“I Have a Dream” Quilt Submission

Phillips Recreation Center 505 W. Stoughton, Urbana, IL

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech to thousands of civil rights marchers in Washington D.C. This has famously become known as his "I Have a Dream" speech, in which he talks about the racial injustices black people face and how it "is the time to make real the promises of democracy." 60

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, School of Social Work Poverty Simulation

UIUC School of Social Work 1010 W. Nevada, Urbana, IL

The impact of poverty in any community can be both devastating and hastening. It is a reality for many individuals and families; it’s difficult to truly understand poverty unless you have experienced poverty. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s advocacy work around poverty issues, the School of Social Work, in partnership with the Office

USD #116 Black History Month Kickoff

Dr. Preston L. Williams, Jr. Elementary School 2102 E. Washington St., Urbana, IL

The Urbana School District #116's Black History Month kickoff in honor of Janice Mitchell will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2023, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at the Dr. Preston L. Williams, Jr. Elementary School Gym (2102 E. Washington St., Urbana). Interactive learning activities for children will run from 3:00–3:30 p.m., and the program will begin

DIY Kids │Black History Bingo

Champaign Public Library - Douglass Branch 504 E. Grove St., Champaign, IL

Learn about famous people, places, and events in Black History by making your own bingo card and playing together at our weekly do-it-yourself activity for kids. Hosted by the Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch.

Stacey Robinson Artist Talk

William M. Staerkel Planetarium 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL

Concurrent with "In Blackest Shade, In Darkest Light" exhibition, Krannert Art Museum is hosting an exhibition featuring Black faculty in the School of Art & Design. This exhibition includes participating artists Patrick Hammie and Stacey Robinson. The collaborative exhibition explores Black identity, collectivity, positionality, healing, innovation, and education as explored via a multi-leveled/multi-dimensional immersive, critical, and

Saying Yes to Your Story: Kwame Alexander (Zoom)

Zoom

Join the Illinois Libraries for an evening of inspiration and conversation with bestselling and award-winning children’s and young adult author and poet, Kwame Alexander, author of the Newbery Award winning book, The Crossover, Newbery Honor/Caldecott Medal winning book, The Undefeated, The Door of No Return, and most recently, An American Story, for an Illinois Libraries

Community Education African American Film Series

Parkland College 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign, IL

Parkland College is hosting a Community Education African American Film Series on Thursday, February 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Room U140. Contact the office of Student Life at Parkland for more information: Office: U111 Phone: 217/351-2492 Fax: 217/373-3835 stulife@parkland.edu Hours: Mon., Thurs., 8:00 am-6 pm Tue., Wednesday., Friday.,  8:00 am-5 pm

Bystander Intervention Training (Online)

Zoom

Parkland College's Black History Month programming includes an online Bystander Intervention Training. Tuesday, February 14 10 am and 1 pm sessions Everyone has the right to be who they are, wherever they are. Learn how to respond, intervene, and heal from harassment. Join your fellow students and colleagues for training online or in person Student Union

Bystander Intervention Training (Online)

Zoom

Parkland College's Black History Month programming includes an online Bystander Intervention Training. Tuesday, February 14 10 am and 1 pm sessions Everyone has the right to be who they are, wherever they are. Learn how to respond, intervene, and heal from harassment. Join your fellow students and colleagues for training online or in person Student Union

Table Talk Book Club: The Personal Librarian

Champaign Public Library - Douglass Branch 504 E. Grove St., Champaign, IL

Join the Champaign Public Library's casual monthly get-togethers to talk about books by contemporary African American writers. New members are welcome; call 217/403-2090 for more information. On February 14, 2023, the book club will discuss The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. "The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P.

Google My Maps: Visualizing Your Ancestors’ Lives (Zoom)

Zoom

Learn how to start using Google Maps in your genealogy research! Register for the online program here: https://urbanafreelibrary.libnet.info/event/7792434 Do you love maps? Spend this Valentine's Day with the Champaign County Genealogical Society and Linda Debe, a tech-savvy genealogist, who will show how to effectively use Google Maps for genealogical research. "Google My Maps" provides a way to visualize

RACE Talks

Join Parkland College for RACE Talks: Thursday, February 16 Noon–12:50 pm Room U140 Facilitators: Donna Tanner-Harold, Counseling Services (retired), and Dr. Marsh Jones, Social Sciences and Human Services

Dr. Smith presents: “Food for Those Who Want to Be Free: Race, Food Security, and Civil Rights in Black Life”

Spice Box Cafe 905 S. Goodwin, Urbana, IL

Food is a cultural artifact in the lives of Black people.  But what happens when food is transformed into a weapon to oppress them? What happens when Black people in turn (re)weaponize food as a tool to emancipate themselves from such oppression?  In this talk, Dr. Bobby J. Smith II grapples with these questions through

Black History Month Luncheon at Research Park

Research Park 60 Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL

Join Research Park in honoring Black History Month on Friday, February 17 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM with trivia, live music by Bianca Bailey, and lunch from Neil Street Blues. This event is free; however, registration is encouraged to ensure that we have enough food and seating: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1667773653 If you have any questions, please contact Cathy

Just Joy Black History Month Comedy Show

Illini Union 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL

The Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and Illinites Present the "Just Joy Black History Month Comedy Show" on Friday, February 17. Doors open at 8 p.m. The show will be held at the Illini Union (1401 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801).