Illinois Commission on Human Relations

Established in 1943 by Governor Dwight H. Green as the Interracial Commission with the purpose of providing "profitable employment to all persons" and "promoting tolerance and good will." A 1951 legislative act changed the name to the present name. The commission investigated race relations throughout the state and hoped that through using positive information though the media and educational institutions it could improve race relations. Municipal commissions were set up in larger cities and those with a significant percentage of minorities. These commissions, appointed by the mayor of each city and approved by the city council, produced "inventories" that included reports on "pro and con forces" in their community, housing, employment, education, health and welfare.

The Illinois Interracial Commission originally was established in 1943 by action of Governor and received legislative approval in 1947 (l. 1947, p. 1680). Commission investigates employment conditions, cooperates with civic, religious and educational organizations that promote "tolerance and good will," and reports to Governor and General Assembly every biennium. In 1951 legislation changed Commission's name to Commission on Human Relations (l. 1951, p. 1994).

Minutes also note Commission attempts to aid Black physicians to reestablish their practices and contain correspondence of Commission chairman with Governor of Georgia, U.S. Attorney General, and President concerning lynchings and need for White House conference on national unity; reports of discrimination by colleges and universities (particularly at De Kalb, Champaign-Urbana and Carbondale) and by leased concessions in state parks; reports about groups (such as Black Mantles) charged with inciting racial trouble; and statements on housing conditions from directors of state agencies. Often appended to minutes are Commission pamphlets, brochures and Commission-designed legislative bills.