Since emancipation, Blacks in Champaign County have experienced a rich and interesting history. In order to study and understand their history, it is important to know how and why the bulk of the Black population arrived during this 100 year period. The first wave arrived after Blacks were granted their freedom in 1865. The immediate postbellum period saw many Blacks migrating to different sections of the country, hoping to provide better lives for their families. Later, in the early twentieth century, Blacks migrated from border and southern states (primarily Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Mississippi, and Georgia) seeking jobs in the industrialized northern society.

Since the primary mode of travel was by train, and Champaign County was located along major railway routes, both major migrations resulted in Blacks deciding to reside in Champaign County. To illustrate the change in the number of Blacks in Champaign County, the census shows that the "first wave" of Black migration (late 1860's through 1880) resulted in an increase from 48 Blacks in 1860 to 233 in 1870; and 462 by 1880. Further, from 1900 to 1920, the number of Blacks in Champaign County tripled from 551 to 1,620.

As significant numbers of Blacks arrived in Champaign County, they began to build and develop their own institutions (i.e. churches, businesses, social groups, etc.). This happened primarily for two reasons. First, many of the established institutions in Champaign County excluded Blacks from joining them. Second, Blacks migrated to establish economic and social freedom; thus, separate institutions were not necessarily problematic for Blacks in Champaign County.

The Church was a primary institution for Blacks to achieve social independence and stability. The two earliest churches in Champaign County were Bethel A.M.E. Church and Salem Baptist Church.

Another institution established for the social welfare of Champaign County Blacks was Douglass Community Center. Dedicated on September 23, 1945, the center was founded in response to social segregation and inadequate recreation facilities in the Black community.

Economically, Blacks in Champaign County were more restricted. Throughout the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Blacks were limited mostly to railroad, domestic, and day labor. However, some Blacks were successful in establishing their own businesses and owning their own farms. For example, George W. Smith of Raymond Township purchased 80 acres of land around 1876, and eventually owned 437 acres. Blacks also established smaller scale businesses such as barbershops, stores, and cleaners.

The significant contributions the Black community has made to the development of Champaign County is evident in all aspects of life. The diversity that Champaign-Urbana is famous for can be attributed in great part to its Black history. From business, to the arts, to religion the African - American heritage is alive and thriving.