Black History Month: Who was Rockford's John Briggs?

Jawuan Walters

How much do you know about Rockford's Black history? In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room to bring our readers a local Black history fact of the day.

Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of February to read about the people, places and events that played significant roles in shaping the rich fabric of Rockford's Black history.

The Briggs Hotel was one of limited spaces in Rockford where Black travelers could find lodging without discrimination. The hotel was listed in the Green Book.
The Briggs Hotel was one of limited spaces in Rockford where Black travelers could find lodging without discrimination. The hotel was listed in the Green Book.

John Briggs, a Black World War I veteran and businessman, established the Briggs Hotel in Rockford, which became one of the few places where Black travelers could find lodging without facing discrimination. His hotel was featured in the Green Book, a resource providing advice for Black travelers on safe places to eat, sleep and other accommodations during their journeys throughout the United States.

Want to learn more about John Briggs? Visit the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/local-history or in person at the Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Black History Month: Who was Rockford's John Briggs?