate, and uplift descendants of Freedmen by providing access to resources, preserving our shared history, and fostering collective growth.

This is more than a website – it’s a movement to celebrate our past, address our present, and build a future rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity.

Here, you’ll find:

• Freedmen Certification: Begin your journey of self-attestation and lineage verification, connecting to the legacy of our ancestors.​

• A Repository of Freedmen History: Dive into stories, photos, documents, and achievements that chronicle the rich heritage of Freedmen.

• Community and Advocacy: Join us in advocating for policies and programs that advance our collective well-being.

Whether you're here to learn, connect, or contribute, you are an essential part of this community.

 

Together, we will ensure the legacy of Freedmen is recognized, celebrated, and sustained for generations to come.

Welcome to the Illinois Freedmen's Bureau – where our heritage inspires progress.