African American Heritage Trail

UI Black Chorus
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801
More detail forthcoming! Learn more by visiting: https://krannertcenter.com/events/ui-black-chorus-0

Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul
2025-02-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801
Join Illinois Soul and Krannert Center as we celebrate Black History Month with Krannert Center Uncorked! Every Thursday in February, Krannert Center will showcase some of the best local and regional musicians on Stage 5 in the Krannert Center lobby. Connect with friends new and old, enjoy a beverage from the Stage 5 Bar, and dance, dance, dance! You can connect with the staff of Illinois Soul, as well! All Krannert Center Uncorked events are absolutely FREE. Come join the party!
For more information, visit: https://krannertcenter.com/events/krannert-center-uncorked-illinois-soul-1

Rio Da Yung OG at The Canopy Club
2025-02-21 21:00 | Canopy Club, 708 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801
Rio Da Yung OG started making music with RMC Mike as a teenager, recording songs on a karaoke machine for him and his friends to listen to. Rio didn’t take rap seriously until his idol Team Eastside Peezy encouraged him to and proved that rap made money, he said in an interview with No Jumper.

Creating Community: A History of African Americans in Champaign County
2025-02-18 13:30 - 2025-04-18 15:00 | 301 North Neil Street, Suite 201, 301 North Neil Street, Suite 201, Champaign, 61820, United States
Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, “believed that history was made by the people, not simply or primarily by great men.” Historically, Champaign County has always had a vibrant Black community of people who lived lives of dignity and grace despite the barriers of segregation and racial prejudice that they encountered on a daily basis. The course will cover over 170 years of this community’s history. These men and women were self-reliant and self-made, determined to improve their lives and contribute to the betterment of the greater community. This is the story we will tell.
Instructors: Angela M. Rivers: An artist, educator, historian and museum professional, Angela Rivers spent over thirty-five years in teaching, supervisory, managerial, and consulting positions in museums and in the cultural arts arena in Texas, Central Illinois, and the Chicago area. Her experiences include, DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago, IL; Chicago History Museum; The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL; Art Institute of Chicago, Dallas Museum of Fine Art, Dallas, TX; and teaching African and African American Art at Eastern Illinois University.
Barbara Suggs-Mason, Ed.D. worked in public education in Illinois for over 37 years at every level as a teacher and administrator, and as an adjunct instructor at several Chicago area colleges and universities. A frequent presenter, she is a recipient of an Award of Merit from the Illinois State Board of Education for her work as a classroom teacher and retired as a Superintendent of Schools.
Both instructors grew up in Champaign, descending from family that moved to the county after the Civil War. Currently, they serve as co-chairs of the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.

Black History Month Celebration at Research Park
2025-02-13 12:00 | Research Park, 60 Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL, 61820
Professionals who work in the Research Park community are invited to celebrate Black History Month with us from 12-1pm on Thursday, February 13 at EnterpriseWorks. Barbara Suggs-Mason and Angela Rivers will be present on the Champaign County African-American Heritage Trail and how you can engage.
Lunch will be provided by Neil Street Blues. Research Park events are free; however, registration is required to ensure that we have adequate seating and food for all participants. Please contact Cathy McArthur at mcarthur@illinois.edu with any questions.

School of Social Work Immersive Simulated Experience: Poverty and Service
2025-02-07 13:00 - 15:30 | UIUC School of Social Work, 1010 W. Nevada, Urbana, IL
Step into the shoes of those facing financial hardships in our community with an immersive simulated experience. Acknowledging the profound impact of poverty, the School of Social Work, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Champaign Urbana Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to participate in a unique event designed to provide a firsthand understanding of life under financial constraints.
During this “Immersive Simulated Experience,” participants will navigate the challenges of limited resources and heightened stress. The simulation encourages individuals to perceive poverty from various perspectives and fosters discussions on the potential for personal and community-driven change. These thought-provoking experiences are crafted to sensitize participants to the harsh realities of poverty, sparking a dialogue on the path toward positive transformation.

Certified Organic: Celebrating the Legacy of Black Music
2025-02-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Gallery Art Bar, 119 W. Main St., Urbana, IL
Certified Organic Celebrating the legacy of black music. Hosted by Aaron ‘Aplus’ Wilson | Music by Ther’Up.Y. Brought to you by Illinois Soul.

SPEAK Cafe: February 2025
2025-02-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Krannert Art Museum, 500 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, Illinois, 61820
SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art and Knowledge. It is an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic.

Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul
2025-02-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801
Join Illinois Soul and Krannert Center as we celebrate Black History Month with Krannert Center Uncorked! Every Thursday in February, Krannert Center will showcase some of the best local and regional musicians on Stage 5 in the Krannert Center lobby. Connect with friends new and old, enjoy a beverage from the Stage 5 Bar, and dance, dance, dance! You can connect with the staff of Illinois Soul, as well! All Krannert Center Uncorked events are absolutely FREE. Come join the party!
For more information, visit: https://krannertcenter.com/events/krannert-center-uncorked-illinois-soul

DIY KIDS | BLACK HISTORY BINGO
2025-02-05 16:00 - 17:00 | Douglass Park, 804 N. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL, 61820
Learn about famous people, places, and events in Black History by making your own bingo card and playing together at our weekly do-it-yourself activity for kids.

Paths of Progress: Uncovering the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail
2025-02-03 12:00 | University of Illinois, Main Library, 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Room 220, Urbana, IL, 61801
Join us for our first hybrid webinar of the year! RSVP for the in-person event at the Main Library, Media Commons, by Friday, February 14 at https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1456852862. This event will be accessible online via Zoom, register at https://go.library.illinois.edu/feb20bhm
A Special Presentation by Angela Rivers and Dr. Barbara Suggs-Mason with Archivist of Multicultural Collections and Services, Jessica Ballard-Lawrence.Join us for our first hybrid webinar of the year with an engaging presentation about the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, a community-driven initiative that celebrates the rich history and lasting contributions of African Americans in the Champaign County area. The trail’s mission is to educate residents and visitors about these often-overlooked stories, while its broader vision seeks to inspire meaningful conversations, deepen cultural understanding, and promote a more inclusive society.
Angela Rivers and Dr. Barbara Suggs-Mason, who lead this volunteer-driven project, will join Ballard-Lawrence and share insights into their family’s deep roots in the community, the development of the trail, and the importance of making this experience accessible to all. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the trail’s impact and how it brings local history to life.Learn about the trail’s connection to the University Archives, where historical resources and collections have helped document and preserve the legacy of African American life at Illinois.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how local history and archival materials intersect to tell powerful stories that shape our present and future. Space is limited and registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided immediately after registration.If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in any of these programs/events, please let us know. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Illinois Soul 1st Anniversary Celebration
2025-02-01 17:30 - 2025-02-02 02:00 | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801
Everybody loves an anniversary, and we’re celebrating a big one: The first anniversary of Illinois Soul! In 2024, Illinois Public Media launched Illinois Soul, a new radio station serving the Black community, to “amplify Black voices, music, and culture throughout central Illinois.” We are proud to partner with Illinois Soul in their important mission. Come enjoy a free pre-performance reception in the Lobby at 5:30pm with R&B music, appetizers, cash bar, and giveaways, followed by a ticketed concert featuring a national recording artist. Happy Anniversary, Illinois Soul, and here’s to many more to come!
5:30p – Free Pre-Party @ Stage 5 ft. Dexter O’Neal and the Funk yard.
7:30pm – Ticket Loose Ends ft. Jane Eugene Concert in the Tryon Theatre.
10:00pm-2:00am – After party @ Neil Street Blues. Free admission with digital concert ticket or stub. Late night menu & Dj.

CU BIPOC Artist Collective Holiday Card Making Workshop
2024-12-12 17:30 - 20:00 | Fresh Press, 2116 Griffith Dr., Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Holiday card making with handmade paper. Plus, hot cocoa!

SPEAK Café with CU BIPOC Artist Collective
2024-11-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Krannert Art Museum, 500 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, Illinois, 61820
SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge. It is an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic.

Champaign-Urbana Black & African Arts Festival (Main Event)
2024-09-21 08:00 - 17:00 | I Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 S. 1st Street, Champaign, IL
The C-U Black & African Arts Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing the Champaign-Urbana and Central Illinois community with a rich, culturally diverse experience. Our mission is to celebrate and share the vibrant heritage of Black and African cultures.
Join the main festival on September 21 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the I Hotel (1900 S. 1st St., Champaign).
For more information, visit: https://www.cubaafest.org/

Champaign-Urbana Black & African Arts Festival Kick-Off
2024-09-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Rose Bowl, 106 N. Race St., Urbana, IL, 61801
The C-U Black & African Arts Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing the Champaign-Urbana and Central Illinois community with a rich, culturally diverse experience. Our mission is to celebrate and share the vibrant heritage of Black and African cultures.
Join for the festival kickoff on September 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the Rose Bowl (106 N. Race St., Urbana).
For more information, visit: https://www.cubaafest.org/

Champaign-Urbana Days
2024-08-10 11:00 - 20:00 | Douglass Park, 804 N. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL, 61820
Get ready to celebrate the vibrant Chambana community as Champaign-Urbana Days approaches! Join the Champaign Park District for this cherished 30+ year tradition, as we come together to honor our shared heritage and culture. Delight in live music performances, indulge in tasty food from local vendors, connect at the Senior Luncheon, and partake in a variety of activities for both children and seniors alike. Champaign-Urbana Days promises to be an unforgettable celebration of unity and togetherness. Don’t miss out on this chance to join in the festivities and embrace the spirit of our wonderful community!
*PLEASE, NO PETS ALLOWED WITH EXCEPTION TO SERVICE ANIMALS
August 9 | 5-8p
August 10 | 11a-8p
Fee: FREE
For more information, visit: https://champaignparks.org/event/champaign-urbana-days-cu-days/2024-08-10/

Champaign-Urbana Days
2024-08-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Douglass Park, 804 N. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL, 61820
Get ready to celebrate the vibrant Chambana community as Champaign-Urbana Days approaches! Join the Champaign Park District for this cherished 30+ year tradition, as we come together to honor our shared heritage and culture. Delight in live music performances, indulge in tasty food from local vendors, connect at the Senior Luncheon, and partake in a variety of activities for both children and seniors alike. Champaign-Urbana Days promises to be an unforgettable celebration of unity and togetherness. Don’t miss out on this chance to join in the festivities and embrace the spirit of our wonderful community!
*PLEASE, NO PETS ALLOWED WITH EXCEPTION TO SERVICE ANIMALS
August 9 | 5-8p
August 10 | 11a-8p
Fee: FREE
For more information, visit: https://champaignparks.org/event/champaign-urbana-days-cu-days/2024-08-09/

Mobile Museum of Tolerance
2024-07-17 11:00 - 16:00 | Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana, IL, 61801
The purpose of the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to promote human dignity by empowering them to raise their voices to combat anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, hate and intolerance. The first-of-its-kind in the United States, the MMOT is a free traveling mobile education center, utilizing innovative technology and interactive lessons to bring a message of tolerance directly to communities across the state of Illinois.
Unlike a traditional museum, the MMOT does not have physical artifacts or traditional exhibits. Each workshop is between 40-45 minutes long. Three of the workshops – The Story of Anne Frank, Civil Rights, and Ordinary People – use a “trigger film” about the Holocaust or Civil Rights Movement to teach the history of those time periods and how people were dehumanized based on their race and/or religion. The Educator then facilitates a dialogue as to modern-day examples of fighting for civil rights, the roles of upstanders and bystanders, and how students must take an active role in preventing hate and promoting tolerance in their communities.
Our Digital Media Literacy workshop, Combat Hate, utilizes tablet computers and teach students how to identify and analyze propaganda and harmful media. The goal of MMOT’s workshops is for participants to see the humanity in others and to leave the workshop with an action step to make a positive difference in their community.

Reflections Unveiled: A Journey Through Self-Portrait Poetry
2024-06-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Urbana Free Library, 201 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL, 61801
Join The Urbana Free Library for an evening filled with heartfelt emotions, captivating poetry, and soulful movement. Delve into the essence of self-discovery in this special workshop led by Ja Nelle Davenport-Pleasure. No previous writing experience necessary. For adults.
Ja Nelle Davenport-Pleasure is multi-talented artist. She is a poet and spoken word performer, an avid dancer, and a jewelry and recycled clothing designer. Davenport-Pleasure was selected as the 2020 Artist Ace Awards winner and also founded Cinderella/Cinderfella, a ballroom dance troupe for children. This year, she will release her fourth book of poetry. Ja Nelle strives to help people of all ages express themselves creatively through writing, spoken word, music, dance, and other art forms.
Sponsored by The Urbana Free Library Foundation’s Nick Rudd Music Fund.

The Library is committed to making programs accessible for all. If you need an accommodation to attend a program, please let the Library know at least two weeks in advance. To request an accommodation, contact the Programming and Outreach Manager via email at programming@urbanafree.org or via phone at 217-367-4057.

26th Annual MLK Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day
2024-06-22 12:00 - 16:00 | King Park, 915 W. Wascher Dr., Urbana, IL
In partnership with the City of Urbana, the Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Committee is excited to invite you to join us for the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day Celebration. This event was founded by the late Mrs. Jettie Rhodes who had a famous quote: “Who’s your neighbor?” This day is all about giving back to the community with fun, family, networking, and a diverse atmosphere. Enjoy free food (while supplies last), live entertainment, kids’ activities, raffle prizes, and a wealth of resourceful information provided by various local nonprofits at this family friendly event. Last year’s event hosted nearly 80 tables. This is an event you will not want to miss!
Saturday, June 22, 2024
12:00 PM – 04:00 PM
rain (no lightning) or shine
King Park
915 W. Wascher Street
Urbana, IL 61801
This event is non-partisan, however, we encourage voter registration and education tables.
If you have questions, please email jettierhodes@yahoo.com.

Nurtured in Nature: Summer BIPOC Hiking Event
2024-06-22 10:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Forest Preserve, Mahomet, IL, 61853
Join us for a community, nature-based community wellness event intentionally for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community members of Champaign County. Organized by the Nurtured in Nature team of Healthy Champaign County and led by Chicago-based non profit BPO Hikes guiding BIPOC community members on a communal, social-oriented hike that aims to foster new friendships, mitigate long-held nature-based traumas, and forge new and rejuvenating connections and discovery with nature.

Location: River Bend Forest Preserve – Mahomet, Illinois
Date: Saturday, June 22nd
Arrival Time: 10:00 am
Hiking Time: 10:30am – 11:45am – Dogleg Loop & Woodland Trail (2.5 miles with extended options)
Social Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm – Possibility Pier

Please register below! Once you sign up, we will email you more details about your visit.
Important Details:

This event is intended for BIPOC community members.
The hiking event will have a capacity of 50 hikers with registration closing once at capacity.
This event will be facilitated in English with support from Spanish translators.
This event is free.
The River Bend route is an unpaved trail, wilderness trail allowing for limited mobility.
To register, you must be at least 18 years old. Hikers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All attendees must abide by the rules and regulations of Champaign County Forest Preserve District.
An attendance stipend of $50 will be provided to up to 10 qualifying low-income attendees. You must be a Champaign County resident to receive the stipend.
Transportation is available for residents from Champaign-Urbana. Participants residing outside of Champaign County must coordinate transportation to the event.

For more information, please contact Nurtured in Nature Project Director, Tomas Delgado at tddelg@gmail.com.

How to prepare for your hike:
Dress appropriately for the weather. Dressing in layers is recommended so you are ready for any weather changes during the walk. This is a rain or shine event, with the only exception being if there is a lightning, thunderstorm, or hail.
Bring water to stay hydrated throughout the walk. Access to drinking water and bathrooms may be limited at times. During your walk, you will have opportunities to sit on the ground.
First Aid materials are one site. However, please be prepared for various elements, with the possibility of (but not limited to): sunburns, bug bites, and allergens. Wearing closed footwear (not sandals) and socks and tucking pants into socks is recommended. These are personal choices and the responsibility will be left up to each individual.
Volunteer Mental Health support is available should you desire to speak with someone.

Please reach out if there are any accessibility requests.
We look forward to welcoming you and providing a nurturing space for your well-being.

Register online here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpLx4GEC6fUDeA9mOceP5geojaHTVRR5gj2KPIoNFuGhrlwg/viewform?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0Coo3USNeFhEy6bSAtYkapDPIiVGd-BV2NnN6F50Ic7xfm9wh0JIoKZMU_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Krannert Uncorked with Syleena Johnson – Special Juneteenth Celebration
2024-06-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801
Join the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, June 20 at Krannert Center Uncorked for a special Juneteenth celebration presented in collaboration with Illinois Soul 101.1 FM! The party begins at 5pm with a cash bar, promotional giveaways, and music provided by Illinois Soul, with a performance on Stage 5 at 6pm by Grammy-nominated R&B recording artist Syleena Johnson.
A Chicago native, Syleena Johnson is one of the most visible R&B vocalists touring today. Her sultry voice, combined with her timeless beauty, classic style, and piercing delivery has made her a fan-favorite for nearly twenty years. She has released 11 albums since 1998 and has recorded with Kanye West, Cam’ron, KRS-One, Twista and Musiq Soulchild, among many others. Her latest single, “Black Balloon,” is an inspiring masterwork of contemporary R&B/soul.
For more information, visit: https://krannertcenter.com/node/21223

Juneteenth Day Party at Neil St. Blues
2024-06-19 16:00 - 20:00 | IL
It’s that time again! Join Neil St. Blues for their annual Juneteenth Celebration! Juneteenth falls on a week day this year, but that don’t stop the celebration! Featuring a full dinner buffet, sounds by DJ Frostbyte, drink specials, and unlimited fun!
Juneteenth Day Party
June 19th at 4:00 PM
Neil St. Blues, Champaign, Illinois
Sounds by DJ Frostbyte
Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable celebration filled with great food, music, and fun. Let’s make this Juneteenth one to remember!
See you there!
For more information, visit: https://www.neilstblues.com/events/juneteenth-celebration

Juneteenth Field Day at Colbert Park
2024-06-19 14:00 - 18:00 | Colbert Park, 203 E. Church St., Savoy, IL
The celebration will take place at Dana Colbert Park, 203 E. Church St., in Savoy.
For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/421631033967257/?ref=newsfeed

Juneteenth Film Screening & Community Discussion: Media Justice's "Deeper Than A Div/de"
2024-06-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Independent Media Center, 202 S. Broadway, Suite 100, Urbana, IL, 61801
The Campus-Community Compact to Accelerate Social Justice, The Illinois Broadband Lab, The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, and i3 Broadband are proud to host a Juneteenth screening of the Media Justice film “Deeper Than a Div/ide,” to be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and local leaders about racial disparities in digital equity in our community.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center. Dinner will be served, and it’s free and open to the public.
Please pass the word to any interested community members. We hope to see you there!

Juneteenth Celebration (Urbana Park District)
2024-06-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Crystal Lake, 206 W. Park St., Urbana, IL
All welcome to celebrate!

Join Urbana Park District and The Urbana Free Library for a family friendly Juneteenth celebration at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park!
Enjoy music, food and refreshments, fishing, UrVANa Mobile Recreation Unit games and activities, community resources, and more as we celebrate Black freedom and achievements in Urbana and beyond.
Sunday, June 16, 2024

01:00 PM – 03:00 PM
Crystal Lake Park
206 W. Park Street
Urbana, IL 61801217-367-1544

Pre-Juneteenth Celebration at Neil St. Blues
2024-06-15 22:00 - 23:00 | Neil St. Blues, 301 N Neil St, Champaign, IL, 61820
Pre-Juneteenth Celebration at Neil St. Blues!
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, food, and celebration as we kick off Juneteenth festivities early!
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024 Time: 10:00 PM Location: Neil St. Blues, 301 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
We’re bringing you the best vibes curated by the one and only Greg 2 Hype! Get ready to dance the night away and enjoy the incredible vibes at Neil St. Blues.
Kitchen Open: Satisfy your late-night cravings with our delicious menu! Drink Specials: Sip on our specially crafted cocktails all night long. Cover: $10
This is an event you won’t want to miss! Bring your friends, celebrate freedom, and let’s make this a night to remember.
Must be 21+ to enter
For more information, call us at 217-531-1150

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1176125036898514/

Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration (Champaign Park District)
2024-06-15 12:00 - 15:00 | Douglass Park, 804 N. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL, 61820
Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States, is one event you don’t want to miss. At Douglass Park, enjoy music and visit different vendors while learning about this important holiday. Children can make arts and crafts, play on the bounce house and obstacle course, or get soaked in the Splash Pad.

Douglass Park

501 E Eureka St.
Champaign, 61820

MTD's Juneteenth Block Party
2024-06-14 16:30 - 19:30 | Illinois Terminal, 45 E. University Ave., Champaign, IL, 61820
Please join MTD for a Juneteenth Block Party on Friday, June 14, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm in the parking lot of Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign. Black history is American history and MTD invites the entire community to join us for this family-friendly event that celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

MTD and our community partners have created a space to connect with one another and support the observance of Juneteenth through local art, history, music, and food. This event is free to the public and will occupy a portion of the parking lot in front of Illinois Terminal at University Ave. and Market St.

Please come enjoy the entertainment program, which includes:

4:30pm – 7:30pm Juneteenth Bus with Mobile History ExhibitThe bus will be on display to view the exterior artwork and the history exhibit onboard.

4:30pm-7:30pm Local Black History DisplayTake a break from the heat and head up to the second floor of Illinois Terminal for a new installation that highlights local Black history in Champaign County. This work is presented by the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.

4:30pm – 7:30pm Food TrucksFood will be available for purchase from Mama Duke’s homestyle BBQ, Sugga Shaii Sweets, and Fernando’s Tacos!

4:30PM Welcome(includes words from employees on MTD’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, who made this all possible with their efforts to elevate Black voices in our community and American history. Other brief speakers include MTD leadership, as well as our partners involved in creating the mobile exhibit: local Artists BLACKMAU and the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.

4:40pm Vocalist ensemble, In The WingsA celebration of inspiration hymns including Lift Every Voice and Sing (Black National Anthem), Star Spangled Banner, Optimistic, What a Friend, and other pieces by Black composers

5:15pm Royal Diamonds Dance Team (Urbana High School)This group will get everyone energized and ready to dance with their performance!

6:00pm Chris Chism & Co. Musical PerformanceLocal singer/songwriter, Chris Chism, and his band will offer a musical performance that crosses cultural and generational barriers to guarantee maximum fun is had by all.
