CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A new sign celebrating the historic contributions of African American healthcare professionals in Champaign County was unveiled this morning at 29 E. Main Street, marking the 23rd addition to the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.
The sign honors trailblazing Black medical professionals, including Dr. Henry E. Rowan, the first African American doctor to practice in Champaign-Urbana. Dr. Rowan arrived in 1914 and established his medical office on Walnut Street, becoming a pillar of care for the local Black community at a time of widespread racial segregation.
Also featured is Dr. Henry (Harry) D. Ellis, the area’s second African American physician, who served in the all-Black 370th Infantry during World War I before earning his degree from the University of Illinois School of Medicine.
The marker not only highlights these pioneering men but also Black women in healthcare, such as Vivian Grundy, who broke barriers as the first African American admitted to a local nursing program in 1952.
The legacy of grassroots care is also recognized through community clinics like the North End Health Center, which later became Frances Nelson Health Center, named for Frances Nelson—a woman known for providing care and shelter to homeless Black children in the 1940s.
The event, sponsored by Carle Health, signifies the official completion of Phase 1 of the African American Heritage Trail.
“This isn’t just a sign—it’s a reminder of who came before us, who cared for us, and who made it possible for Black professionals to walk into exam rooms today,” said the great-great-niece of Dr. Henry Rowan. “This trail is about more than history; it’s about dignity, access, and honoring the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors.”
Representatives from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Experience Champaign were also on hand, reflecting the collaborative commitment to telling a fuller, more inclusive story of the community’s past. Minnie Pearson, President of the Champaign County NAACP, attended the event and praised the effort.
As organizers look ahead to Phase 2, they aim to expand the trail with more locations, educational programs, and digital resources—pending continued funding and research.
For more information about the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, visit www.ccafricanamericanheritage.org.
