This presentation will go into the history of the African American heritage trail, its ties to the Underground Railroad, the mission to make outdoor spaces more accessible to people of color and how restorative justice has been a key component to reclaiming and sustaining these spaces. We will discuss the history, impact, and importance of this 7-mile water trail that starts on the Southside of Chicago and ends in Dolton, Illinois touching neighborhoods like Golden Gate, Riverside Village, Village of Robins, Concordia Place, Altgeld Gardens - all predominantly black communities. We hope you will join us to learn more about this often overlooked, yet very important piece of water, its historical relevance for access to blue spaces for black faces and its potential future. There are historical figures and locations that inspire generations simply by representation and presence.