Illinois Black History and Culture Program

Parks have long been spaces of creativity, culture, and community for Black Americans—from hosting some of the earliest Juneteenth celebrations to remaining vital gathering places today. Yet, barriers to access and representation remain, with limited land ownership and a lack of inclusivity in outdoor spaces reinforcing these disparities.

It’s clear that our public lands system must do more to reflect and welcome all communities, especially when only 3 percent of sites on the National Register of Historic Places reflect the experiences of Black Americans. This glaring gap deprives us of a full understanding of the story of America and presents the grave risk that many important places will be lost to development or neglect.

In Illinois, Trust for Public Land is addressing this inequity head on by expanding outdoor access. These outdoor spaces play a vital role in fortifying and reinforcing the strength of Black communities by providing welcoming, safe places to gather and connect. They can bolster physical and mental health, while expanding resilience to social challenges and climate change. These lands are foundational to enhancing community resilience, joy, and collective well-being.

From the Great Migration to the significant historical figures that shaped the civil rights movement, Illinois has been shaped by Black Americans. Despite enduring systemic inequities, their legacy of overcoming adversity remains powerful and enduring. Trust for Public Land acknowledges these challenges while lifting up their contributions to our community and by thoughtfully preserving sites and green spaces, we can demonstrate the lasting legacy Black Americans have had on our great state.