Krannert Center Uncorked with Dexter O’Neal and the Funk Yard

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL

Presented in collaboration with Illinois Soul 101.1 FM in celebration of Black History Month. Dexter O’Neal is what happens when you add mesmerizing stage performances and a soulful sound. A Louisiana-born, Illinois-raised stick of dynamite! Dexter’s musical stylings have roots in gospel, blues, r&b, and early jazz traditions. He is the frontman of the number

Black History Spotlight | Focus on STEM

Urbana Free Library 201 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL

NAACP Champaign County invites you to the Urbana Free Library for soul food dinner, inspiration, motivation, black history information, trivia and prizes. Students please bring photos & bios.  (If you don’t have them, we will work on bios and take photos during the session) Be ready to make selections for competition areas. New applications will

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN

Virginia Theatre 203 W. Park Ave., Champaign, IL

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN features 15 power vocalists accompanied by a six-piece band that sends you on a journey through Motown's best, including: The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and more! The show’s pitch-perfect harmonies, dynamic choreography, and costuming perfectly capture the sights and sound of Motown.

Music with Banks, Bridgewater, & Lewis Fine Arts Academy

Urbana Free Library 201 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL

Join The Urbana Free Library for a celebration of blues, jazz, gospel, Rhythm & Blues, and soul music with young musicians from the Banks, Bridgewater & Lewis Fine Arts Academy! The mission of the Banks, Bridgewater & Lewis (BBL) Fine Arts Academy is to enhance the musical knowledge base of young musicians by providing meaningful supplementary curriculum utilizing the

Black Love Day Celebration

Independent Media Center 202 S. Broadway, Suite 100, Urbana, IL

This free event will include self-care services, lunch will be provided and an open mic will be facilitated. For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-love-day-celebration-tickets-772582825027

Storytime & a Craft Celebrating Black History Month

Tolono Public Library District 111 E. Main St., Tolono

Come to the Library for a storytime and craft celebrating Black culture, accomplishments, and joy. Recommended Ages: 0-5 For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/278802411443465/

Krannert Center Uncorked with Soft Spoken

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL

Presented in collaboration with Illinois Soul 101.1 FM in celebration of Black History Month. Bloomington based Soft Spoken covers a lot of musical territory: jazz, funk, R&B, soul, and blues, with the smooth jazz filter set on high. With Gary Muhammad, lead guitar/vocals; Mike Gardner, keys/bass/vocals; Myra Johnson, percussion; AJ Chinnery, drums; Kenny Johnson, bass

The Story of the 370th Infantry Unit and Its Impact on Champaign County

Urbana Free Library 201 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL

Dr. Barbara Suggs Mason and Angela Rivers of the African American Heritage Trail explore the 370th Infantry and Legion Post 559. The 370th Infantry Regiment was an all-Black unit that fought during World War 1. While the unit was headquartered in Chicago, it grew out of the 8th Infantry Regiment of the Illinois National Guard

GOSPEL: WHERE SONG AND SERMON MEET

Virginia Theatre 203 W. Park Ave., Champaign, IL

THE ARTHOUSE EXPERIENCE FILM SERIES Rated N/R 60 min (approx.) From the blues to hip hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. Musical styles come and go, but there's one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage, and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir

Everybody’s Got a Story

Spurlock Museum 600 S. Gregory, Urbana, IL

Everybody has stories to tell, and we’d love to hear yours. In connection with the ongoing Black Joy Project at the Spurlock Museum, we invite members of the community to share memories, legendary tales from family or friend groups, important moments…anything you wish to share or think others might like to hear. No age restrictions! Have you

UFLive! presents Reginald Lewis and Friends

Urbana Free Library 201 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL

Live music celebration of Black History Month. Reginald Lewis & Friends is a dynamic jazz ensemble led by saxophonist Reginald Lewis. Inspired by Philadelphia’s vibrant jazz scene, the group pays homage to the city's rich musical heritage while infusing their performances with a fresh and contemporary approach. Reginald Lewis is a composer, educator, and musician,

Willie Summerville: A Life of Music, Faith, and Service

Sousa Archives & Center for American Music 1103 S 6th St, Champaign, IL

The Sousa Archives exhibit, “Willie Summerville: A Life of Music, Faith, and Service” opened at the School of Music lobby.  In Kathya Alexander’s 2017 memorial essay to William “Willie” Thomas Summerville (1944-2017), she describes him as Urbana-Champaign-University of Illinois’ unique musical and spiritual force who brought people together through song and service to the community. 

Krannert Center Uncorked with Haki N’ Dem

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL

Presented in collaboration with Illinois Soul 101.1 FM in celebration of Black History Month. Haki N’ Dem (Demonstrators) is an exceptional R&B/soul group hailing from Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, led by the immensely talented young musician Haki (Drake Materre), who not only dazzles with his incredible vocals but also showcases his mastery of multiple instruments. Alongside

Black & Latinx Summit: “Resistance in Resilience: Intertwining Our Roots Standing Our Ground”

I Hotel & Conference Center 1900 S. 1st Street, Champaign, IL

The Black and Latinx Summit is an annual conference and summit that seeks to bring students from all intersections into shared a space to learn and connect. This focus is an intentional understanding of the traumas that communities of color in the United States have faced both historically and contemporarily. It is also cognizant of

From Illinois to the Moon: The Life and Legacy of George R. Carruthers

Electrical and Computer Building 306 N. Wright Street, Urbana, IL

Professor Lara Waldrop will discuss her NASA research project, The Carruthers Geocorona Project. The name honors Dr. George R. Carruthers, a prominent, three-time Illinois alumnus. As one of the first African American men to earn a doctorate degree in astrophysics, Dr. George R. Carruthers is known as a trailblazer. He invented the camera that took

Battle of the Books | Black History Month

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

Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in our 19th annual Battle of the Books. Find copies of the required books at the Douglass Branch and Main Library. Every participant will receive a prize book. Teams can have up to 12 students. Contact your school to

Walking With My Ancestors: Cape Coast Castle by Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum

Spurlock Museum 600 S. Gregory, Urbana, IL

Walking with My Ancestors: Cape Coast Castle (2019), the award-winning and nationally recognized performance piece, is about a mother’s search for guidance from the spirits of her ancestors in the dungeons for enslaved Africans. The story takes the audience through a ritual journey that includes dance, music, and drama and leads to revelation, reconciliation, and rebirth. Walking

Black History Month Show at Boomerangs

Boomerangs Bar & Grill 1309 E. Washington St., Urbana, IL

Join this celebration of Black history, which is American history, at Boomerangs Bar & Grill on February 25 from 7–9 PM. The show will include comedy, poetry, live music, and more. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1083892879499686.

ANCHOR: The Music, the Message, and the Movement of Black American Artists

Smith Memorial Hall 805 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL

Join us for ANCHOR - a free concert dedicated to the music, message, and movement of Black American Artists. This special evening is set to take place on Wednesday, February 28th, at the Smith Recital Hall, starting at 7:30 PM. Department of Dance Dr. C. Kemal Nance Lily Freebery Jade Lajeune Department of Theatre Lisa

Krannert Center Uncorked with Nadirah Shakoor

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL

Presented in collaboration with Illinois Soul 101.1 FM in celebration of Black History Month. The recipient of a Grammy nomination, an MTV Video Award, the 2005 Artist for a Better World award, and the 2006 Spirit of Youth award, Nadirah Shakoor is best known as the former lead female vocalist of acclaimed hip hop group