Michigan Celebrates Black History Preservation

State legislation in 1915 led to an influential record of Black Michiganders' achievements

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In 1915, the Michigan state legislature passed a law to create a commission that would document the professional, political, religious, and educational achievements of Black citizens in the state. The resulting publication, "The Michigan Manual of Freedmen's Progress," chronicled property owners, professionals, politicians, and over 1,600 Black Civil War soldiers. Though initially overlooked, the manual was later rediscovered and republished, preserving an important piece of Black history.

Why it matters

This story highlights how Black history has often been marginalized or erased, but has endured thanks to the efforts of individuals and communities who choose to gather, print, index, fund, and pass it forward. The Michigan manual is an example of how state-level initiatives can help document and preserve underrepresented histories.

The details

In 1915, the National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee in Chicago marked the 50-year anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved people. It was during this event that Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). That same year, the Michigan state legislature passed Public Act 47, which authorized the creation of a commission to document the achievements of Black Michiganders in areas like art, science, manufacturing, agriculture, politics, religion, and education. With only three months to compile their research, the nine-member commission produced "The Michigan Manual of Freedmen's Progress," covering the 50 years since emancipation.

  • In 1915, the National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee was held in Chicago.
  • In 1915, the Michigan state legislature passed Public Act 47 to create a commission documenting Black achievements.
  • In 1959, the manual was rediscovered by state librarian Lila Colby and historian John Green.
  • By 2020, John Green had published four editions of the manual under the title "Negros in Michigan History".

The players

Carter G. Woodson

Co-founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).

Woodbridge Ferris

Governor of Michigan who supported the 1915 legislation to document Black achievements.

Frances H. Warren

Secretary of the commission that produced "The Michigan Manual of Freedmen's Progress".

Lila Colby

A state of Michigan librarian who rediscovered the manual in 1959.

John Green

A historian, archivist, and journalist who indexed and republished the manual under the title "Negros in Michigan History".

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What they’re saying

“On the other hand, when many of the newspapers mention anything commendable about a black man, his racial character is not mentioned.”

— Frances H. Warren, Secretary of the commission (The Michigan Manual of Freedmen's Progress)

“The opportunity 'to present to the world the other side of the story of the black man,' Warren wrote, was 'peculiarly fitting'.”

— Frances H. Warren, Secretary of the commission (The Michigan Manual of Freedmen's Progress)

What’s next

The Michigan state archives continue to preserve and promote the legacy of "The Michigan Manual of Freedmen's Progress" as an important record of Black history in the state.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how dedicated individuals and communities can work to document and preserve underrepresented histories, even in the face of efforts to erase or revise them. The Michigan manual is a testament to the power of state-level initiatives to support the chronicling of diverse experiences and achievements.