Champaign County African American Heritage Trail

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Champaign, IL
Champaign County African American Heritage Trail

Discover over 170 years of rich cultural history and building community.

10/01/2025

Immerse yourself in the vibrant stories and places that celebrate African American heritage in Champaign-Urbana. From cultural landmarks to inspiring individuals, the tour shines a light on the legacy that’s shaped our community. On Tuesday, October 28, the Trail will offer a guided community bus tour—and you can be part of it!

🗓️ October 28
🕘 9:00–11:30 a.m.
📍 Douglass Park & Center
🏷️ $10/adult; $5 per child 17 and under

➡️ Sign up today to guarantee your spot: https://ccafricanamericanheritage.org/community-tours/
Thank you to Peoria Charter Coach for their partnership in making this tour possible.

08/27/2025

Today, we were thrilled to unveil our 23rd sign for the trail, honoring milestones in African American Healthcare. We were honored to be joined by the great-great-grandnieces of Dr. Henry E. Rowan, the first African American doctor to practice in Champaign-Urbana, at an office on Walnut St. in downtown Champaign.

Other recognitions include Dr. Henry (Harry) D. Ellis, the second African American doctor in Champaign-Urbana; Vivian Grundy, the first African American allowed in a local nursing program in 1952; as well as the North End Health Center, which later became the Frances Nelson Health Center.

Thank you to Carle Health for sponsoring this sign, and Jaymie Green, Patient Care vice president and Carle Foundation Hospital chief nursing officer, who was helped with the unveiling.

📍 Walnut St. & Main St. in downtown Champaign
➡️ https://ccafricanamericanheritage.org/trail-stop/african-american-healthcare/

08/04/2025

We are almost at the finish line—only 13 (8x4) bricks remain for purchase in Skelton Park's walkway!

🌅 Your donated brick can be transcribed with a message dedicated to someone special, to thank a person who made an impact on your life, to make a lasting impression with your name, or to leave an encouraging message for future generations.

🌅 Click here to purchase: ➡️ https://bit.ly/42D4ZwY

06/19/2025

On June 19th, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln, Union troops arrived at Galveston Bay, Texas, and delivered the news of freedom to more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans. As the last state agreed to abolish slavery, Juneteenth was officially recognized as the ending of slavery in the United States.

For over 150+ years, African Americans would congregate at parks and other community spaces for Emancipation Day celebrations. These celebrations were held in Champaign, Homer, Tolono, Sidney, and other parts of Champaign County. Celebrations often included food, music, and dancing.

To this day, we continue to uphold the spirit of Juneteenth in the same fashion. May you commemorate this significant holiday with reverence, peace, and joy.

06/09/2025

We're only four days away until our June 13th Heritage Bus Tour—celebrating the coming of Juneteenth! Have you reserved your spot yet? We still have spaces available! Due to limited capacity, reservations are required: https://ccafricanamericanheritage.org/community-tours/

In lieu of tickets for the tour, we are partnering with The Family Room. Tour attendees are asked to donate a new or gently used pair of shoes when arriving for the tour.

06/02/2025

We are pleased to announce our next Heritage Bus Tour, slated for June 13th to celebrate the coming of Juneteenth!

The Heritage Trail Bus Tour provides participants with a unique opportunity to explore significant sites that have shaped the African American experience in the Champaign-Urbana region. The tour delves into the stories, landmarks, and contributions that have been pivotal in the community's development.

In lieu of tickets for the tour, we are partnering with The Family Room. Tour attendees are asked to donate a new or gently used pair of shoes when arriving for the tour.

Due to limited space, reservations are required: https://ccafricanamericanheritage.org/community-tours/

05/28/2025

We are incredibly excited to reveal our 5th mural for the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, located at the Douglass Center basketball courts.

This mural was designed by artist and muralist Ryan Adams, who is based in Portland, Maine. The design uses Adams's geometric style and includes the words "Unite, do right" commemorating Frederick Douglass's inspiring words, "I would unite with anybody to do right, and with nobody to do wrong."

A dedication for the new mural will take place during this year's Juneteenth celebration on June 14, at the Douglass Branch Library from 12:00–3pm. We hope to see you all there!

For more information about muralist Ryan Adams, visit: https://www.ryanwritesonthings.com/

04/08/2025

Leave your legacy at Skelton Park: Only 26 (8x4) bricks remain for purchase!

🌅 Your donated brick can be transcribed with a message dedicated to someone special, to thank a person who made an impact on your life, to make a lasting impression with your name, or to leave an encouraging message for future generations.

🌅 Order by this Friday, April 11, for your brick to be installed for the spring season. Click here to purchase ➡️ https://bit.ly/42D4ZwY

02/24/2025

We are thrilled to see our Co-Chairs, Angela Rivers and Barbara Suggs-Mason, honored on Black History Month! From the Illinois Comptroller page:

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Angela Rivers, a Champaign native with a BFA from the University of Illinois and a Certificate in Arts Administration from UIS, has over 40 years of experience in museums and cultural arts. She has worked at the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Field Museum, DuSable Museum, and taught at Eastern Illinois University. Angela researched her family’s seven-generation history and coordinated the mural *The Pictorial History of African Americans in Champaign County*. She is co-chair of the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.
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Barbara Suggs-Mason has worked in public education in Illinois for over 35 years at every level, teaching in the school districts of Champaign, Evanston, and Oak Park. She is a recipient of an Award of Merit from the Illinois State Board of Education for her work as a classroom teacher. Barbara has co-chaired the development of the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, which honors and educates the community about the contributions of African Americans in the region.
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Thank you both for all that you do. Your tireless dedication and vision has brought this Trail to life!

02/17/2025

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for the inaugural Champaign County African American Heritage Trail Community Bus Tour.

We look forward to continuing this journey of education and celebration with all of you in the future, so please stay tuned for the next community bus tour announcement!

02/03/2025

We are incredibly excited to announce the inaugural Champaign County African American Heritage Trail Bus Tour, slated for Monday, February 17.

The Heritage Trail Bus Tour provides participants with a unique opportunity to explore significant sites that have shaped the African American experience in the Champaign-Urbana region. The tour delves into the stories, landmarks, and contributions that have been pivotal in the community's development.

Due to limited space, reservations are required: https://ccafricanamericanheritage.org/community-tours/

Address

Champaign, IL
61820

Telephone

+12173514133

Website

http://linktr.ee/ccafricanamericanheritage

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