Park Street Mural, ca. 1978

This is the name of a mural that existed from 1978 to 2011 on the south-west corner of Park and Fifth in Champaign.

In the summer of 1978 the Champaign-Urbana community became aware of a local mural project. Young men like L. Nolan, M. Mitchell, S. Brown and P. Caston were part of the group of 20 high school students and young adults that assisted in the creation of what became known as the Park Street Mural, under the direction of Angela Rivers.

The mural tells the story of the African-American experience from Africa to Champaign County, including life in Africa, the middle passage, slavery, tenant farming, African-American farmers in Champaign County, religion and community in the North End neighborhood.

For more on the mural and its history visit this online exhibit made by local youth in 2010 and this booklet made to commemorate the mural and its legacy, both on eBlackCU.