Untold Stories
In 2024, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) announced Untold Stories, a $120,000 community engagement program to bring to life and share stories of underrepresented people in Macon County. The HICF is one of only three Illinois foundations receiving matching grant funds from The Lumpkin Family Foundation. Decatur Earthmover Credit Union and Healing Illinois also provided funding for the Untold Stories program.
The Untold Stories program’s vision is to promote a fuller understanding of history as a contribution to conversations about racial equity and social justice. This program focuses on partnering with local historical/genealogical societies, libraries, schools, universities, museums, nonprofits, and churches to acknowledge and uncover untold history, support partnerships and build relationships, and develop understanding through education.
In 2025, Untold Stories received additional support from both Healing Illinois and The Lumpkin Family Foundation. In September 2025, the Macon County African American Heritage Trail launched with the installation of two historical markers, the first honored Ellsworth Dansby, Jr. and was installed at Ellsworth Dansby, Jr. Magnet School. The second marker honored Judge James B. Parsons and was installed at Parsons Elementary School.
Untold Stories Program Goals:
- Acknowledge and uncover untold history
- Support partnerships and build relationships
- Develop understanding through education
Untold Stories Advisory Committee:
- Chairwoman, Julia Roundtree Livingston, jlivingston0815@gmail.com
- Natalie Beck, HICF staff liaison
- Steve Grohne
- Justin Hampton
- Shelith Hansbro
- Pastor Matt Samuels
- Bennie Smith, Jr.
- Mark Sorensen
- Stacey Young
