top of page

Meet the Route History Travelers

Our virtual Route 66 Black experience is highly immersive and engaging, featuring a set of characters that will take you on a fascinating journey as you learn the rich history of the Black communities along Route 66.  You will feel as if you are standing right next to them in each city that you visit. 

Minnie Lightford, Blues Singer
Blues singer, Minnie Lightford, and her band travel Route 66 performing at entertainment venues listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book and other locations. Minnie Lightford also participates in historic events, frequents businesses and has great experiences.
Oliver James, World War II Veteran
World War II Veteran, Oliver James, travels Route 66 using his Negro Motorist Green Book after the end of World War II. Witness as Oliver meets up with old war buddies, visit historic places, and frequents businesses.
Simmons Family, Great Migration
The Simmons Family, like millions of Black families traveled Route 66 during the Great Migration. The Simmons Family left their home in Mississippi and are moving to Chicago for better economic opportunities.
Henry "Lightening" O'Neal and his Negro League Baseball Team
During segregation, Negro League Baseball teams traveled Route 66 playing competitive baseball. Henry and his team use the Negro Motorist Green Book to find welcoming hotels, restaurants and businesses.

What historical people, places, and events will you see in the virtual experience?

Attend a Martin Luther King

rally in Chicago

Attend a Martin Luther King rally in Chicago

Spend  a night at the Dudley Hotel in Springfield

Dudley Hotel in Springfield Illinois

Hear a jazz concert at the Harlem Nite Club in Brooklyn

See Ike and Tina Turner perform at Engine House #5, Springfield's Black Firehouse

Ike and Tina Turner Revue

Buy fish at Bond Ave 

Fish Market in East St Louis

Bond Ave Fish and Poultry in East St. Louis, IL

Visit Lincoln High School and meet Miles Davis' music teacher in East St Louis

Miles davis with Elwood Buchanan.

Learn about Priscilla Baltimore, the Moses of the West and Founder of Brooklyn, IL

Priscilla Baltimore, Founder of Brooklyn IL
Harlem Nite Club in Brooklyn Illinois

Meet Annie Malone, one of the first Black woman millionaires, and spend a night at Poro College in Chicago

Annie Malone, Founder of Poro College

Visit the Beacon Social Club in Joliet

Beacon Social Club in Joliet Illinois
Dr. Eugene Covington, one of the first Black doctors in Bloomington Illinois

Meet Dr. Eugene Covington, one of Bloomington's first Black doctors

Learn about the rich history of the Springfield Urban League

Springfield Urban League
bottom of page