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 and real-life heroes in Chicago through the arts! All ages welcome on Saturday, February 26.

Free with discount code BHM22 (maximum 4 tickets). 

Schedule

11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. – Pop-Up Comic Vendor Shop with Ytasha Womack, Victor Dandridge, and Turtel Onli
2nd floor, Elizabeth Morse Room

11:00–1:00 p.m. – Hero Portraits with caricature artist Arthur Wright
2nd floor, Jo Baskin Minow Balcony Gallery

11:00–11:30 a.m. – Interactive Performance | Black History Heroes: Mary Bowser with actor Cynthia Maddox
2nd floor, Elizabeth Morse Genius Room

12:00–12:45 p.m. – Comic Creation Workshop | Angels of the Fire: Joseph and Anna Hudlin with comic creator Victor Dandridge
1st floor, Guild Room

1:15–1:45 p.m. – Freedom Sing-along with musician Lenny Marsh
2nd Floor, Elizabeth Morse Genius Room

2:00–2:30 p.m. – Interactive Performance | Black History Heroes: Mary Bowser with actor Cynthia Maddox
2nd floor, Elizabeth Morse Genius Room

2:45–3:15 p.m. – Comic Creation Workshop | Angels of the Fire: Joseph and Anna Hudlin with comic creator Victor Dandridge
1st floor, Guild Room

3:30–4:00 p.m. – Freedom Sing-along with musician Lenny Marsh
2nd Floor, Elizabeth Morse Genius Room

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.