“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).

Black & Latinx Summit

iHotel and Conference Center 1900 S. 1st Street, Champaign, IL

The Black & Latinx Summit (BLS) is an annual forum for individuals who are interested in and/or committed to learning and growing their understanding and capacity around solidarity. The summit aims to create an experience that sparks reflection and ignites action from its participants. Furthermore, the summit seeks to promote camaraderie, coalition building, and community

Let the Little Light Shine

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

A special presentation of The Arthouse Experience Film Series. Presented by Illinois Public Media, this exciting series brings the very best of recent art films and documentaries to the Virginia Theatre. To purchase tickets, visit: https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=816 LET THE LITTLE LIGHT SHINE (2022) Rated G 86 Min Illinois Public Media and the Champaign Park District are proud to welcome LET

UFLive! presents Afro D & the Global Soundwaves

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

A special live music and spoken-word performance for Black History Month. Join us for a special music-centered event for Black History Month. The performance features Afro D & Global Soundwaves, a socially-conscious hip hop/jazz/funk band based in Champaign, Illinois. The band makes soulful music designed to be heard by people of all ages, bridging the gaps

Social Sciences Panel on Race

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

Join Parkland College for a panel discussion on race: Monday, February 20 10–10:50 am Room U140

Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud: Black LGBTQ+ History

Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center 1212 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL

Join the Gender & Sexuality Resource Center on the following dates for their Quench series as part of the Cultural & Resource Center Lunch on Us programming. Free food provided! On February 20, 2023, the program will focus on Black LGBTQ+ History. It will be held at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center

Jabari Dreams of Freedom (Krannert Center Youth Series)

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

Written by Nambi E. Kelley. This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, school-day performances for public, private, and home schools, grades PreK-12. 10-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he

Reuben May, PhD, Lecture at Parkland College

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

"Dress Codes and Other Exclusionary Practices in Urban Nightlife" Wednesday, February 22 Noon–12:50 pm Room U140 Dr. May, the Florian Znaniecki Professorial Scholar and Sociology department head at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has been a fellow at the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University and a Dr.

Jabari Dreams of Freedom (Krannert Center Youth Series)

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

Written by Nambi E. Kelley. This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, school-day performances for public, private, and home schools, grades PreK-12. 10-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he

Jabari Dreams of Freedom (Krannert Center Youth Series)

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

Written by Nambi E. Kelley. This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, school-day performances for public, private, and home schools, grades PreK-12. 10-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he

Jabari Dreams of Freedom (Krannert Center Youth Series)

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

Written by Nambi E. Kelley. This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, school-day performances for public, private, and home schools, grades PreK-12. 10-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he

The Royale

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

A play by Marco Ramirez and directed by Tyrone Phillips. Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of

Jabari Dreams of Freedom (Krannert Center Youth Series)

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

Written by Nambi E. Kelley. This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, school-day performances for public, private, and home schools, grades PreK-12. 10-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he

Jabari Dreams of Freedom (Krannert Center Youth Series)

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

Written by Nambi E. Kelley. This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, school-day performances for public, private, and home schools, grades PreK-12. 10-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he

50 Plus! Black History Soul Food Potluck

Douglass Annex 804 N. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL

Celebrate Black History Month with the Champaign Park District as we enjoy traditional soul food. Bring a special dish to share and sample a variety of foods in celebration. Bring a friend! DETAILS Date: February 24 Day: Friday Time: 1-3p Fee (M/NM): Free/$3 Location: Douglass Annex Deadline: Must register by February 17. Visit https://champaignparks.com/event/50-plus-black-history-soul-food-potluck-3/ for

The Royale

A play by Marco Ramirez and directed by Tyrone Phillips. Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of

Battle of the Books

Champaign Public Library - Main Library 200 W. Green St., Champaign, IL

Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in the Champaign Public Library's 18th 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

The Royale

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

A play by Marco Ramirez and directed by Tyrone Phillips. Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of

Inauguration Celebration for Urbana Poet Laureate Ja Nelle Davenport-Pleasure

Spurlock Museum 600 S. Gregory, Urbana, IL

The Inauguration Celebration for Urbana Poet Laureate Ja Nelle Davenport-Pleasure is from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, February 26, 2023 at the Spurlock Museum. There will be poetry readings, music by the New Souls, and other information about future Poet Laureate programming. The event is free and open to the public. Inauguration Celebration Spurlock Museum 600 S Gregory

Dan Duster Presentation

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

"Make Your Own Legacy Matter" February 28 11–11:50 am Room D244 A motivational speaker, coach, and trainer for schools and corporations, Duster is the great-grandson of legendary journalist, civil rights and suffrage activist, and researcher Ida B. Wells.

The Royale

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

A play by Marco Ramirez and directed by Tyrone Phillips. Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of

Blaxstravaganza: Reading by Professor David Wright Faladé

University of Illinois, Main Library 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Room 220, Urbana, IL

The History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library invites the community to The Blaxtravaganza, a series of events highlighting the research, creativity, and brilliance of Black professors on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus March 2-8. All events are free and open to the public. David Wright Faladé Professor, Department of English Reading from Black Cloud Rising

The Royale

A play by Marco Ramirez and directed by Tyrone Phillips. Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of

The Royale

A play by Marco Ramirez and directed by Tyrone Phillips. Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of

Blaxtravaganza: Alexandra Barbier and “Stations of Black Loss – Work(s) in Progress”

University of Illinois, Main Library 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Room 220, Urbana, IL

The History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library invites the community to The Blaxtravaganza, a series of events highlighting the research, creativity, and brilliance of Black professors on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus March 2-8. All events are free and open to the public. Alexandra Barbier Postdoctoral research Associate, Department of Dance Stations of Black Loss

The Royale

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

A play by Marco Ramirez and directed by Tyrone Phillips. Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of

Blaxtravaganza: Table Reading with Courtney Becks

Levis Faculty Center 919 W. Illinois St., Room 300, Urbana, IL

The History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library invites the community to The Blaxtravaganza, a series of events highlighting the research, creativity, and brilliance of Black professors on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus March 2-8. All events are free and open to the public. Courtney Becks Assistant Professor, University Library The Socialization of Love Work-in-Progress Table

Blaxtravaganza: Reiko Huffman Presents “Scenic Design and the Process”

University of Illinois, Main Library 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Room 220, Urbana, IL

The History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library invites the community to The Blaxtravaganza, a series of events highlighting the research, creativity, and brilliance of Black professors on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus March 2-8. All events are free and open to the public. Reiko Huffman Assistant Professor of Scenic Design, Department of Theatre Scenic Design

Blaxtravaganza: Interactive Design and the Black Spatial Imagery Workshop — Creating Black-Affirming Public Spaces

University of Illinois, Main Library 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Room 220, Urbana, IL

The History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library invites the community to The Blaxtravaganza, a series of events highlighting the research, creativity, and brilliance of Black professors on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus March 2-8. All events are free and open to the public. Nekita Thomas Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, School of Art + Design

Blaxtravaganza: DJs N the Library

Music and Performing Arts Library 1114 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL

The History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library invites the community to The Blaxtravaganza, a series of events highlighting the research, creativity, and brilliance of Black professors on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus March 2-8. All events are free and open to the public. La Fête DJs N the Library bla(CK)mau-aka Stacey Robinson, Chris Kinson, and

Speake Café: Black Herstory Slam!

Krannert Art Museum 500 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, Illinois

Speak Café stands for Song, Poetry, Expression, Art, and Knowledge. It is an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum organized and hosted by local artist and poet, Shaya Robinson. Join Krannert Art Museum for SPEAK Café in the KAM Cafe this month for a showcase of poetry, spoken word, music, and artistic expression that

Un/Doing Lecture: “Black Freedom on Native Land: Reconsidering Reconstruction”

University of Illinois, Levis Faculty Center 919 W. Illinois St., Urbana, Illinois

The University of Illinois Human Research Institute and Department of History present the Un/Doing Lecture, "Black Freedom on Native Land: Reconsidering Reconstruction," by Dr. Alaina E. Roberts from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Roberts describes her research interests as focusing on the intersection of Black and Native American history from the nineteenth century to the

Table Talk Book Club: Sister Friends Forever

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 March 14, 2023, the book club will discuss Sister Friends Forever by Kimberla Lawson Roby. "Diane, Michelle, Kenya, and Lynette have known each other since they were small