February is Black History Month. But 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 where you can learn more about and celebrate Black history. You can also find more Black History Month events listed in our calendar
Turtel Onli: The Black Age Of Comics
Jan. 26-March 31, 2024
- Address: Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
See Turtel Onli: The Black Age of Comics on view in Café Logan, which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary of the graphic novel movement.
Black History Month Events at Lozano Branch
Feb. 1, 8, 21, 27, 29, 2024
- Address: Lozano Branch, Chicago Public Library, 1805 S. Loomis St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Film Screening: Till (Feb. 1): Ages 13 and up can join the library for a screening of Till (2022). It’s the story of Emmett Louis Till and the legacy of his mother who pursued justice for her son. Rated PG-13.
Celebrate Black History Month: Paint and Sip Hot Cocoa (Feb. 8): Teens ages 13 and up can join the Lozano Branch to celebrate Black History Month by creating Black Art paintings as they sip on hot cocoa. Registration required. There’s also an event on Feb. 21.
Capturing Creativity: A Two-Day Basic Photography Workshop for Youth with Colaj (Feb. 27, 29): Teens and tweens ages 10 and up can enjoy a two-day workshop that will help them master fundamental camera skills. Registration required.
Black History Month Events at Richard M. Daley Branch
Feb. 2-3, 9, 16, 23, 2024
- Address: Richard M. Daley Branch, Chicago Public Library, 733 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Community Cinema: Black Film Fridays (Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23): Ages 13 and up can celebrate Black History Month with incredible Black films.
Cancer Care and Health Disparities in the LGBTQIA+ Community (Feb. 3): Teens ages 13 and up can commemorate Black History Month with a free yoga class, giveaways, prizes and more. This program addressing the disproportionate rates that cancer effects the Black Community and removing barriers to securing care, screenings, doctors and more. Registration required.
Black History Month Events at Back of the Yards Branch
Feb. 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
- Address: Back of the Yards Branch, Chicago Public Library, 2111 W. 47th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Film Screening: King Richard (Feb. 2): Ages 13 and up can join the library for a screening of King Richard (2021). It’s the story about tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams and their coach and father Richard Williams. Rated PG-13.
Teen & Tween: Alma Thomas Mosaic Craft (Feb. 2): Teens and tweens ages 10-18 can join the library to learn about the legacy of Alma Thomas and make their own mosaic.
Club Create: Black Artists (Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28): Ages 13 and under can join Ms. Corina at the library for Club Create. February’s art projects will honor Black artists.
Black History Month Events at King Branch
Feb. 3, 8, 18, 24, 2024
- Address: King Branch, Chicago Public Library, 3436 S. King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Black History Month Story Time (Feb. 3): Enjoy a Black History Month story time with songs, books, rhymes and at-home activities. For ages 0-8. Registration required.
Jeopardy Black History Edition (Feb. 8): Ages 6-13 can join the library to play Jeopardy Black History Edition to win some great prizes. Registration required.
Film Screening: The Princess and the Frog (Feb. 18): Join the library for a screening of The Princess and the Frog, which features Disney’s first Black princess. Rated G.
Black History Month Events at South Chicago Branch
Feb. 3, 6, 2024
- Address: South Chicago Branch, Chicago Public Library, 9055 S. Houston Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Film Screening: Coach Carter (Feb. 3): Ages 13 and up can join the library for a screening of Coach Carter (2005). It’s the story of Coach Carter who clashes with the cocky players as he tries to teach them about basketball and the game of life. Rated PG-13.
African American History Month Craft for Kids (Feb. 6): Ages 6-13 can join the South Chicago Branch to create a craft celebrating African American History.
Black History Month Events at Independence Branch
Feb. 3, 13, 2024
- Address: Independence Branch, Chicago Public Library, 4024 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Film Screening: Black Panther (Feb. 3): Join the library for a screening of Black Panther (2018). It’s the story of a superhero that defends Wakanda, a technologically advanced country in Africa. Rated PG-13.
Film Screening: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Feb. 3): Join the library for a screening of Black Panther (2022). It’s the next chapter after King T’Challa’s death. Rated PG-13.
Film Screening: Selma (Feb. 13): Teens ages 13 and up can join the library for a screening of Selma (2014), which is set during the Civil Rights Movement and focuses on the actions of Dr. King. Rated PG-13.
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Feb. 3, 2024
- Address: Little Italy Branch, Chicago Public Library, 1336 W. Taylor St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Join the library for a screening of The Princess and the Frog, which features Disney’s first Black princess. Rated G.
Family Film Screening: The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Feb. 4, 2024
- Address: Edgewater Branch, Chicago Public Library, 6000 N. Broadway, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Join the library for a screening of The Princess and the Frog (2009), which features Disney’s first Black princess. Rated G. Registration required.
Canvas and Cookies
Feb. 5, 2024
- Address: Thurgood Marshall Branch, Chicago Public Library, 7506 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 3-13 can enjoy a kid-friendly sip and painting event inspired by Black painters. All materials along with cookies and juice boxes will be provided. Registration required.
Black History Month Events at Altgeld Branch
Feb. 5, 7, 11, 2024
- Address: Altgeld Branch, Chicago Public Library, 955 E. 131st St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Film Screening: Till (Feb. 5): Ages 13 and up can join the library for a screening of Till (2022). It’s the story of Emmett Louis Till and the legacy of his mother who pursued justice for her son. Rated PG-13.
Black History Month T-Shirt Designs (Feb. 7): Teens ages 13 and up can join Altgeld Branch to celebrate Black History Month with empowering t-shirts. T-shirts, supplies and snacks will be provided. Registration required.
Grab and Go: Black History Month Bracelets (Feb. 11):
Ages 6-13 can drop by the library to pick up a craft kit with everything you need to make a bracelet in celebration of Black History Month. The grab and go kits will be available until Feb. 28 or until supplies last. One kit per child.
Black by Popular Demand: Maker’s Choice
Feb. 6, 2024
- Address: Woodson Regional Branch, Chicago Public Library, 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 10 and up can join the library to celebrate Black History Month and express themselves with canvas painting, vision boarding, and bookmarking.
Black History Month Events at South Shore Branch
Feb. 6, 14, 2024
- Address: South Shore Branch, Chicago Public Library, 2505 E. 73rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Film Screening: Hidden Figures (Feb. 6): See a screening of Hidden Figures at the South Shore Branch. The movie features African-American female mathematicians who worked for NASA. For ages 13-plus.
Grab-n-Go Craft Kit (Feb. 14): All ages can stop by the South Shore Branch to grab a Black History Month Bracelet Kit to take home. First come, first served.
Justin the Good Listener With Author Corey D. Williams
Feb. 6, 2024
- Address: North Austin Branch, Chicago Public Library, 5724 W. North Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 0-5 can join the library for a story time with Author, Corey D. Williams There will be songs, rhymes and books, plus suggestions for at-home activities. Registration required.
Black History Month Events at Sherman Park Branch
Feb. 10, 24, 2024
- Address: Sherman Park Branch, Chicago Public Library 5440 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Film Screening: 42 (Feb. 10): Ages 13 and up can join the library for a screening of 42 (2013). It’s the story the first African American baseball player to play in the MLB. Rated PG-13.
African American History Open Mic (Feb. 24): Ages 13 and up can join Sherman Park Branch for an open mic that allows artists of all expressions to showcase their talents in front of a live audience. Registration is required.
Film Screening: United Skates (2019)
Feb. 11, 2024
- Address: Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch, Chicago Public Library, 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Teens ages 13 and up can join Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch for a showing of the documentary, United Skates (2019).
Black History Month Events at DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Feb. 16, 23, 2024
- Address: The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago
- Cost: $12.50-$14.50/adult, $9-$11/student, $4-$5/child, free/members
African Dance (Feb. 16): Enjoy dance sessions with Najwa and performances at The DuSable Black History Museum for Black History Month.
Spellbinder Magic Show (Feb. 23): For Black History Month, head to The DuSable Black History Museum to enjoy a magic show with Walter King Jr. Magic of the Mind.
Film Screening: Till (2022)
Feb. 18, 2024
- Address: Walker Branch, Chicago Public Library, 11071 S. Hoyne Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 13 and up can join the library for a screening of Till (2022). It’s the story of Emmett Louis Till and the legacy of his mother who pursued justice for her son. Rated PG-13.
Justin The Good Listener with Author Corey D. Williams
Feb. 20, 2024
- Address: Beverly Branch, Chicago Public Library, 1962 W. 95th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 0-5 can join the library for a story time with Author, Corey D. Williams. There will be songs, rhymes and books, plus suggestions for at-home activities. Registration required.
Black History Month Events at Kelly Branch
Feb. 20, 25, 2024
- Address: Kelly Branch, Chicago Public Library, 6151 S. Normal Blvd., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Film Screening: Till (Feb. 20): Ages 13 and up can join the library for a screening of Till (2022). It’s the story of Emmett Louis Till and the legacy of his mother who pursued justice for her son. Rated PG-13. They also have a second screening on Feb. 25.
Black History Month Events at Douglass Branch
Feb. 20, 22, 2024
- Address: Douglass Branch, Chicago Public Library, 3353 W. 13th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Red Clay Dance Company presents Afro-Caribbean Dance (Feb. 20): Teens ages 13 and up can enjoy a lecture and demonstration, performance workshop or creative process experience that introduces your students to Artivism through dance forms of the African Diaspora. Registration required.
Black History Month: Douglass Portraits (Feb. 22): Teens ages 13 and up can create Frederick Douglass paintings, the person whom the Douglass Branch is named after. All materials will be provided.
Black History Month Banner
Feb. 21, 2024
- Address: Vodak-East Side Branch, Chicago Public Library, 3710 E. 106th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
All ages can come out to Vodak-East Side Branch to celebrate Black History Month by crafting a Black History Month banner. Registration required.
Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 22, 2024
- Address: Taylor (Robert Rochon) Park, 39 W. 47th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
All ages can take part in this Black History Month Celebration, which will include poetry, dance, black history skits and sports routines.
Black History Month Concert Series 2023, Day One
Feb. 22, 2024
- Address: Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy the first part of the Black History Month concert series, which celebrates the Evolution of African Music in America.
Black History Program
Feb. 22, 2024
- Address: Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W Lake St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
All ages can see a variety of art works including, theatre, poetry, dance and music in efforts to highlight the achievements of historical African American heroes.
Full STEAM Ahead: African American Inventors
Feb. 22, 2024
- Address: Chinatown Branch, Chicago Public Library, 2100 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 4-12 can join the library to learn about African American inventors and their contributions to science, technology, engineering art and math. Registration required.
UMOJA Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 22, 2024
- Address: Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can come by Homan Square Park for the UMOJA Black History Celebration, which will feature music, cultural arts dancing and vendors. For all ages.
Black History Month Concert Series 2023, Day Two
Feb. 23, 2024
- Address: Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy the second part of the Black History Month concert series, which celebrates Africana music and its impact on Chicago and the world.
Black History Month Events at Museum of Science and Industry
Feb. 24, 2024
- Address: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free w/museum admission
Black Creativity Career Showcase (Feb. 24): Kids and families can talk with African-American artists, scientists and engineers about innovative work happening right here in our city.
Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition (Through April 21): The longest-running exhibition of African-American art in the U.S. features more than 100 dynamic works of art from amateur and professional African-American artists from around the nation, as well as a youth category which features work by a dozen area high school artists.
Black History Month Event at Chicago History Museum
Feb. 24, 2024
- Address: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free w/general admission
Enjoy this family-friendly Black History Month event, which is great for all ages. This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts.”
Film Screening: The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Feb. 24, 2024
- Address: Coleman Branch, Chicago Public Library, 731 E. 63rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Join the library for a screening of The Princess and the Frog, which features Disney’s first Black princess. Rated G.
Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 25, 2024
- Address: Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
All ages can join Loyola Park for their Black History Month celebration. The 2024 theme is African American Female Artist.
Celebrate Black Joy with Nanny Nikki
Feb. 25, 2024
- Address: Rogers Park Branch, Chicago Public Library, 6907 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 2-6 can join Nanny Nikki at Rogers Park Branch for a celebration of Black joy in honor of African American History Month. There will be singing, dancing, puppets and more. Registration required.
Kente Cloth Paper Craft
Feb. 27, 2024
- Address: West Chicago Avenue Branch, Chicago Public Library, 4856 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 6-13 can join the library to create a Kente cloth inspired paper craft. Learn about the history of Kente cloth and the meaning of the colors and patterns used. All materials will be provided.
This post is updated annually.
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