Explore The Trail
Journey through time as you visit the historic markers and sites that tell the story of African American heritage in Central Illinois.
The Macon County African American Heritage Trail consists of carefully selected locations that represent pivotal moments, influential figures, and enduring institutions in our community's history. Each marker provides a window into the past while connecting us to the present.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, educator, student, or curious explorer, the trail offers a meaningful way to engage with local history. Visit these sites at your own pace, or join one of our guided tours for a more immersive experience.
Ellsworth Harry Dansby, Jr.
Marker located at Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School - on the playground.
"I don’t know why anyone should look at me differently because I am a different color – I don’t. I’m just an ordinary person with an ordinary family." -- E.H. Dansby, Jr. 1968
The Dansby Family - A Family Out of Enslavement and Into the Future
Marker located at Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School - on the playground.
Judge James Benton Parsons
Marker located at Parsons Elementary School - on the playground
Black Education and Educators in Decatur
Marker located at Parsons Elementary School - on the playground
Trail Map
Click any map marker to learn more about that historical figure.