At the TRiiBE, we understand that Black history isn’t something that can or should be confined to a single month every year. There is a wealth of knowledge to be imparted about the Black American story, and we know that our educational institutions aren’t always thorough in their teaching of it.
With in-house projects such as the TRiiBE Guide and The Revolutionary Column, along with stories about the history of Black Chicago, we try to close that knowledge gap whenever possible. While we recognize and celebrate Black history every day, we can’t sit here and act like there aren’t special opportunities to learn about and embrace our history during this month.
In honor of Black History Month, here are a few events around Chicago to enrich your knowledge and connection with Black history.
Equiano.Stories International Watch Day
Location: Virtual
Date: Feb. 16, 2022, 12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Website: https://www.dusablemuseum.org/event/equiano-stories-international-watch-day/
In collaboration with Stelo Films, the DuSable Museum of African American History has produced a feature film that puts a contemporary twist on the true story of Olaudah Equiano, the first formerly enslaved person to write and publish his own story.
“Equiano.Stories” takes Equiano’s autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, and retells it via Instagram Stories. You can tune in all day on Feb. 16 to follow the saga through the Equiano.Stories IG page.
Black Heroes of Fire: The History of the First African-American Fire Company in Chicago
Location: Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616
Date: Sunday, Feb, 27, 2022, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Website: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/programs/2022/02/27/black-heroes-of-fire
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Engine Company 21, Chicago’s first organized, paid African-American firefighting company. In recognition of Black History Month, Dekalb Walcott Jr., a retired Chicago Fire Department battalion chief, historian and author of the book Black Heroes of Fire will discuss the transition from slavery to freedom in the African-American community and the politics that influenced change for African-American firefighters during reconstruction.
Chicago Public Library African-American History Month Program
Location: Various Chicago Public Libraries
Date: Feb. 1-28, 2022
Each year, the Chicago Public Library hosts events at libraries across the city under its African-American History Month program. Some of the events include African-American history trivia (for kids or adults), book discussions, crafts and film screenings. View a complete list of its African-American History Month programming here. While most events are virtual, you can narrow your search down to see what’s happening at your local branch.
Chicago Children’s Choir Black History Month Virtual Concert
Location: Virtual
Date: Feb. 26, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Website: https://www.ccchoir.org/events/black-history-month-concert-series-2022
The Chicago Children’s Choir celebrates Black History Month with a virtual concert. As part of their Sankofa journey (an Akan Ghanaian word meaning to go or return and retrieve what was lost), they’ll sing music of countries of the African diaspora, including Nigeria, Jamaica and Peru. In addition to the performances from their various choir ensembles, the virtual concert will also include guest speakers who will animate and celebrate the vast and vibrant culture of the diaspora through a captivating blend of music, oration, and history.
The concert will be live-streamed through YouTube, Facebook and its website.
Burst Into Books 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration
Location: Blue Door Neighborhood Center, 11840 South Marshfield Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643
Date: Feb. 5, 2022, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Roseland-based education and arts nonprofit Burst Into Books invites families to celebrate Black History Month with a fun and educational event held at the Blue Door Neighborhood Center. Burst Into Books’ celebration will include a live DJ, live painting, food and giveaways. It will also have family-friendly activities designed to educate the little ones about Black history and achievements.