The 21st Show

The Little Calumet River: A hidden gem of Black history

Produced by Zainab Qureshi
 
Visitors paddle down the African American Heritage Water Trail on the Little Calumet River.

Visitors paddle down the African American Heritage Water Trail on the Little Calumet River. Courtesy of Openlands

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Chicago’s Little Calumet River may not be at the top of many travel bucket lists, but according to the New York Times project “52 Places for a Changed World," the Little Calumet River is one of the top “places around the globe where travelers can be a part of the solution.” Located in the southeast region of Chicago and flowing through the suburbs, the Little Calumet once played an important role as part of the Underground Railroad. And recently, conservation efforts have worked to establish a new, seven-mile African American Heritage Water Trail where canoers and kayakers can learn about the history of the river as they paddle through south-side Chicago neighborhoods. Some sites visitors see are Chicago’s Finest Marina, the oldest Black-owned marina, and the Village of Robbins, which is notable for its support in helping African American entrepreneurs in wealth creation.

To talk about the water trail, environmental efforts in the area, and more, we were joined by a board member of the Illinois Paddling Council, the education and community outreach coordinator of a conservation group, and the owner of Chicago's Finest Marina.

GUESTS: 

Michael Taylor

Board Member for both the Illinois Paddling Council and the Lakeshore Camp Resort (in Portage, Indiana)

Lillian Holden

Education and Community Outreach Coordinator, Openlands

Ron Gaines

Owner of Chicago’s Finest Marina, the oldest Black-owned marina in Chicago

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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