When Illinois Banned Black People From Gathering, They Turned To Church

In 1819, Illinois lawmakers enacted the Black Laws, which required Black people to have a certificate of freedom to live in Illinois and made it illegal to gather in groups of three or more. That is, however, unless the gathering was for religious observances. From then on, churches made for and by Black people became hubs for connecting each other to resources, for education, as well as providing a spiritual home. In an ongoing series, WBEZ explores the history of Black churches in Chicago and their impact on their communities, faith and social justice movements. In the Loop sits down with Nicole Jeanine Johnson, WBEZ and CST investigative reporting fellow; Alden Loury, WBEZ senior data projects editor; and the Rev. John Smith of Olivet Baptist Church to learn more. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.