Elizabeth Lewis and Theodore Crawley wedding, ca. 1925

The Champaign County African American History Committee welcomes you to our homepage! We are a volunteer committee under the sponsorship of the Early American Museum and the Champaign Park District. It is our mission to gather, chronicle, and preserve the heritage that has been such an integral part of the establishment and growth of Champaign County.

Take time to read current and/or past issues of our biannual newsletter, Through the Years: African-American History in Champaign County, which normally features an individual, family, community group and institution.

Learn about our Through the Years travelling exhibit that was organized and developed in cooperation with the UIUC Afro-American Studies and Research Program staff and the Krannert Art Museum.

Take a tour of our virtual gallery (hyperlink to gallery) of photos and documents graciously donated by residents of Champaign County.

Join us in preserving this heritage and keeping African American history alive all year. Just as multitudes of individuals are responsible for the many gains made by African Americans through the years, there are many thousands responsible for the survival of culture, our tradition, and our history. We need your help today! The Committee meets monthly at the Douglass Center Annex. If you are interested in joining the Committee, donating or loaning materials, sharing or seeking additional information, please feel free to contact us: