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

Celebrating Gwendolyn Brooks: A Workshop for Young Poets

University of Illinois’ Rare Books and Manuscripts Library 1408 W. Gregory Dr., Room 346, Urbana, IL

The University of Illinois Rare Books and Manuscripts Library and Illinois Humanities welcome students in grades 5-8 for an afterschool celebration of poetry and the life Gwendolyn Brooks. Participants will examine materials that belonged to Gwendolyn Brooks (including a spice box filled with keys!) and write poetry using her words and their own imaginations. If you love

Ann Johnson: Converse & Real Talk

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

Join us for a School of Art & Design Visitors Series talk by artist Ann Johnson on April 6, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. The talk will be held in the lower level auditorium of the Krannert Art Museum (500 E. Peabody Dr., Champaign). Reflecting on her 2022 Lawndale Contemporary Art Center installation See Me, Ann “Sole

Table Talk Book Club: Brighter by the Day

Champaign Public Library - Main Library 200 W. Green 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 April 13, 2023, the book club will discuss Brighter by the Day by Robin Roberts. This will be a joint meeting with the library's other book clubs and

UI Black Chorus

Foellinger Great Hall 709 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL

The University of Illinois Black Chorus will perform at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts. The chorus will be conducted by Ollie Watts Davis. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, January 25, at 10 a.m., online only. More information is available here: https://krannertcenter.com/events/ui-black-chorus-0.  

News, Brews & Beatz: Parenting Black Children & Teens Today

Pour Bros. Taproom 40 E. University Ave., Champaign, IL

Illinois Public Media invites you to News, Brews and Beatz 8 as we discuss parenting Black children and teens today. The public recording will be held on April 17 at the Pour Bros. Taproom (40 E. University Ave., Champaign) at 6:00 p.m. Topics we will cover: • “Old school” vs. “new school” parenting styles; •

Food for the Soul/Inside Scoop with Nikky Finney

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

Food for the Soul/Inside Scoop with Nikky Finney Sponsor Humanities Research Institute, hosted and cosponsored by the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center Location Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center Date Apr 19, 2023   12:00 pm Speaker Nikky Finney Contact Humanities Research Institute E-Mail info-hri@illinois.edu Food for the Soul/Inside Scoop lunch with

CultureTalk | Nikky Finney and Ruth Nicole Brown

Spurlock Museum 600 S. Gregory, Urbana, IL

CultureTalk | Nikky Finney and Ruth Nicole Brown Sponsor Cosponsored by the College of Fine and Applied Arts, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, the Center for Advanced Study, Spurlock Museum, and HRI Location Spurlock Museum, Knight Auditorium in person; livestream at go.illinois.edu/culturetalk Virtual Date Apr 19, 2023   7:30 pm Speaker Nikky Finney and

John Jennings: “Go Back and Get It”

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

Join us for a School of Art & Design Visitors Series talk by award-winning artist and scholar John Jennings (MA ’95, MFA ’97). The talk will be held on April 20, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the lower level auditorium of the Krannert Art Museum (500 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign). John Jennings is an award-winning

Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower (Krannert Center for the Performing Arts)

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

Based on the novels Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler, this genre-defying work of political theatre featuring a powerhouse ensemble of 20 singers, actors, and musicians harnesses 200 years of Black music to give musical life to Butler’s acclaimed science fiction novels. Parable of the Sower, set in 2024 and published in 1993,

Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower (Krannert Center for the Performing Arts)

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

Based on the novels Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler, this genre-defying work of political theatre featuring a powerhouse ensemble of 20 singers, actors, and musicians harnesses 200 years of Black music to give musical life to Butler’s acclaimed science fiction novels. Parable of the Sower, set in 2024 and published in 1993,

My Soul Doesn’t Cast a Shadow

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

Art gallery at Urbana-Champaign's Independent Media Center showcasing works by Marilynn Dean Cleveland. Some of the 1,778 pieces that Ms. Cleveland created are included in the gallery, which show how the nation transcended in terms of race. The artist's paintings tell the story of how Black people migrating after slavery made a living and searched

An Evening with Jesmyn Ward

Zoom

Join the Urbana Free Library for an online evening with two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward as she discusses how her literary vision & personal experiences address urgent questions about racism and social injustice. Two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward will discuss how her literary vision and personal experiences address urgent questions about

Gwendolyn Brooks’s Birthday

The Rare Book & Manuscript Library 346 Main University Library, 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL

Gwendolyn Brooks’s Birthday Event Type Reception/Open House Sponsor The Rare Book & Manuscript Library Location 346 Main University Library, 1408 W. Gregory Dr. Date Jun 7, 2023   3:00 - 5:00 pm Contact Carrie Lingscheit E-Mail carriel@illinois.edu Come and celebrate the birthday of Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000), former Illinois Poet Laureate and the first African American writer to

Juneteenth Celebration at Anchor Church

Anchor Church 2901 Watterson Ct., Champaign, IL

Juneteenth Service/Celebration with Anchor Church Join Anchor Church for its 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 11th at 5:00pm. They will have a special Juneteenth service with Rev. Lawrence Kirby and special music followed by food, bounce houses, water balloon games, and more! Food will be provided by Anchor Church, but we are also

Juneteenth Flag Raising & Reverence Ceremony

City of Urbana 200 S. Vine St., Urbana, IL

Please join the City of Urbana at 12 p.m. on June 16, 2023, for the Juneteenth Flag Raising & Reverence Ceremony. The ceremony will be held directly in front of the City building located at 200 South Vine Street in Urbana.

MTD Juneteenth Block Party

Illinois Terminal 45 E. University Ave., Champaign, IL

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) will host a Juneteenth Block Party on Friday, June 16, from 5pm to 7pm outside at Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign. To celebrate, MTD and our community partners have created a space to connect with one another and support the observance of Juneteenth through local art, poetry, and history.

Juneteenth Celebration at Douglass Park (Champaign)

Douglass Park 804 N. Fifth Street, Champaign, IL

Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States, is one event you don’t want to miss. Enjoy music and visit different vendors while learning about this important holiday. Children can make arts and crafts, play on the bounce house and obstacle course, or get soaked in the Splash Pad.

Juneteenth Celebration at Neil St. Blues

Neil St. Blues 301 N Neil St, Champaign, IL

It's almost that time of the year again. Juneteenth is slowly approaching! Join us for an electrifying Juneteenth celebration at Neil St Blues on Saturday, June 17th! As the doors swing open at 10pm, prepare to immerse yourself in a night filled with joy, history, and soulful tunes. This event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African

Juneteenth Celebration at Crystal Lake Park (Urbana)

Crystal Lake 206 W. Park St., Urbana, IL

Join the Urbana Park District and The Urbana Free Library for a family-friendly Juneteenth celebration at the Lakehouse in Crystal Lake Park! The event will take place on Sunday, June 18, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Enjoy music, food and refreshments, fishing, Urvana Mobile Recreation Unit games and activities, community resources, and more as we celebrate Black

Juneteenth Celebration at Colbert Park (Savoy)

Colbert Park 203 E. Church St., Savoy, IL

Join in celebrating the freedom of African Americans at Colbert Park (203 E. Church St., Savoy). Free food, shopping, music, poetry, and more! The event will take place on June 19, from 12:00–6:00 p.m. For more information, visit this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/3352338645004923/

25th Annual MLK Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day

King Park 915 W. Wascher Dr., Urbana, IL

FREE Community Event! Food, Raffle & Prizes, Live Entertainment, Local Talent, Fun & Games, Cook-Off Contest, Family, Friendly, Diverse Atmosphere and More. Celebrating the legacy of the late Mrs. Jettie Rhodes and her commitment to serve her community. Help us pack King Park!! https://www.facebook.com/events/965484594430125/?ref=newsfeed

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/