Celebrating Black History in Chicago: Locations to Visit

Black history month in Chicago has always been a great time to sit back and enjoy the events that take place at the various venues in the city. Some places have always been spots to go watch live black history performances, like poetry, dance, lectures, speeches, and even hang out at meet and greet socials. At these Black history socials the conversations can steam from past slavery logs, to the economic state of America. All the events that take place in Chicago can be easily accessed by car, public train, or bus, what better way to travel and possible meet a new friend.

The Chicago junior colleges have always held events that allowed outside non-profit agencies to come in and host Black history month celebrations. These events would invite Chicago public school students, other junior college students, small private schools, and many more organizations out to celebrate with them. I remember as a child going to Malcolm X College to hear poetry In the 70's. Some poems and short stories that were read were from artist like Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, and a host of other great African American writers. Also, the Chicago Public Schools will have an assembly for Black History Month, to find out more contact CPS to find out when the events will be taken place.

Big food chain store Jewel-Osco food and drug subsidiary will have a program called "A Taste of Black History" reception on Jan. 28 at Chicago's South Shore Cultural Center located on 71^st and South Shore Dr. It will be hosted by WVON-AM Radio Talk Show Host Cliff Kelley; there will be a performance by the cast of the award-winning play "Black Nativity."

Some of the great Black History events will take place at the cities various Chicago Park District locations. Different locations will host their own version of a Black History Month Celebration, and will be offering African style food, music, culture, and tradition. Some of the locations that will be participating are Brainerd Park, Austin Town Hall, Homan Square Park, Washington Park and a host of other parks in your area. To learn the time and dates contact the Chicago Park District.

Saint Sabina Church will have a selection of guest come by their organization to celebrate Black History Month with them. To start they will have on Feb 12^th the "Black Candle" Film Preview presented by the Young Adults Ministry, then on the 14^th they will have none other than Cornel West at their Black History Celebration. Finally on Friday the 26^th they will end their celebration with Soul Singer Gladys Knight, who will be part of the American Speaking Series event. The cost for this event is $20 but it will be well worth it.

All these events will be taken place between February 1^st and the 28^th, so pick one or two, or better yet go to as many as you can, because you can never learn too much nor two little. Have fun and remember most Black History events are free, and you can access them by train, car, or bus.