February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate African American heritage, honor the struggles and triumphs of the past, and recognize the generations that paved the way toward liberation. Here’s a selection of events to help you celebrate:
Austin
Struggle & Resilience
- Saturday, March 1, at 2 p.m.
- Kehrein Center for the Arts 5628 W. Washington Blvd.
Enjoy a ballet performance honoring women’s empowerment and resilience. The Caged Bird Sings, in collaboration with Overshadowed and Tobin James, will resonate with the history and culture of Black and Latina women. Tickets are available on this link: https://qrco.de/bfilBk
Black History Month Bingo
- Monday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m.
- Austin Branch 5615 W. Race Ave.
Join the Austin Branch for a fun Black History Bingo game, testing teenagers’ knowledge of Black history, with prizes to be won! This event is free and open to those aged 13 and up. More information about the event is available on this link: https://qrco.de/bfil9U
Forest Park
Edmonia Lewis and The Death of Cleopatra: Uncovering the Forest Park Connection
- Wednesday, Feb 19 at 7 p.m.
- Forest Park Public Library 7555 Jackson Blvd.
The library hosts a talk by Amy Binns-Calvey on Edmonia Lewis, a groundbreaking African American and Native American sculptor, and her work The Death of Cleopatra. Discover its connection to Forest Park and celebrate Lewis’s life, and legacy. Sign up on the library’s website at https://qrco.de/bfilDm
More than a Month: Liberated Arts Movement Gallery Opening Night
- Saturday, Feb 1 at 6 p.m.
- Forest Park Public Library – art gallery 7555 Jackson Blvd. Forest Park, IL
Enjoy Forest Park Art Gallery’s opening night in partnership with the Liberated Arts Movement. The event includes performances, artist talks, refreshments, and more. Register at https://qrco.de/bfilCm
Check Forest Park Public Library’s website for more events at: https://www.fppl.org/blackhistorymonth/
Oak Park
Idea Box: Celebrating Local Black Artists
- Monday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m.
- Oak Park Public Library – Main Library 834 Lake St.
The library is celebrating and showcasing the work of three incredible local Black artists: Tia Etu, Antonia Ruppert, and Hasani Cannon. Meet the artists on Monday, February 3, 6:30-8 p.m., and see their artwork inside the Main Library Idea Box. More information about the exhibition is available on https://qrco.de/bfilIh
Art Exhibit Reception: “Stories My Camera Tells” by Howard Simmons
- Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m.
- Oak Park Public Library – Main Library 834 Lake St.
Explore Stories My Camera Tells, a photography exhibit by Howard Simmons, one of the first Black photographers at the Chicago Sun-Times. Featuring iconic portraits, urban scenes, and Ebony magazine photoshoots, the exhibit includes Simmons’ personal stories from his groundbreaking career. On display in the Main Library Gallery through February 22. More information about the exhibit is available on https://qrco.de/bfil7H
Artist Talk: Howard Simmons in Conversation with Lee Bey
- Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m.
- Oak Park Public Library – Main Library 834 Lake St.
Join photographer Howard Simmons and author Lee Bey for a conversation about Stories My Camera Tells, an exhibit showcasing Simmons’ striking images from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Featuring portraits of notable figures, urban street scenes, and iconic Ebony magazine photoshoots, the exhibit highlights both historic moments and never-before-seen works, accompanied by Simmons’ personal stories from his groundbreaking career as one of the first Black photographers at the Chicago Sun-Times.
Registration for this event is available on this link: https://qrco.de/bfil3K
Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones & Sacred Grounds
- Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.
- Oak Park Public Library – Main Library 834 Lake St.
Discover Chicago’s Black film history through iconic movies and sites. Explore Something Good — Negro Kiss and its ties to a 19th-century Chicago studio. Then you will get to visit Burr Oak Cemetery via HD video while exploring its ties to films like Cooley High and Boyz n the Hood.
Registration for this event is available on the following link: https://qrco.de/bfil3r
UPDATE: Jan. 29, 6:06 p.m. — This story has been updated to remove the event Living Legacies & The Black History of Oak Park due to an error in the date. We apologize for the mistake.