There is no shortage of ways to celebrate Black voices and culture during Black History Month this February. With events both in-person and via Zoom, Chicagoans can find plenty to do, ranging from exhibits at museums to performances, and displays of Black businesses.
February 9
Black Live Art Studio at Navy Pier
Discover emerging Black artists and watch them create live creations in the studio. Runs through Feb. 28. 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Free, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., (800) 595-7437, navypier.org
February 9
Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till
See the Emmy-winning and critically acclaimed performance adapted by Willie Round and Riley Mills and directed by Dana Anderson and Anthony Moseley. Feb. 9-19. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., $55, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place, 773-947-0600, dusablemuseum.org
February 10
Dance Like There Are Black People Watching at Second City
Watch a cast of rising comedy stars break out in dance, song, and improv that celebrates Black excellence. Also Feb. 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25. 8 p.m., $43, Up Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., (312) 337-3992, secondcity.com
February 10
Westside Film Series at Douglass Park
Watch the film “Black Panther – Wakanda Forever.” 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Free, Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr., 312-742-7529, chicagoparkdistrict.com
February 11
Kels PAC Micro Small Black Expo
Visitors can peruse and purchase goods and services from local small businesses. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Free, Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave., 312-742-7529, chicagoparkdistrict.com
February 11
Chicago Black Restaurant Week: Convo Over Coffee, Cocktails, or Chicken
Join this Instagram Live event led by Lauran Smith, the founder of Chicago Black Restaurant Week, and Cynthia Daniels, the founder of Memphis Black Restaurant Week. Then choose from a long list of Black restaurants and stop by for specials on food and drinks. Feb. 12-26. 3 p.m., Free, Virtual, chiblackrestaurantweek.com
February 15
Museum Free Day
Take part in the 10:30 am Storytime session in Africa Hall and the 12 pm Black in STEM session with Pasama Cole-Kweli. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Free, Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org
Learn about wellness in the Black community through the Chicago Public Library’s online programs this month. | Photo via Pexels
February 16
How Mental and Physical Health Affects Our Hair Growth
Join the Chicago Public Library for their Black History Month virtual program that focuses on Black mental health and physical wellness led by Crystal Ross, Founder and CEO of Endow Mi Lavish Hair Extensions. 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Free, Virtual, (312) 747-4484, chipublib.bibliocommons.com
February 19
Dark Testament at the American Writers Museum
Join award-winning poet Crystal Simone Smith for a reading of her book Dark Testament: Blackout Poems, plus view the museum’s special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice which is on display throughout the month. 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., $14, American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org
February 20
Black History Month at the Field Museum
Meet scientist Dr. Cynthia Schmidt as she discusses Sierra Leone masks and artifacts, along with a Muntu Dance Theater Performance and a celebration of the 30th year of Africa Hall. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Free, Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., 312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org
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