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Stories of Lewis Isbell in Early Chicago
Retelling the Interesting Life of Lewis Isbell on Saturday. October 11, 2025, at Chicago’s historic Quinn Chapel
Chicago, IL — September 18, 2025 - Lewis Isbell shaved Lincoln, Douglas and many more as ‘Dean of Chicago Barbers’ for well over 50 years. He is being honored as an abolitionist, a leader in Chicago’s Underground Railroad and for so much more on this, the 120th anniversary of his death.
Celebrate and discuss the life of Lewis Isbell, an early pioneer in Chicago, who fought for freedom and equality in the 1800’s. He represented Cook County at the 1853 & 1856 ‘Colored Citizen Conventions’ and spoke against Illinois’ oppressive Black Laws.
Professor Larry McClellan said of Isbell, he was “in the middle of every significant thing that happens in Chicago’s Black community from the moment he set foot in the Windy City until his death in 1905.” Hear local historians tell those stories and more.
Besides Prof. McClellan, speakers Tom Shepherd, Mark Mayo and Sean Flynn will recount events and lead discussions about Isbell’s role as a member of the Anti-Slavery movement, as a leader in Chicago’s Underground Railroad who helped as many as 1,000 freedom seekers through Chicago and on to Canada, and as a recruiter of ‘Colored Troops’ during the Civil War.
Lewis Isbell is being honored by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Chicago’s Coty Council, The Consul General of Canada in Chicago and the American Barbers Association.
While Isbell was buried in Chicago in 1905 in an unmarked grave, his story is now being retold. He has not been forgotten, and you can add to the discussion by attending this event.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: Historic Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, 2401 S Wabash, Chicago, IL
Event is open to the public – no fee or reservation needed
Media Contact [not for release]:
Mark Mayo, Event Coordinator
[email protected]
