This summer, the CU Schools Foundation had the pleasure of hosting a YES Intern from Champaign Central High School, Lojine Elmanghraby. During her time with us, Lojine explored the inner workings of a non-profit organization, developed leadership and networking skills, practiced writing articles, and contributed to the daily operations of our office. As part of her experience, she also joined other YES (Youth Employment Services) interns on an educational tour of the African American Heritage Trail, organized through the Experience CU Office. In this blog post, Lojine reflects on what she learned and experienced during that tour. Enjoy!
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, I had the opportunity and the privilege to attend a guided heritage tour led by Robert White. I joined a modified version of the tour, participating alongside a local art and community program. While this version lasted about an hour and focused on sites in Champaign-Urbana, the extended version covers a much broader area throughout Champaign County and includes even more historical context.
The tour offers a deep look into 170 years of local African-American history, highlighting both struggles and triumphs, as well as the vibrant art and music that have shaped our community.
One of the most striking pieces I saw was the mural KOFENA by Georgie Nakima (featured above). This artwork was created to beautify the surrounding area and represent the dualities of cultural progression, power and meditation and heroism and love/protection. It is an incredible visual representation of the themes explored throughout the tour.
Another notable stop was the Champaign County Courthouse. I learned that historically, African Americans were only permitted to enter if they were enlisting in the military, an eye-opening reminder of past injustices. We also visited MLK Jr. Elementary School, which holds the distinction of being the first school in Illinois to desegregate.
The tour also celebrated the region’s rich musical legacy. At Skelton Park, we viewed a sculpture by African-American artist Preston Jackson, as well as a display honoring notable African-American musicians from Champaign County.
Overall, my experience was incredibly positive. I truly believe that anyone who participates in this tour will gain something meaningful, whether it is discovering a piece of history you did not know before or seeing local art for the first time. According to Mr. White, the tour is also available through an app, making it accessible for self-guided experiences as well.
This tour is a valuable tool for educators, offering historical insight that can be incorporated into classroom lessons. For students, it builds awareness and appreciation of their local history. Whether taken as a field trip or explored independently, the African-American Heritage Trail is a powerful educational journey that connects the past to the present in ways that will impact those who take part deeply. If you have the chance to attend this tour, I urge you to take it, and if you would like to schedule a guided tour, you can contact Robert White at RobertW@experienceCU.org.
