On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the nation’s 21st state. As we come to our state’s 200th birthday, we asked senators to talk about people or places in their districts that represent the best of Illinois’ rich past and how that is shown in local history, tourism, culture or community impact.

Senator Mattie Hunter chose to highlight Wendell Phillips Academy in the Bronzeville community, named for abolitionist and philanthropist Wendell Phillips. 

The Academy is the oldest and was the first black high school in Chicago.