Black History Month In Chicago is rich in art, cuisine, music, history, and events that make for a wonderful celebration. There are various establishments and occasions that pay homage to Black history, achievements, and culture that have been an especially integral part of Chicago’s history. There are so many ways to celebrate this month and all year round. You may even find hidden gems that will become your new favorite places to frequent in the city.
Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
The Field Museum is holding several events to commemorate Black History Month. There are so many important stories to be told and art to be enjoyed that will be highlighted throughout these events.
Africa Hall 30th Anniversary Celebration: This year is the 30th anniversary of the Africa Hall opening will take place on February 20th, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Enjoy a Muntu Dance Theater Performance and learn why the opening is a revolutionary moment in history.
Still Searching – Chicago’s Missing Women and Girls: Coping with unimaginable loss and deep feelings of grief is meant to be recognized. Join the museum in an effort to raise awareness around the epidemic of Black girls/women going missing and understand how families and communities are coping with those losses on February 23rd, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The brilliant works of art done by Chicago artist Damon Lamar Reed, creator of the Still Searching Series, will be on display at the event. There will also be a discussion around the documentary, Still Searching, created by Field Museum Senior Multimedia Creative Latoya Flowers.
Changing Gateways to Science: On February 28th, from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm, the museum is highlighting the work of a late colleague, Lynika Strozier, and the exhibition in her memory: The Changing Face of Science. This panel and mixer will allow students and early-career professionals to explore the many gateways to science and make lasting industry connections.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
DuSable is the nation’s oldest independent African American Museum. The museum is home to more than 15,000 pieces including paintings, sculptures, print work, and historical memorabilia. There are various special exhibitions, workshops and lectures to highlight accomplished artists and historical events.
The March is a powerful, immersive virtual reality exhibit at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center that transports you back to the monumental 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Check out the upcoming events celebrating Black History all month long.
- Trial in the Delta: Honoring Emmett and Mamie Till, the Trial In Delta will run from February 9th to the 19th at The DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center. Visit collaboraction.org/trial-in-the-delta for more.
- History of Black Martial Arts: Learn about the history of black martial arts and its influence in the film industry on February 17th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- The Torture Letters: Face the cruelty and darkness in the history on February 22nd from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
- History of Black Politics: On February 24th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
The Chicago History Museum
1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Explore Chicago’s connection to the origins of Black History Month with loved ones on February 25th from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. With an extensive program, The Chicago History Museum is one of the best places to learn Black History in Chicago. Take your little ones and learn about famous icons, important dates, and recent developments in the African American community and gain a better understanding of our city.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Dusable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Visit the Black Creativity and Juried Art Exhibition and explore African American art in Chicago and around the country. This exhibition is the longest-running exhibition of African American art. There is work from professional, amateur, and youth (between the ages of 14 and 17) African American artists from around the country. It is open now until April 23rd, 2023.
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Chicago Black Restaurant Week
Founded in September 2015 by Lauran Smith (native Memphian, Chicago resident), Chicago Black Restaurant Week was designed as a way to celebrate food/beverage/dessert businesses in the African American community. Each year the celebration grows and CBRW proudly partners with large corporations to serve the community.
Beyond the restaurant industry, there are also flourishing Black-owned businesses all around the city. Explore over 500 Black-owned establishments here, or explore our list of Top 10 Black-Owned Restaurants in Chicago, Black-Owned Coffee Shops in Chicago, and 11 Black-owned Boutiques in Chicago!
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Navy Pier is hosting a Black Makers Market every Saturday and Sunday this month to celebrate talented Black artists and makers from Chicago. Shop and support Black-owned businesses from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm every weekend in February. Check out featured market participants to see who will be at the market each weekend.
The Second City
230 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
The Second City is celebrating Black excellence all month long featuring a heart-warming experience called “Dance Like There are Black People Watching: A Black Excellence Revue”. This brilliant performance will showcase brand-new sketches, songs, and their world-famous improvisation to warm your soul and bring you true belly laughter.
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60601
This Black History Month, Goodman Theatre presents an original play by Lydia R. Diamond that tells the inspiring story of Toni Stone. Toni faced extreme difficulties and challenges as she chased her dream to play professional baseball. She was rejected by the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League because of her race, so she sets out to become the first woman to play in baseball’s Negro Leagues.
Harold Washington Cultural Center
4701 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
The Harold Washington Cultural Center will feature to special events to honor Black History Month in Chicago this year. On February 17th and February 18th at 7:00 pm, Queens of the Policy tells a triumphant story of four women in 1940s Chicago striving to carve out their own niche in the male-dominated world of policy. On February 26th at 4:00 p.m., A.M.A.D.D Rhytms Tribute to Nina Simone will celebrate the life of Nina Simone through dance, song, and important conversation.
Featured Image: Museum of Science and Industry