blog posts America’s oldest Black town is in Illinois — and it’s dying Jan 7, 2025 8:45 am by Chicago TribuneIllinois in the News Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Chicago Tribune (Jan. 5) African American studies professor Sundiata Keita Cha-Jua and archaeologist Alleen Betzenhauser, both at U. of I., are spearheading efforts to uncover Brooklyn's history and revitalize the community. Share on Facebook Tweet Email