Lives in Code: Stories of African American Resilience (The Illinois Black Codes, 1819-1865)

Zoom

Join historian and educator, Caroline Kisiel, for a history of the Illinois Black Codes, sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Speaker Bureau. This event will be held on Zoom. As the home of celebrated champions of freedom such as Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, it is often surprising for Illinoisans to learn about the long

Understanding the State of Illinois’ Black Business Survey

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

Presented in partnership with The City of Champaign, The City of Urbana, Campus-Community Compact To Accelerate Social Justice, and Champaign Community Coalition - Walk As One In February 2023, the IL Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) released results of its black business survey. This first-of-its-kind statewide Black Business Survey solicited information directly from black-owned

CU Days

Douglass Park 804 N. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL

As Champaign-Urbana Days draw near, the Champaign Park District would like to invite you to participate in this 30+ year-old tradition. This event draws nearly 2,000 patrons each year and offers great exposure to the community. Celebrate the Chambana community with us! Enjoy live music, tasty food, children’s activities, senior activities, and more! Friday, August

CU Days

Douglass Park 804 N. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL

As Champaign-Urbana Days draw near, the Champaign Park District would like to invite you to participate in this 30+ year-old tradition. This event draws nearly 2,000 patrons each year and offers great exposure to the community. Celebrate the Chambana community with us! Enjoy live music, tasty food, children’s activities, senior activities, and more! Friday, August

Virtual Visit with Colson Whitehead

Zoom

As the author of The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys, Harlem Shuffle, The Noble Hustle, Zone One, Sag Harbor, The Intuitionist, John Henry Days, Apex Hides the Hurt, and a collection of essays, Whitehead is only the fourth writer to win two Pulitzers in the Fiction category (for Underground Railroad in 2017 and The Nickel Boys in 2020). His highly anticipated latest novel, Crook Manifesto, is a darkly funny

Interrogating Discourses Around Resilience for Black Women: Holding Space for Strong Stories and Radical Healing

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

Event Type: Professional Development Sponsor: School of Social Work Location: 1010 W. Nevada St., Room 2015, Urbana Date: Sep 15, 2023   12:30 - 3:00 pm Cost: $25 for CEU's, $10 for no CEU's Registration: Register Now September 15, 2023 12:30-3:00pm In-Person at the School of Social Work, room 2015 2.5 CEUs for LCSW/LSW and

Francesca T. Royster Discussion & Book Signing

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

Join author Francesca T. Royster at the Urbana Free Library for a discussion and book signing on her memoir "Choosing Family: a Memoir of Queer Motherhood and Black Resistance" as part of Pygmalion 2023. There are times in your life when you make choices that change everything: choosing a new job, finding a partner, adopting

Musical Crossroads: Interpreting the Material Culture of African American Music

Music Building Auditorium 1114 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL

The ways we engage with music are constantly evolving. In recent decades, countless museums, historic sites, libraries, and archives have built music collections for research, exhibitions, and programming purposes. Within this movement to document, preserve, and interpret music’s existence, is a growing interest in music’s material culture, the tangible objects that are the evidence of

Jalimusa: An Epic Tale of Black Women’s Mothering

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

Activist-artist-educator Dr. Amira Davis joins The Urbana Free Library for this special event on Black Motherhood. This program will be a combination performance and presentation based on Davis’ book, Jalimusa: An Epic Tale of Black Women’s Mothering. She will perform songs related to Black women’s mothering and read excerpts from her book, including stories of

SPEAK Cafe with Shaya Robinson

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 curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic.

16th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series — Voices of Our Past: Frederick Douglass

Museum of the Grand Prairie 950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet, IL

Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2 p.m.  Help us kickoff the 16th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series with this special event! The theme of this year’s series is “Voices of Our Past'' and will feature first-person interpretations of African-American voices present during the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Did

Afro-Futurism Symposium

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

AFRO-FUTURISM SYMPOSIUM Event Type Seminar/Symposium Sponsor African Students' Organization and co-sponsored by Center for African Studies, Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program, and Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center Location Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Center (BNAACC) Date Oct 20, 2023   5:00 - 7:00 pm Contact Morgan Toyosi E-Mail toyosim2@illinois.edu Views 26

Fireside Chat with Sheila Johnson

Alice Campbell Alumni Center 601 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL

School of Music alumna, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Sheila Johnson (BME ’70) published her memoir Walk Through Fire on September 19. The College of Fine and Applied Arts invites you to join us in welcoming Ms. Johnson back to campus on October 25 for an exclusive fireside chat to discuss her book, how the university and Illinois School

Food for the Soul/Inside Scoop with Alexis Pauline Gumbs

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

Alexis Pauline Gumbs is a Queer Black Troublemaker and Black Feminist Love Evangelist and an aspirational cousin to all sentient beings. Her work in this lifetime is to facilitate infinite, unstoppable ancestral love in practice. Her poetic work in response to the needs of her cherished communities have held space for multitudes in mourning and movement. Alexis’s co-edited volume of Revolutionary

Piloting Archival Processing: Insights from the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) Archive (Webinar)

Zoom

Archivist Steven Booth joins the RBML virtually to discuss the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) archive: acquired in 2019 by a consortium of philanthropic and cultural heritage organizations, the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) Archive is co-owned by the Getty Research Institute (GRI) and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Dating from 1942,

16th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series — Voices of Our Past: Ann Bradford Stokes

Museum of the Grand Prairie 950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet, IL

Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 2 p.m.  Join us as history comes to life with another event in the 16th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series! The theme of this year’s series is “Voices of Our Past'' and will feature first-person interpretations of African-American voices present during the life and times

16th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series — Voices of Our Past: Sojourner Truth

Museum of the Grand Prairie 950 N. Lombard St., Mahomet, IL

Come join us and see history come to life with our final event in the 16th Annual Lincoln Lecture Series! The theme of this year’s series is “Voices of Our Past'' and will feature first-person interpretations of African-American voices present during the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Isabella Baumfree, better known as Sojourner Truth,

Book Club: Dark Princess by W. E. B. Du Bois (October 9–December 11)

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

Join the Humanities Research Institute as book club members read Dark Princess, W. E. B. Du Bois' 1928 novel about an African American medical student's and an Indian Princess' struggle for freedom. Free books available! To participate, register her by November 5: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/408766198 Meeting time: Mondays at 6:00–7:00 P.M., October 9–December 11 Location: Douglass Branch Library - Douglass

BIPOC Artist Meet-Up

Gallery Art Bar 119 W. Main St., Urbana, IL

Urbana Arts & Culture and The College of Fine and Applied Arts invite all Champaign-Urbana BIPOC artists, creatives, makers, storytellers, and cultural bearers to connect and unwind with an evening of togetherness at Gallery Art Bar in Downtown Urbana. Join hosts Carolyn and Vivian from The College of Fine and Applied Arts and the Urbana

THE BLACK CHURCH: THIS IS OUR STORY, THIS IS OUR SONG

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

In this special presentation by Illinois Public Media, watch the second hour of the acclaimed four-hour documentary series THE BLACK CHURCH, followed by a live performance of gospel music and a post-film discussion panel with local Black preachers plus an audience Q & A. For many, it’s their house of worship. For some, it is an

Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration

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

Martin Luther King, Jr. Countywide Celebration January 14, 2024 - 5:00 pm Martin Luther King Jr. at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana 61801 Doors open at 4:00pm Community Choir begins TBD Featured Keynote Speaker - Rev. BJ Tatum  ​ During the ceremony, three community members will be honored with

Passing: Film at the Virginia Theatre

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

THE ARTHOUSE EXPERIENCE FILM SERIES Rated PG-13 98 Min Presented by Illinois Public Media, home of WILL-TV, WILL-AM, and WILL-FM. In 1920s New York City, a black woman finds her world up-ended when her life becomes intertwined with a former childhood friend who's passing as white. Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut is a powerful drama that brings Nella

KAM Spring 2024 Opening Night: Jen Everett

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

Opening Events 5:30 pm | Conversation with the artist Jen Everett and curators Blair Ebony Smith and Amy L. Powell in the Link Gallery 6 pm | Collage workshop with Siobhan McKissic, Visiting Design & Materials Research Librarian, Ricker Library of Architecture and Art in the KAM cafe 6:15 pm | DJ set with DJ lovenloops begins in the Link Gallery About Jen Everett: Could

The Black Joy Project: Public Launch Celebration

Spurlock Museum 600 S. Gregory, Urbana, IL

The Black Joy Project launches February 2 with a celebratory reception of performance, food, and fellowship. About the Project The Black Joy Project aims to make an unprecedented celebration of Black JOY visible in our communities and museum spaces. The project celebrates the beauty, joy, and resilience of Black women and girls and their lived

Bethel A.M.E. Church: National African American Read-In

Bethel A.M.E. Church 401 E. Park Street, Champaign, IL

Join the Bethel A.M.E. Church by reading excerpts from the works of your favorite Black writers! Sunday, February 4, at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church (401 E. Park Street, Champaign, IL 61820).

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . DIY Kids! | February 2024 Wednesdays, 4:00 pm For more information, visit: https://champaign.org/event/diy-kids-black-history-bingo-9361427

Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad

Zoom

Join Connie Martin to learn about pre-Civil War quilts, and the secrets they held. This event will be held on Zoom. Join Connie Martin as she tells the stories passed down to her great-grandmother Lizzie of how her family survived the antebellum period through trials and tribulations, and how they used quilts that contained hidden codes and

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

Interseminars | Kameelah Janan Rasheed

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

Kameelah Janan Rasheed (artist, educator, and writer, Cooper Union) will present an artist talk. This event is part of the Interseminars series for "Improvise and Intervene," supported by the Mellon Foundation. About the Speaker A learner, Kameelah Janan Rasheed (she/they), grapples with the poetics-pleasures-politics of Black knowledge production, information technologies, learning, and belief formation. They are a recipient of a 2022