The Janesville City Council votes unanimously this week to declare February of 2023 as African American History Month.

In reading the proclamation, Deputy Clerk Treasurer Darnisha Haley recognized the work of a former slave with ties to Wisconsin.

Ezekiel Gillespie was born a slave in Tennessee, purchased his freedom to go north, and operated a local branch of the underground railroad.

In 1865 Gillespie attempted to vote and was denied a ballot. He later sued for his right to vote which led to the Wisconsin Supreme Court enforcing the 1849 referendum in favor of African American male suffrage.

The proclamation approved at this week’s City Council meeting was accepted by Rock County board Supervisor and Rock County Jump Start founder Genia Stevens who is one of only two black people on the County Board.