Champaign, IL (Chambana Today) — The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail and the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation are proud to announce the dedication of the Musician Tribute Wall at Skelton Park on Sunday, September 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This special event will celebrate the rich legacy of African American musicians whose contributions have deeply shaped the musical landscape of the Champaign-Urbana area.

The Musician Tribute Wall honors the lives and careers of Black musicians who found their voice in the Champaign-Urbana region, a community whose music scene dates back to the 1890s. Curated by Trail co-chairs Barbara Suggs-Mason and Angela Rivers, in collaboration with educator and musician Nathaniel Banks, the installation features the names of artists, their time periods, genres, and instruments, offering a permanent tribute to their enduring influence. The tribute wall was designed and fabricated by Taylor Studios.

“The Musician Tribute Wall stands as a testament to the rhythm, soul, and artistry that has resonated through our community for generations,” said Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation. “This is both a celebration and an invitation for all of us to remember, honor, and continue creating.”

The event will also include remarks from local leaders, as well as a live musical performance by Afro D and the Global Soundwaves, a group inspired by the very musicians being celebrated.

The Musician Tribute Wall is part of an ongoing effort to preserve and showcase the stories of African American pioneers who helped shape the community. The wall is a permanent addition to the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, a county-wide initiative to highlight the often-overlooked history and contributions of African Americans in the area.

This project is the latest step in the revitalization of Skelton Park, which has already seen the addition of sculptures by renowned artist Preston Jackson and a new play space focused on music and art. The transformation of Skelton Park was made possible through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, along with contributions from the Rotary Club of Champaign, the City of Champaign, and Champaign County.

For more information on the event or to learn more about the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, visit ccafricanamericanheritage.org