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. Decades later, there are now several family-friendly events taking place in the city where you can learn more about and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history.
Shoot for the Stars: Black History Month Kickoff
When: Feb. 1
Where: Bronzeville Children’s Museum, 9301 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
Enjoy crafts, balloons, music and storytelling to kick off Black History Month.
Black (Super) Power: Celebrating Afrofuturistic Heroes
When: Feb. 3
Where: Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
Kids in grades 1-8 will learn about and celebrate Afrofuturism in the superhero universe. Then, channel their inner superheroes by designing a costume and headquarters, and creating a character trailer for the heroes using digital media making equipment, props and the green screen.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
When: Feb. 4
Where: Austin Branch Library, 5615 W. Race Ave., Chicago
Kids ages 6-12 will learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights, then make a dove craft and share their dreams.
UMOJA Black History Month Celebration
When: Feb. 8
Where: Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington St., Chicago
Features performances by children and adults in park programs, vendors of African American products and attire and food vendors featuring soul food menus. Enjoy music and informational vendors as well. Entertainment begins at noon.
Black History Month Celebration at Tuley
When: Feb. 8
Where: Tuley Park, 501 E. 90th Place, Chicago
Celebrate pioneers in the fields of Civic/Political Engagement, Inventors, Arts & Culture, Sports, Technology, Health & Science. Activities will include performances, cultural interactive displays, and tours.
Chicago Children’s Choir Black History Month Concerts
When: Feb. 10-12
Where: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
The annual concert series is designed to provide students with an in-depth educational experience as well as a special public performance opportunity. The concert program will showcase songs from African American culture and history and is themed around the 2020 Black History Month national theme of “African Americans and the Vote.”
African American Inventions BINGO
When: Feb. 10
Where: Avalon Branch, 8148 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
Celebrate African American Heritage Month with a game of Bingo featuring famous inventions from African Americans. Families will learn who invented the super soaker, potato chips, and earn some prizes along the way.
Diaspora Design
When: Feb. 11, 18, 25 & March 3
Where: Little Italy Branch Chicago Library, 1336 W. Taylor Street, Chicago
Kids ages 6-12 with an adult will learn about the art of the African Diaspora and its frequent reliance on recycled materials. Create art pieces inspired by Zimbabwean stone carving, upcycled art linked to the auto plants of Detroit, furniture design from Mali, and the steel drum art of Haiti.
Black is Beautiful Celebration
When: Feb. 11
Where: Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
In celebration of Black History Month, teens are invited to join friends for games, workshops, food and fun. From button making to raffle contests, celebrate diversity.
Freedom Songs: The Music of Black History
When: Feb. 15
Where: Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, Homewood
From the work songs of the fields of people who were enduring the bonds of slavery, to Ragtime, Jazz, R&B, and the inspired spirituals of the Civil Rights movement, this play follows the compelling story of the role that music played in the history of Black Americans. Meet incredible Americans like Scott Joplin, Billie Holiday, Little Richard and more in a tale that is sure to intrigue audiences in grades 3 and older.
Black History Story Time with author Valerie Reynolds
When: Feb. 15
Where: Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave., Evergreen Park
Meet Valerie Reynolds, a Chicago-based author of The Joys of Being a Little Black Boy as she reads her vividly-illustrated, history-based children’s book. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Black History Ice Cream Social at Brainerd
When: Feb. 21
Where: Brainerd Park, 1246 W. 92nd St., Chicago
Enjoy fun, games and ice cream while learning about Black History.
Black History Month Celebration at Hayes
When: Feb. 21
Where: Hayes Park, 2936 W. 85th St., Chicago
Celebrate pioneers in the fields of Civic/Political Engagement, Inventors, Arts & Culture, Sports, Technology, Health & Science. Activities will include performances, cultural interactive displays, and tours.
Underground Railroad Hike
When: Feb. 22
Where: Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave., South Holland
Learn about Black History Month with an educational display and interactive history hike. An imaginary journey follows an Underground Railroad route used in Illinois in the mid-1800s.
Black History Month Celebration at Lindblom
When: Feb. 22
Where: Lindblom Park, 6054 S. Damen Ave., Chicago
Celebrate pioneers in the fields of Civic/Political Engagement, Inventors, Arts & Culture, Sports, Technology, Health & Science. Activities will include performances, cultural interactive displays, and tours.
Black History Month Family Celebration: Chicago Edition
When: Feb. 22
Where: Semicolon Book Store, 515 North Halsted Street, Chicago
Enjoy an evening full of storytelling, interactive stations, guest presenters and music. Learn about the black history of Chicago past and present.
Black Women, Black History: A Girl Power Songs event
When: Feb. 23
Where: The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, Chicago
Listen to children’s songs about Black Women in honor of Black History Month.
The Des Plaines River and the Underground Railroad
When: Feb. 23
Where: Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest
Take a guided hike along the Des Plaines River to a site that was part of the Underground Railroad.
Black History Month Celebration at Carver
When: Feb. 25-28
Where: Lindblom Park, 6054 S. Damen Ave., Chicago
Celebrate pioneers in the fields of Civic/Political Engagement, Inventors, Arts & Culture, Sports, Technology, Health & Science. Activities will include performances, cultural interactive displays, and tours.
The March
When: Begins Feb. 27
Where: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago
“The March” exhibit at the DuSable Museum will feature several levels of immersion, including spatial audio and a genre-pushing 10 minute virtual reality experience, to present the most realistic digital rendering of a human ever created with the recreation of Dr. King delivering the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Black History Month Celebration at Washington
When: Feb. 29
Where: Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago
Celebrate pioneers in the fields of Civic/Political Engagement, Inventors, Arts & Culture, Sports, Technology, Health & Science. Activities will include performances, cultural interactive displays, and tours.
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This story originally appeared on ChicagoParent.com on Jan. 30, 2019. It has been updated with the most recent information.
