First African-American to incorporate a town in the nation commemorated

'Free Frank' McWorter and other African-Americans honored

[FEB. 28, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- In honor of African-American History Month, Gov. Rod Blagojevich and local leaders gathered to commemorate the contributions made by African-Americans to this state. During a celebration Thursday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the governor paid special tribute to "Free Frank" McWorter, a slave who purchased his family's freedom and freedom for himself and later founded the town of New Philadelphia in western Illinois. The governor named a portion of Interstate 72, which runs through Pike County where New Philadelphia once stood, after "Free Frank" McWorter.

"In the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, one of the most notable figures in the fight for racial equality, we honor the countless contributions made by African-Americans throughout our state's rich history," Gov. Blagojevich said. "This month is dedicated to remembering and celebrating their extraordinary achievements, including that of 'Free Frank' McWorter, a brave pioneer of his time."

During the 1830s, "Free Frank" McWorter founded the town of New Philadelphia, the first known town in the nation to be incorporated by an African-American. In 2002, The New Philadelphia Association, the University of Illinois at Springfield, the University of Maryland and the Illinois State Museum conducted an archeological survey of the land that was once the town of New Philadelphia. Artifacts discovered during the survey -- including brick mortar, door hinges, serving utensils and buttons from clothing -- led the group to seek consideration by the National Register of Historic Places for the former town. State Sen. Deanna Demuzio has been instrumental in this project, along with the New Philadelphia Association.

Proud of the accomplishments of her great-great-great-grandfather, Sandra McWorter attended the event on Thursday.

Gov. Blagojevich officially proclaimed February African-American History Month in Illinois and "encouraged all citizens to learn about the important contributions that African-Americans have made to Illinois, and to our society as a whole."

African-American History Month, which originated as Negro History Week, was first organized by Dr. Carter G. Woodson during the second week of February 1926, coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both significant figures in the fight for racial equality. The observance later evolved into a month-long celebration in 1976.

The celebration last week at the presidential library featured a cross-section of African-American history and culture. The event included a musical presentation of traditional African-American spirituals and a theatrical performance, specifically geared toward children, on the history of African-Americans from the 1800s through the 1900s.

During African-American History Month, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library also hosted the Reader's Theatre in an event that engaged members of the community in a recitation of narratives written by some of America's most acclaimed writers who are African-American -- Phyllis Wheatley, Sojourner Truth, Langston Hughes and William Wells Brown.

[News release from the governor's office]