Resilience and Revolution: Audio Tour of Chicago’s Black History

Chicago is inseparable from its Black history, where local pioneers helped shape the city’s story. On this self-guided audio tour through downtown Chicago, you’ll hear untold stories of Black excellence, resilience, and activism that transformed both the city and the nation. From Underground Railroad stations to civil rights battlegrounds, you’ll discover how Chicago became a beacon for those seeking freedom and opportunity. Starting at the site of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable’s mansion near the Chicago River, you’ll follow the footsteps of the city’s founder: a Black man who established Chicago’s first trading post in the 1770s. You’ll walk through the heart of the Loop, exploring sites where pioneering entrepreneurs like John Jones built businesses that became platforms for activism. The tour ends at Grant Park, where Barack Obama delivered his historic presidential acceptance speech in 2008 – a moment that represented the culmination of generations of struggle.

From: $0.00

Location: Chicago

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there an age limit for this audio tour? Thinking about gifting it to my 12-year-old niece.

A: There's no specific age limit for this tour, so it should be suitable for your niece! The content is engaging and educational, making it a perfect introduction to Chicago's rich Black history. Just make sure she enjoys walking, as it's a self-guided tour that covers various historical sites.

Q: Can I do this audio tour if it rains? What's the cancellation policy for bad weather?

A: Yes, you can absolutely do this tour in the rain! Since it's self-guided, you can choose to go whenever you want, but I recommend checking the weather beforehand to dress appropriately. No cancellation policy applies since you have lifetime access, so you can always reschedule for another day.

Q: What should I wear for this tour? Any tips on comfortable shoes?

A: Definitely wear comfortable shoes as you're walking a fair bit! I'd suggest sneakers or walking shoes since you'll be covering various sights in the Loop. Layers are a good idea too, since the weather can change. And don’t forget sunscreen if it’s sunny outside!

Discussions

Thinking about gifting the Resilience and Revolution audio tour!

I just came across the Resilience and Revolution audio tour in Chicago and I'm seriously considering it for my dad's birthday. He loves history, especially about the civil rights movement. The fact that it includes so many sites like the Underground Railroad stations and Obama’s speech location is super cool! Plus, it’s free! Has anyone tried it yet? How was the experience?

Just finished the audio tour and wow!

I took the Resilience and Revolution tour last weekend with a couple of friends, and I can't recommend it enough! Starting at DuSable's mansion and walking past Grant Park was such an eye-opener. It really struck me how much Chicago’s Black history is intertwined with the city's identity. The audio was super informative, and it felt good to be out exploring. Anyone else feel inspired?