DuSable Museum of African-American History
February is Black History Month. Did you know that the precursor to Black History Month, Negro History Week, was created in 1926 here in Chicago by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History? He selected the month of February to overlap with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
In 1976, it became Black History Month. Forty years later, there are several family-friendly events taking place in the city where you can learn more about and celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans throughout history.
Chicago Children's Choir
For four days, from Feb. 9-12, children who participate in In-School Choir will gather at 11 a.m. in the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave.) for a Black History Month Concert. Each one is free and open to the public. At the end of the four days, more than 3,000 students will have lifted their voices in song.
DuSable Museum of African-American History
exhibits
There are many powerful exhibits at the Dusable Museum of African American History but kids seem drawn to "A Slow Walk To Greatness: The Harold Washington Story," exhibit which explores the impact Chicago's 42nd mayor had on the city and the country. It features a robotic "Harold" who moves and talks while sitting at his desk. Also check out the “Freedom Now Mural” which illustrates 400 years of African American history including notable figures such as Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois and Mary Mcleod Bethune.
Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition
at the
The longest running exhibition of African-American art in the U.S. is found at the Museum of Science & Industry. Visitors can see more than 100 dynamic works by African-American artists from around the country, including a dozen youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17. Paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography have been selected by five judges for inclusion in the exhibit, which is open through Feb. 21.
Throughout February, kids 3 to 11 get in free with a voucher that you can find here. Two free kids’ tickets are allowed per voucher with the purchase of adult admission.
“Preserving Our Children's Futures” at the
On Feb. 20 the Bronzeville Children's Museum will celebrate Black History Month with crafts, story telling, music and face painting from 1-3 p.m. Admission is $5, and free for members.
Ashaki Black History Month Celebration: Pathways to Greatness
This celebration features delicious food, cultural exhibits, vendors and live entertainment and is free and open to all. It takes place at Washington Park at 5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr. on Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. -3 p.m.
at Sand Ridge Nature Center
You and your kids can go on an imaginary journey as part of this interactive hike that follows the Underground Railroad route used in Illinois in the mid-1800s on Feb. 28 from 11 a.m -3 p.m. It's held at the Sand Ridge Nature Center, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, located at 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland. Admission is free.
The Chicago Public Library will host many Black History events at branches around the city. You can find the full list here. Some of our favorite story time events include:
A story time at the West Belmont Library branch (3104 N. Narragansett Avenue) at which children will discover the secret codes in quilts, hear stories about how runaway slaves found paths to freedom and create their own quilt-square maps. Feb. 6, 1:30-3p.m.
Storytelling with Mama Edie: Explore African American Scientists & Inventors
Children will learn about African-American scientists and inventors, including Daniel Hale Williams and Garret A. Morgan, at story time with Storyteller Mama Edie Armstrong on Feb. 9 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Woodson Regional Library (9525 S. Halsted Street).
A Celebration of Cultural Heritage
Storyteller Oba William King combines poems, folktales and stories with rhythms and drums to share the richness of African-American culture at the Bucktown-Wicker Park library (1701 N. Milwaukee Avenue) on Feb. 11 from 10:30 -11:15 a.m.
There are also many celebrations at some Chicago Park District locations:
at Austin Town Hall Park
This celebration of African-American culture is intended for kids 3 and older and features opportunities to learn about famous Black Americans, hear poetry, see a children's play and test your knowledge of history. Admission is $2. It is held at Austin Town Hall Par (5610 W Lake St.) on Feb. 25 from 6-7:30 p.m.
UMOJA: Black History Month Celebration
Umoja means unity and this event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. -4 p.m. at Homan Square Park (3559 W. Arthington St.) Best for kids age 3 and up, this event highlights the cultures of Africa and African Americans through special music and dance performances. Admission is free.
