February marks Black History Month, and Chicago offers a diverse lineup of events, from art exhibits and concerts to family storytimes and community markets, celebrating African American culture, creativity, and achievements.
Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibit
The Griffin Museum of Science & Industry is hosting its annual Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, the longest-running showcase of African American art in the nation. This exhibit features a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, mixed media, ceramics, photography, and fine art prints created by both professional and amateur African American artists, including youth artists aged 14-17. The exhibit is open through April 27, 2025, and is included with museum admission.
Chicago Park District: Black History Month Events
The Chicago Park District offers a variety of events throughout February to commemorate Black History Month. Highlights include the Umoja Event, a celebration of unity, and smaller community gatherings at parks across the city. Most events are free or charge minimal fees. The district has also curated an online series, including the “Named in Their Honor” presentation, which explores the legacy of African Americans who have shaped Chicago's parks.
A featured video, Divine Nine in the Parks, delves into the history of Black fraternities and sororities and their impact on the city's green spaces.
The Shops: Black History Month Edition
On Feb. 18, FashionBar Chicago is hosting The Shops: Black History Month Edition at Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue. This one-day pop-up market highlights collections from Black-owned businesses, offering an opportunity to shop unique designs and products. The event provides vendors with a nine-by-nine vending space, a table, chairs, and music to create a lively marketplace atmosphere. Space is limited, so interested businesses are encouraged to register early.
Black Futures Concert Series: Afrofuturism
Uniting Voices Chicago invites the community to its annual Black History Concert Series at Chicago Symphony Center on Feb. 7, 2025. This year’s theme, Afrofuturism: The Freedom Metropolis, celebrates the intersection of art, science, and technology within Africana civilizations. The free event features a musical journey through genres such as jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, and Afrobeat, highlighting the contributions of Black visionaries past and present.
PlayLab PlayDate: Black History Month Storytime
Families with young children can attend a special PlayLab PlayDate at the Field Museum on Feb. 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This drop-in storytime session, hosted by the Chicago Public Library, celebrates Black identities, communities, and history through engaging stories and songs. The event is free for museum visitors and coincides with Illinois Resident Free Days, making it accessible for all.
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