THROUGH THE YEARS: AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY COMES HOME

During the months of June through October 1996, the staff of the UIUC Afro- American Studies and research Program and the Krannert Art Museum worked with members of the Champaign County African American History Committee to coordinate, organize and develop an exhibit on Champaign County African Americans.

The exhibit "Through the Years: African American History Comes Home," held its opening night on October 24, 1996, and included a panel discussion by Champaign County African American History Committee members: Mrs. Carrie Banks, Mr. Nathanial Dixon, Mrs. Doris Hoskins, Mrs. Cheryl Kennedy, Mrs. Estelle Merrifield, and Mrs. CharLotte Nesbitt. Reverend Roland Brown served as moderator, and Dianne M. Pinderhughes, Director of Afro-American Studies, gave the welcoming remarks. The exhibit was on display at the Afro-American Studies and Research Program from October 24 through December 20, 1996. During that time we had an attendance of approximately 500 people which included students from area schools such as Rantoul and University High School and numerous interviews and inquiries. There was also a radio interview by David Inge of WILL with members of the Champaign County African American History Committee. WCIA television aired a series of segments on the exhibit in February, and a feature article by George Kline on the exhibit was printed in the News Gazette on Sunday, November 3, 1996.

"Through the Years" consisted of poster-sized panels, composed of newspaper articles, photos, quotes from oral histories, and other historical documents such as receipts, letters, graduation programs, and census records. Themes covered with the panels included early African American families, community activism, military service, education, arts and entertainment, businesses, churches and fraternal and social organizations. In addition, local residents supplemented the panels with memorabilia such as barber and hair stylist equipment and personal items such as tea pots, hair combs, lace and china.

The exhibit was also made available to area schools and public institutions upon their request. During the month of January the exhibit was displayed at the Champaign Public Library at 505 S. Randolph, Champaign; February at Parkland College, Champaign; and March through May at Yankee Ridge School, Urbana. It will be displayed at the new Douglass Branch Library, Urbana during the months of June through August; and at Urbana High School in September. Urbana Middle School has requested it for February 1998.

The "Through the Years: African Americans Come Home" exhibit received high praise and following are some excerpts from comments by viewers.

The exhibit let me glimpse a part of our community and our history I know very little about. I was moved and fascinated by the stories told there.
-Donna Pittman, Staff, Champaign Public Library.

It gave a lot of pride to our local community. It showed that locally there are African Americans who have done things of importance beyond our community and they also did things here.
-Daniel Kingery, Senior, University High School.

I believe that the aptly named exhibit successfully raised the public consciousness on the black community^Òs diverse and significant history in Champaign County. I found that "Through the Years" was a rich visual tapestry exploring the contributions of African Americans to Champaign County^Òs business, religion, and the arts.
-George Scheetz, Director, Champaign Public Library

I had a wonderful time at the museum last Friday. I especially liked the exhibit about the people singing and about WWI and WWII.
-Cory Hinners, student, Eater Jr. High, Rantoul

Thanks for taking the time to take us through the exhibit last Friday. The kids and I found it very interesting and enjoyable.
-Linda Peete, Teacher, Eater Junior High, Rantoul

I am writing to tell you thanks for showing us your wonderful exhibit. I really liked the photos of the black men going to war, and the barber things.
-Dusten Allen, student, Eater Jr. High, Rantoul

I enjoyed the field trip to the Afro-American Studies. I'm glad you allowed me and my colleagues to learn a lot about the local black history. I hope you will find more information about black history. Had a great time thank you.
-Nickolus Lillard, student, Eater Jr. High, Rantoul

This exhibit has helped to reveal and develop the strong ties that should exist among people in both the University and local communities. It also shows the vision of certain African-American leaders who see the vital connection between our past and our future in this society. I thoroughly enjoyed it personally.
-John Jordan, Director, University YMCA

Financial and in-kind support of the Champaign County African American History Committee and the Afro-American Studies and Research Program project was instumental in making "Through the Years" a success.

The following are graciously thanked:
Busey Bank, Busey-Carter Travel, Carle Foundation, Horizon Bookstore, Illinois Power Company, Jerry's IGA, East Central Illinois Chapter of Links Inc., Mid America Travel, State Farm Insurance, Timpone's Restaurant, Urbana Free Library, UIUC Affirmative Action Office, UIUC African American Cultural Program, UIUC College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, UIUC Educational Policy Studies, UIUC History Department, UIUC Political Science Department, UIUC Office of Minority Student Affairs, The Champaign County Park District, The Early American Museum, the Champaign- Urbana Visitors Bureau and Partnership Illinois. Individuals are too numerous to list, but special recognition should go to: Carla Bloom, AASRP staff, Linda Duke and Vicktoria Ford, Krannert Art Museum, Lisa Gatzke, Mike Herbert, and Tylor Munson, UIUC Art & Design Program, and George Amaya, Graphic Solutions and, of course, members of the Champaign County African American community for preserving and sharing their histories.

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