Celebrating Black History Month

Influential Illinois Figures:

• Albert B. George: The first person of color to be elected a judge in Illinois, Judge George graduated from Northwestern University College of Law in 1897 and, after a successful career in private practice, was easily elected to Chicago Municipal Court in 1924.
• Vivian G. Harsh: Ms. Harsh was the Chicago Public Library’s first African American librarian and the director of the George Cleveland Hall Branch of the Library in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. During her thirty-four year career, Ms. Harsh began an extensive archive on African American history and literature which is the largest such collection in the Midwest.

Learn More About Black History Month in Illinois here.

Black History Month Activities and Events:

Art

• Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Arts” at the Chicago History Museum
  • 2/24/24 11am – 3pm @ Chicago History Museum
• “American People” by Faith Ringgold at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
  • 2/1/24 – 2/25/24
• “A Love Supreme” by Norman Teague at the Elmhurst Art Museum
  • 1/20/24 – 4/28/24
• “Decadence of Another Kind” at Bridgeport Art Center
  • 1/18/24 – 3/1/24

Film, Music, and Performances

• Melanin, Roots, and Culture at the Music Box Theatre, Chicago
  • 2/3/24 – 2/24/24
• Screening of Trial in the Delta – The Murder of Emmett Till at Wayfarer Theatre, Highland Park
  • 2/22/24 at 7:00 p.m.
• “Black by Popular Demand: A Black Excellence Revue” at Up Comedy Club, Chicago
  • February 9 – May 25 @ Up Comedy Club of Second City
• Ayodele Drum and Dance at the Field Museum, Chicago
  • 2/21/24 11:30am @ Field Museum
• Uniting Voices Concert Series at Chicago Symphony Center, Chicago
  • 2/22/24 – 2/23/24 11am

Shopping

• Black Makers Market at Navy Pier
  • Every Saturday in February from 12 pm – 6pm @ Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Navy Pier

Black Owned-Restaurants

• Virtue, 1462 E 53^rd Street, Chicago, IL 60615
  • Stationed in Hyde Park, Virtue is a highly rated Southern American restaurant from owner and award-winning Chef Erick Williams and recent James Beard-winner Chef Damarr Brown. Featured menu items include Gumbo, Scallops, and Blackened Catfish.
• Batter & Berries, 2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 OR 3462 Vollmer Road, Olympia Fields, IL
  • An eclectic breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurant with creative pancakes, omelets & other breakfast eats plus sandwiches & lunch fare too.
• Koto Hibachi, 258 W 31^st St, Chicago, IL 60616
  • Koto Hibachi is a hibachi and sushi Black-owned Japanese spot serving generous portion sizes filled with delicious, fresh choices that satisfy and delight, bringing an innovative and exciting hibachi-inspired restaurant to the Chicago community.
• 1308 Chicago, 1308 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
  • A Michelin recommended “SpeakEatery” with highlights including small plates such as Pimento Cheese Biscuits and Hot Water Cornbread to large plates such as the Grilled Cheese and Butternut Squash Ragu.
• Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, 4801 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL and Time Out Market, Chicago, IL
  • Serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine inspired by Chef/Owner Tigist Reda’s upbringing and family meals. In addition to the exciting flavors, guests appreciate this Michelin recommended restaurant for the traditional “family-style” meals.

Books

• Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence: Understanding and Facilitating Difficult Dialogues on Race, by Derald Wing Sue. If you believe that talking about race is impolite, or that “colorblindness” is the preferred approach, you must read this book. Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence debunks the most pervasive myths using evidence, easy-to-understand examples, and practical tools.
• Last Summer on State Street, a novel by Toya Wolfe. A striking coming-of-age debut about friendship, community, and resilience, set in the housing projects of Chicago during one life-changing summer.