CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation is inviting the public to explore the region’s rich history with its inaugural Champaign County African American Heritage Trail bus tour, scheduled for Monday, February 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. This bus tour will take participants through significant historical landmarks in Champaign and Urbana, celebrating the contributions and achievements of the African American community.

The tour will visit key sites, including murals, interpretive signs, and other local landmarks that honor African American milestones. A tour guide will provide in-depth historical context, bringing to life the area’s cultural history and offering insight into the individuals and events that have shaped the region.

“We are facing a time where black history is trying to be erased so it’s important to highlight and give credit to African Americans for the role they played in building our country and community,” said Estella Samii, Destination Experience Manager, Experience Champaign-Urbana. “Within Champaign County, the black community heavily impacted school systems, employment opportunities, and housing access that went on to affect the nation.  A lot of people in our community aren’t aware of the history we are sharing so it’s our duty as community members to share this. These tours are a way to educate our community and beyond because when you have knowledge you have power.”

Samii credits Angela Rivers for bringing this project to life. “Angela Rivers installed a mural in 1978 titled The Pictorial History of African Americans of Champaign County to show the contributions of African Americans in our community. To my knowledge, she is the first to truly educate and shine a light on this history.”

Tickets for the bus tour are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children, and online reservations are required due to limited seating. The bus will pick up and drop off participants at the Douglass Center, located at 504 E. Grove St in Champaign.

Robert White, Director of Group Sales & Partnerships, Experience Champaign-Urbana, says, “the tour is important especially now in times where history is being changed and or completely eliminated from schools and history books. It is important that these different accomplishments, milestones, and prominent events are not only highlighted but memorialized for the preservation of Champaign County history as well as a nod to the African American achievements that have paved the way for the trail to even be possible. “

White says bringing this project to fruition was a group effort. “I don’t feel there is one particular person I think although it may have started with a small group of individuals, leading to a call to action that included a committee, co-chairs, numerous community organizations, partners and leaders. The unrepresented culture and discredited achievements of African Americans are the reason this is needed. It took all hands on deck to address this, and I feel the call was answered.”

For more information or to reserve tickets, visit the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail website.