Black History Month originated right here in Chicago in 1915. Carter G. Woodson was a historian, author, journalist, and University of Chicago graduate who joined thousands of African Americans in Chicago to participate in Illinois’s contribution to the national reflective efforts on the 50th anniversary of emancipation. Illinois’s commemorations included exhibitions showcasing African American achievements in business, literature, politics, and the arts. The momentum of the event inspired the establishment of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, The Journal of Negro History, and Negro Achievement Week or Black History Month as we know it today.

We’ve partnered with the Black & Brown Comix Arts Festival and the Black Chicago History Forum to present a weekend of programming reflecting on African American history in Chicago through the arts! Ages 21+ on Friday, February 25.

Free; RSVP required.

Schedule

2nd floor, Morse Genius Chicago Room 

6:15–6:45 p.m. – Musical Performance by Afropunk band JD’s Revenge

6:45–7:30 p.m. – Live Action Role-Play Museum Tour

Join author and artist Ytasha Womack in her role as Rayla Illmatic as she searches through Black Chicago history to rebuild her home, Planet Hope.

7:30–8:30 p.m – Black History Trivia cohosted by urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas and the Black & Brown Comix Arts

Videos
1) A Conversation with Shadow Doctor Comic Creators Peter Calloway and Georges Jeanty

2.) A Conversation with Conversation with Comic Book Authors: Charles Johnson, Eighthfold Path Author, Steven Barnes, Eighthfold Path Author, Bryan Christopher Moss, Eighthfold Path Author, John Jennings, Megascope Curator and Stanford W. Carpenter Chair of Black & Brown Comix Arts Festival.

Partners
     

As per the City of Chicago’s safety guidelines, all CHM guests 5 years of age or older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon entry. CHM requires all visitors over age 2 and staff to wear a mask while inside the Museum or on a tour. Learn more about the Museum’s safety policies and procedures.