CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail (CCAAH) commissioned four murals from four nationally recognized artists. These murals will reflect various themes relating to African American heritage.

The first mural will reflect the “Champaign County African American Heritage Trail Timeline” and will be painted by artist Oscar Joyo from Chicago, Illinois. His genre of work can be described as Afrofuturism mixed with Afrorealism. He has collaborated with Nike, the NFL, Doc Martens and has done several murals in Chicago. These murals will be painted on three different walls on 1801 W. John St. in Champaign and the work began on August 5.

Starting on August 12, Georgie Nakima from Charlotte, North Carolina will be painting on 511 E. White St. in Champaign. Her mural will reflect the theme of “the Power of Black Women.” Nakima is a self-taught artist who has been featured on ABC News, Good Morning America, and Elle Magazine. She has also been a sponsored artist for AT&T, Ford, Xbox/2K, and Microsoft. She has also had work commissioned by the World Trade Center, DC Comics, Coachella, and much more.

Starting on August 14, artist Jeremy Biggers from Dallas, Texas will be painting on 212 E. White St. in Champaign. This mural will reflect the theme of “African American Firsts and Barrier Breakers.” Biggers is an award-winning artist who, on top of being a painter and muralist, is also a filmmaker. His works explore themes related to his experience being a Black man in America. He also uses his signature “hyper-red” color to “convey a sense of aspiration and a rejection of complacency,” said the Experience Champaign Urbana Foundation in a press release. He aims to create meaningful dialogue and promote personal growth through the power of personal experience through art.

The last mural will be started by artist Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs from Boston, Massachusetts at 1401 E. Main St. in Urbana. This mural will reflect the theme of “African American Educational Excellence.” The building is owned by The Housing Authority of Champaign County. Gibbs, on top of being an artist, is also a community builder who has had a large impact on the cultural landscape of Boston. He has been named Boston’s 100 Most Influential People in 2022, Best of Boston (Artist), and Best of Boston (Muralist).

These murals all celebrate African American excellence and its history while also providing beautiful art by Black artists that the public can admire. These murals were all created with agreement from the building owners. Times and dates may vary based on weather conditions. For more information on the CCAAH trail, visit cafricanamericanheritage.org.