Champaign County African American
Heritage Trail
Community Bus Tours
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 Monday, February 17, the Trail will offer its first guided community bus tour—and you can be part of it!
Seating is limited, so sign up today!
Check out the Tour Highlights.
Questions? Check our FAQ's!
Date & Time
Monday, February 17 • 10:00 a.m.–Noon
Arrive at 9:45 a.m.—tour begins at 10 sharp!
Location
The tour begins and ends at Douglass Park and Center
504 E. Grove St., Champaign
Free parking is available.
Cost
$10 per adult, $5 per child (aged 17 and below)
Due to sensitive content, the recommended age is 7
All proceeds are re-invested in future programming for the Trail.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Cultural Spaces
Step into spaces where history comes alive.
Douglass Park and Center
A historic hub for African American culture, home to the celebrated Majorettes and Drum Corps, who earned national acclaim in 1986.
Skelton Park
A welcoming plaza featuring play equipment, interactive musical instruments, and a stunning Preston Jackson sculpture that celebrates African American musical excellence complemented by a vibrant art installation.
Bethel AME Church
The county’s first African American led church—predating the University of Illinois by four years—and site of the founding of the Twin Cities Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Salem Baptist Church
A historic landmark in Champaign County, this church was established in 1867 and destroyed by arson in 1874, breaking ground at its current location in 1901.
Inspiring Murals
Explore colorful murals that spark conversations about heritage, identity, and community pride.
KOFENA by Georgie Nakima
A bold celebration of Black women’s strength and power.
Breaking Barriers—African American Firsts by Jeremy Biggers
Honoring African Americans’ groundbreaking achievements.
Each One Teach One by Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs
A tribute to African American educational excellence.
North First Street Barbershop Mural by Langston Allston
A symbol of love, support, and community in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.
Community Trailblazers
Meet the heroes who changed Champaign-Urbana history, from local leaders to national icons.
James R. Burgess
The first African American in Champaign County elected to a countywide office, and the first African American State’s Attorney in Illinois, elected in 1972.
William Frank Earnest
The first African American from Champaign County to die in war (World War I, 1918), Earnest is honored with a column on the east side of Memorial Stadium.
Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield
The first African American woman to enroll at the University of Illinois—graduating in three years with degrees in astronomy and mathematics—and the first African American Dean of girls in the Chicago Public School System.
Allen A. Rivers Sr.
Hired in 1935 as the Champaign’s first African American police officer. For 33 years, he never had to fire his gun in pursuit of a criminal or during an arrest.
Frederick Douglass
Delivered his iconic “Self-Made Man” speech in Champaign in 1869, inspiring independence and pride.
Civil Rights & Milestones
Learn stories of resilience, progress, and the power of community advocacy.
The Ellis Drive Six
A group of parents— and pioneers of school desegregation—who researched, strategized, and advocated for school integration in the 1960s.
Penney Picketing Campaign
A peaceful picketing and boycotting movement in 1961, led by the African American-formed Champaign-Urbana Improvement Association, which resulted in African American hiring at J.C. Penney.
Business Legacies
Celebrate Champaign County’s African American entrepreneurial spirit.
Shelton Laundry
A humble family operation—with roots in the Great Depression—that grew into a multimillion-dollar success. Owner Albert Shelton was named Illinois Small Business Person of the Year in 1981.
The North First Street Corridor
Known as the “Black Downtown,” this historic district thrived with over 30 Black-owned businesses—including barbershops, skilled trades, small restaurants, taverns, and vendors—by the mid-20th century.
Railroads & Resilience
Embark on a journey of freedom and opportunity.
Illinois Central Railroad (IC)
From its opening in 1856, the railroad brought opportunity and freedom to African Americans traveling north. During the Civil War period through World War I, it played a pivotal role in shaping Champaign County. Many who traveled stopped and stayed, which doubled Champaign-Urbana’s African American population by 1940.
BUS TOUR FAQs
Do I have to sign up in advance?
Due to limited space, pre-registration is required.
Are kids allowed on the tour?
We recommend the tour for ages 7 and up.
Is the tour accessible for those with disabilities?
Yes. We can accommodate wheelchairs and people with limited mobility.
Can I bring food or drink on the bus?
Yes. Snacks and water are recommended. Please remember to pick up after yourself.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible, as seats are limited. No refunds will be issued.
What is the weather policy?
The tour will happen rain or shine! Unless roads are considered unsafe, the tour will continue as planned.
Is there a restroom on the tour bus?
Yes. A restroom is located at the back of the bus.
Is there assigned seating?
No, seats are open on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The tour is already full. When is the next one?
If spaces are full, please contact Experience Champaign-Urbana. We’ll notify you via email (on a first-come, first-served basis) as the next tours become available.