How much do you know about Rockford’s Black history? In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with the Rockford Public Library‘s Local History Room to bring our readers a local Black history fact of the day.
Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of February to read about the people, places and events that played significant roles in shaping the rich fabric of Rockford’s Black history.
1834: Lewis Lemon becomes Rockford’s first Black resident
In 1834, Lewis Lemon, who was once enslaved, became Rockford’s inaugural Black resident. He went on to achieve success as a businessman until his passing at the age of 65 in Rockford in 1877.
Want to learn more about Lewis Lemon? Visit the Rockford Public Library’s Local History Room at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/local-history or in person at the Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St.