1. On February 24, 1868, the Illinois State Senate voted to approve the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gave African American men the right to vote. This amendment was later ratified by the required number of states and became law in 1870.

2. Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, which opened on February 24, 1868, is one of the oldest zoological parks in the United States. It was created when the Lincoln Park Commission donated several pairs of swans to the city, and now houses hundreds of species of animals from around the world.

3. On February 24, 1966, the village of Schaumburg was officially incorporated in Illinois. Originally a small farming community, the village has grown into a bustling suburb with a population of over 75,000 people.

4. In 2000, the Illinois state legislature designated February 24 as "African American Family Day," to celebrate the contributions and achievements of African American families in the state. The day is marked by events and activities in communities throughout Illinois.

5. On February 24, 2008, the Chicago Blackhawks retired the number 3 jersey of hockey legend and longtime Blackhawks player/coach Stan Mikita. Mikita helped lead the Blackhawks to two Stanley Cup championships during his career and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.