Exploring Black History in the Chicago Southland

As a center of the Great Migration, the Chicago area has a rich history when it comes to the African American experience. Throughout the city and suburbs are stories and lasting marks made by those who paved the way for future generations in many areas. Spend some time on your visit to the Chicago Southland learning more about influential African Americans and their impact.

Illinois Black Hall of Fame
Located inside Governors State University, the Illinois Black Hall of Fame launched with the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. Its mission is to recognize and salute the accomplishments of notable African American achievers who have a connection to Illinois. Among those who have been inducted so far are Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, a Howard University graduate who was senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago for 36 years, and Emil Jones, former president of the Illinois Senate. For more information, visit IBHOF.org.

Crete Congressional Church
The Crete Congressional Church was acquired recently by the Crete Area Historical Society. It is a significant structure built in 1853 and had abolitionists among its members who aided escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. Many of the church’s most prominent families were conductors of the Underground Railroad.

Juneteenth Celebrations
Throughout the Chicago Southland, several communities organize events celebrating Juneteenth and the emancipation of enslaved people. Among the towns that have commemorated Juneteenth with festivals or events are Crete, Homewood, Calumet City, Richton Park, Park Forest, Dolton, Matteson, Robbins and Flossmoor.

Pullman National Historical Park
The Pullman Historic District and Pullman Visitor Center allow visitors to get a glimpse into the country’s first model, planned industrial community. Playing a large role in the Pullman Palace Car Company were the Pullman Porters, who were exclusively Black until the 1960s and have been credited with developing middle-class America and introducing Black leadership as the first all-Black union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

Bronzeville Children’s Museum
The first and only African American children’s museum in the United States, the Bronzeville Children’s Museum is in Chicago’s Calumet Heights community on the city’s south side. It aims to expose children to the rich culture and contributions of African Americans.

Jan and Aagje Ton Farm
All traces of the former farm on now gone, but the Underground Railroad site that served as a respite for escaping slaves is now Chicago’s Finest Marina, a Black-owned motorboat marina at 557 East 134th Place in Chicago. A historical marker was placed near the site in late 2022. A memorial garden was established in 2011 on the grounds of the First Reformed Church in South Holland to honor the couple and all those who supported the Underground Railroad effort.

Robbins Historical Museum
This museum celebrates the contributions of extraordinary people from Robbins, including actress Nichelle Nichols, who starred in the Star Trek series, and its historic 1931 all-Black airport that produced 10 original Tuskegee Airmen.

Famous Gravesites

At various cemeteries across the Chicago Southland, you can stop and visit the graves of significant African Americans. A few of them are:

Bessie “Brave Bessie” Coleman
First female African American aviator
Lincoln Cemetery, Blue Island

Willie James Dixon
Legendary blues musician and songwriter
Restvale Cemetery, Alsip

Andrew Foster
Baseball Hall of Famer, manager and executive who founded the Negro National League in 1920
Lincoln Cemetery, Blue Island

Walter “Shakey” Horton
Blues harmonica player also known as “Big Walter”
Restvale Cemetery, Alsip

Bernie Mac (Bernard Jeffrey McCullough)
Comedian, actor
Washington Memory Gardens Cemetery, Homewood

McKinley “Muddy Waters” Morganfield
Blues icon
Restvale Cemetery, Alsip

Frederick Wayman “Duke” Slater
Football great, civil rights pioneer
Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens (South), Glenwood

Koko Taylor
Grammy-winning blues singer, “Queen of the Blues”
Washington Memory Gardens Cemetery, Homewood

Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor
Between 1897 and 1900, he was considered "the fastest bicycle rider in the world"
Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens (South), Glenwood

Emmett Till
Civil rights icon
Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip

Find more famous African American graves at VisitChicagoSouthland.com/Famous-Graves.

Want to support some of the Chicago Southland’s Black-owned businesses? Here are a few to pay a visit to:

Copper Still Martini Bar & Lounge
1961 Ridge Road, Homewood

Vintrendi Wine Company
339 Main Street, Park Forest

Hidden Mana Cafe
3613 216th Street, Suite 1, Matteson

Batter and Berries
2462 Vollmer Road, Olympia Fields

S.L. Wine Bar
3224 Ridge Road, Suite 105, Lansing

Richard’s Super Premium Ice Cream
11033 South Langley Avenue, Chicago (Pullman area)

Tiny’s Flowers
18055 Torrence Avenue, Lansing