'Untold Stories' initiative shines light on overlooked voices in central Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — Stories that have long gone unheard take center stage in central Illinois, thanks to a growing initiative led by the Lumpkin Family Foundation.

The foundation’s “Untold Stories” initiative has worked to uncover and elevate voices that have historically been overlooked. The goal is to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

“This came out of a learning journey for us,” said Executive Director Heidi Dusek. “When you start to really think about what a healthy, sustainable community means, there are certain voices that are missing. There were certain stories that weren’t being told.”

The initiative, which began taking shape around 2021 and 2022, partners with local community foundations and organizations to identify and share those stories. Through matching grants, the foundation supports projects that highlight underrepresented histories, cultures and perspectives.

Dusek said the effort is rooted in the idea that communities cannot thrive if parts of their story are ignored.

“Can we really be a healthy, sustainable community if we’re going to ignore a portion of our community or a portion of our history?” she said.

One example of that work is happening right here in central Illinois, where local leaders have begun building heritage trails and historical markers to highlight influential African American figures and untold community contributions.

“We’ve grounded all of our work in moving forward the voices and stories that were not told, and that didn’t have access to the table or the platform,” Natalie Beck told the crowd inside the University YMCA on the University of Illinois's campus.

That includes recognizing individuals like Ellsworth Dansby, a lead mechanic for the Tuskegee Airmen, and a trailblazing federal judge with ties to Macon County. Beck explained that these are stories that many residents may not have learned in school.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation said these efforts go beyond preserving history; they’re about shaping the future.

“Your stories matter. Your voices matter,” Dusek said. “If we can help people frame their stories, to tell their stories, to give them spaces ... that feels like our role in this work.”

The foundation also emphasizes collaboration, bringing together historians, artists, donors and community leaders to ensure the work continues to grow.

“This is a testament to all the work that goes unseen,” Dusek said. “No one’s going to do this work alone. We need every single person to hear each other’s stories and build those connections.”

Looking ahead, the goal is to create what leaders call an “ecosystem of storytellers” and empower people across the region to document their own histories and share them widely. Community members interested in getting involved are encouraged to connect with local partners or the foundation directly, as organizers say everyone has a role to play in ensuring no story goes untold.