Who is a Black American Freedman?

A Black American Freedman is a descendant of the enslaved Africans brought to the United States and emancipated through the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. These individuals are part of a distinct ethnic group whose ancestors endured centuries of enslavement and oppression in America, followed by systemic racism and economic disenfranchisement. The identity of a Freedman is rooted in the shared historical experience of slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and ongoing struggles for equity and recognition.

Historical Context

The story of the Black American Freedman is deeply intertwined with the broader history of the Americas, involving multiple waves of African and Indigenous contributions. Long before the transatlantic slave trade, Africans from Mali are believed to have voyaged to the Americas in the 1300s, establishing early cultural exchanges. Later, the Moors accompanied the first European explorers, further embedding African influence in the early Americas. Additionally, some Black people were Native to North America, living among Indigenous communities long before European colonization.

The transatlantic slave trade forcibly brought millions of Africans to the Americas, many of whom endured unimaginable suffering yet contributed immeasurably to the development of what became the United States. Among these were the Five Tribes Freedmen, who were Black individuals enslaved by and later integrated into the Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Nations. Each of these groups carried distinct identities, histories, and struggles.

In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states, and with the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, the many diverse threads of African and Indigenous peoples coalesced into a shared identity: Black American Freedmen. This unification marked the beginning of a new chapter in the fight for equity and recognition.

Defining Characteristics

Lineage: A Black American Freedman can trace their ancestry to enslaved Africans, Indigenous people, or early African settlers in the United States prior to the end of the Civil War.
Cultural Heritage: Freedmen share a rich cultural and historical identity shaped by resilience, creativity, and a collective struggle for justice and equality.
Ethnic Recognition: Black American Freedmen are a distinct ethnic group within the African diaspora, with their heritage rooted in the U.S. as their ancestral homeland.

Certification as a Freedman

At the Illinois Freedmen’s Bureau (IFB), we provide a pathway for individuals to self-certify as Black American Freedmen. This process involves tracing your family’s lineage to the 1870 Census, the first census to include formerly enslaved individuals by name. By identifying ancestors listed in this document, you affirm your connection to this foundational community.

Why Recognition Matters

Recognizing Black American Freedmen as a distinct group is essential for:

Preserving History: Honoring the contributions and sacrifices of Freedmen ensures their legacy is remembered and celebrated.
Economic Advocacy: Acknowledging the systemic barriers faced by Freedmen helps focus efforts on policies that address wealth gaps and promote economic empowerment.
Community Building: Strengthening the identity of Freedmen fosters unity and collective action to address shared challenges.
Legal and Policy Advocacy: Advancing recognition and rights through legal and policy reforms ensures equitable opportunities and addresses systemic challenges faced by Freedmen.

Recreating Historic Institutions for Today’s World

The Illinois Freedmen’s Bureau is dedicated to recreating historic institutions to reflect today’s world. By honoring the legacy of the Freedmen’s Bureau, we aim to adapt its mission and vision to meet the modern needs of Black American Freedmen and their communities. This includes addressing contemporary challenges with innovative solutions that resonate with today’s realities.

Legal and Policy Advocacy

The IFB will actively push for legal and policy reforms that advance the recognition, rights, and well-being of Black American Freedmen. Through advocacy and collaboration, we seek to influence legislation and create equitable opportunities that address the unique challenges faced by Freedmen.

Join Us in the Movement

The Illinois Freedmen’s Bureau is committed to advocating for the recognition, empowerment, and prosperity of Black American Freedmen. By becoming a member, you join a community dedicated to celebrating our shared history and building a brighter future for generations to come. Together, we can ensure that the Freedman legacy continues to thrive.

For more information or to begin your certification process, visit our Genealogy and Heritage section or contact us directly. Let’s honor our ancestors by securing a future rooted in recognition, justice, and progress.