The Heritage Trail is Growing
Photograph: Panthers bring evidence to the coroner’s inquest. January 19, 1970, ST-17101282E-0043, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum
Oral Histories in September
We just finished two rounds of oral history recordings that will be added to the online Heritage Trail materials.
Hear gruesome details from survivors of the horrific raid that assassinated Fred Hampton and Mark Clark. Hear from Panther lawyers describing the groundbreaking trial. And, what happened to Babatunde Omowale?
It is still Black August, and the 60th year since Huey Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party.
Our goal is not to just document the history of the Illinois Chapter; we want to make the history come alive in vivid detail.
$25,000 Challenge Grant
Community Means We Share the Same Spirit: Donate to the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois
Today, we are launching our 2026 Heritage Trail Fundraising Campaign to continue this work.
We need to raise $50,000, and the Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation will match every donation up to $25,000 to help us reach this goal.
We hope you are proud of what we have accomplished together so far.
Please double your impact and make a difference by donating today.
City Ordinance for Plaque Installations
We are receiving significant support from our Chicago aldermen.
Our plaques require City Council action, and we are circulating a draft ordinance for their review. After the ordinance is complete, and before it is presented to the entire body, we will share it with you along with the People’s Statement of Support.
We hope you will sign the statement, and we will keep you posted.
Here is our current list of alders, and we thank them for their support!
Sponsor
Ald. Desmon Yancy (5th) — Sponsor
Co-Sponsors
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd)
Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd)
Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th)
Ald. Jason Ervin (28th)
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th)
Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd)
Ald. Angela Clay (46th)
Donate to the Heritage Trail
The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation will match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000.
Donate today to help us reach this critical goal!
