Points of Pride

Titled “EPOCH” or “Timeline” by Oscar Joyo, this mural is a celebration of undeniable ingenuity and contributions of Black people, both past and present. Each wall captures the spirit and essences of notable individuals from Champaign-Urbana’s history, along with influential people in Joyo’s everyday life. Joyo’s love for the arts started when he was a child drawing cartoons in Malawi. Joyo eventually moved to Chicago and after graduating from The American Academy of Art with a bachelor’s degree in Life Drawing in 2015, he developed his signature style of tribal patterns and vivid portraiture. His work is a letter to his African heritage and the hope that there will be a better future for people of color. The three walls with murals confront us with an undeniable truth that we are never truly disconnected from the generations before or after us.

Location: 1801 W. John St., Champaign

“Breaking Barriers: African American Firsts” by Jeremy Biggers showcases a little girl reaching for a brighter future as a powerful symbol of aspiration, hope, and the boundless potential within us all. Jeremy Biggers is an award winning creator who has made a name for himself as a painter, muralist, and film-maker. His artistic vision has led to partnerships with some of the biggest bands in the world, including Nike, Adidas, Jordan, McDonalds, and many more. Biggers can be found by the handle stemandthorn on most social media. Biggers explains this piece as a tribute to the many African American pioneers who have shattered ceilings and opened doors, paving the way for future generations. The young girl stretching towards the heavens embodies the dreams and ambitions that fuel our journey towards progress and equality. This mural is a celebration of the ones who came before us and a celebration of their legacy and a reminder that each new generation stands on their shoulders, capable of reaching even greater heights. It’s also a call to action urging all of us to continue striving for excellence and to support the dreams of the young people in our communities. The dots that are a recurring element in Biggers’ work represent his mother and the ladybugs that visited him after her passing. These symbols hold a deep personal significance for him and an additional layer of meaning to his pieces. This mural would not be possible without support from the Tourism Attraction Program grant and Fairlawn Real Estate.

Location: 212 E. White St., Champaign

Titled “KOFENA” by muralist Georgia Nakima, the purpose of this mural is to beautify the area while paying homage to the cultural heritage of black women. Going by the handle Garden of Journey, Nakima uses her platform to inspire and connect artistry with real world data in hopes to shift perspectives towards justice, wonder, and research. Nakima received her Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences as a biology major and chemistry minor from Winston Salem State University. Today, her studies have centered her to practice to bridge art and science together. Our two figures add perspective of sisterhood and collaboration. On the left, she is “lighting the torch” or “carrying the fire” while the other is in meditation. Complementing the duality of progress between contemplation and action. You will see geranium that is placed on the left and right of each figure to represent love, health, and protection. While adinkra symbols are placed on each corner. The upper symbolizing heroism, and the lower symbolizing cooperation and group work. This mural would not be possible without support from the Tourism Attraction Program grant and Fairlawn Real Estate.

Location: 511 E. White St., Champaign

Titled “Each One Teach One” by Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs, this mural stands as a testament to the enduring power of education, community, and shared narratives. Rob “ProBlack” Gibbs is a visual artist, organizer, and community builder based out of Boston Massachusetts. Gibbs is a co-founder of Artist for Humanity, an arts non-profit that hires and reaches creative skills to youth. In 2023, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Gibbs role as a father and mentor drives his passion for creating images of beauty of resilience through murals and contemporary fine art. The mural draws inspiration from the cosmos, where the Hubble Galaxy serves as a cosmic backdrop, a reminder of the boundless realms waiting exploration. On this side you will see a brother who opens a book, where his eyes are lighted with the spark of discovery and beside him, you will see a sister who mirrors his gaze. Together they symbolize the promise of future visionaries. This mural challenges us to ask: What can each of us do to inspire the next generation of trailblazers? How can we breathe life into the timeless proverb or “Each One Teach One” until knowledge reaches every eager mind? This mural would not be possible without support from the Tourism Attraction Program grant, Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center, and the Housing Authority.

Location: 1401 E. Main St. in Urbana

Visual Arts

The sculpture "Adam & Eve Mourning Over the Soul of Abel" was designed by Bryan W. Massey, an African American sculptor based in Arkansas. With support from the Public Art League, the sculpture was installed at the Lincoln Building (44 E. Main St., Champaign) in 2014.

Visual Arts

Albert R. Lee worked for the University of Illinois in the late 1800s and early 1900s and became known as the Dean of African American Students. In addition to his work at the University, Albert Lee was very involved in his community. In 2022, the University unveiled a portrait of Albert Lee, painted by Champaign-based artist Patrick Earl Hammie, in the Student Dining and Residential Programs Building (301 E. Gregory Dr., Champaign).

Visual Arts

Located at King Park (915 W. Wascher Dr., Urbana) and designed by African American artist Preston Jackson, this sculpture's tall exterior points towards the sky in favor of a brighter future and reality for all.

Visual Arts

The Cunningham Township building (205 W. Green St., Urbana) includes two murals by Langston Allston on either side. One side depicts people sharing a book, while the other side depicts people sharing a guitar. In 2022, Allston led the installation of both murals with support from about 20 community members.

Visual Arts

"Double Dutch — A Jump for Joy" has been a landmark in West Side Park (400 W. University Ave., Champaign) since 2011. It was created by African American artist Gary Bibbs of Lexington, Kentucky, and measures in at 16 feet tall and 26 feet wide. The statue is made of stainless steel tubing and bronze, and was inspired by the joy and innocence of children at play.

Visual Arts

The Champaign Park District commissioned a mural by Keenan Dailey—a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and University of Illinois alum—to reflect the history of Douglass Park and Center. The mural was used to wrap a Champaign Park District bus, which was unveiled in September 2022.