Poster for the American Negro Exposition in Chicago

The American Negro Exposition took place at the Chicago Coliseum, July 4 through September 2, 1940. The event recognized two important occasions: the 75th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery and the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Featuring the contributions of African Americans to American life since 1865, the Exposition was considered the first Negro World's Fair and the first time that African Americans had the opportunity to present themselves and their stories to the world.