Welcome to the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois
Photo: December 4, 1970, on the first anniversary of the assassination of Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton and Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark, the Black Panther Party holds a rally at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6430 South Harvard Avenue in Chicago. Photographer John H. White, ST-19030990-0004, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum
Photo: July 31, 1969. Door of the Illinois Chapter headquarters after a police raid. Photographer Duane Hall, ST-19030961-0007, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum
Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois
The Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois is a place-based public history initiative that documents the places where the Illinois Chapter made history. From political education to community organizing, the Heritage Trail collections feature sites across the state.
The Trail begins with thirteen inaugural sites in Chicago and Peoria, representing significant places connected to the people, programs, events, and work of the Illinois Chapter. These thirteen sites are the first sites to receive historical markers. Together, they provide a place-based introduction to the history and legacy of the Black Panther Party in Illinois.
Thank You to Our Supporters
This work is made possible through the generous support of our donors, foundations, institutions, and community partners.
Location Collections and Maps
The thirteen inaugural Heritage Trail sites represent only a portion of the places connected to the history of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party.
Explore our growing collection of locations.
Photo: March 8, 1970. Brenda Harris, survivor of the assassination raid on December 4, 1969, that killed Fred Hampton and Mark Clark. Harris was shot twice during the raid. At the time of this photo, a Coroner’s Inquest was in progress. But Charles Hurst, the president of Malcolm X College, led the People’s Inquest at First Congregational Church, 40 North Ashland Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois. Survivors of the raid described the raid, and it was unanimously decided that the killings of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark should be considered murder. Hurst acted as coroner for a twelve-person jury. Photographer Howard D. Simmons, ST-19210153-0001, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum