Celebrate Black History Month in February 2008
Parks Come Alive with Music, Art, Exhibits, Poetry and More
Release Date: 01/17/08
The Chicago Park District commemorates Black History Month in February 2008 with various interdisciplinary events. Most programs are admission free and many activities are geared toward the entire family. Please contact each individual park for additional information. Following is the schedule of events.
What Shall I Tell My Children Who are Black?
Tuesday, Jan. 29 – Friday, Feb. 29
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., 773-256-0149
All ages, admission free
This exhibition features the work of Dr. Margaret S. Burroughs and is inspired by the 1968 poetry anthology of the same name. The works, like the poems, focus on family, African American culture and life, and the effects of racism on one’s mental and emotional well being.
Black History Exhibit
Monday, Feb. 4 – Friday, Feb. 29, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Sacramento Blvd., 312-742-7549
All ages, admission free
This month-long exhibit features historical information on famous African Americans.
Black History Quiz
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, Feb. 4 – 29, 4-5 p.m.
Anderson Park, 3748 S. Prairie Ave., 312-747-6007
Ages 6-12, admission free
An exhibition is paired with a black history questionnaire to test participants’ historical knowledge.
African Doll Making Workshop
Tuesdays & Thursdays, Feb. 5-28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rainbow Beach & Park, 3111 E. 77th St., 312-745-1479
All ages, students and adults $5, seniors admission free.
Participants learn about the cultural significance and history of the African doll and learn how to construct one. All materials are included.
African American History Month Movie Series
Fridays, Feb. 8, 15 & 22, 6:30 p.m.
Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St., 312-747-6147
All ages, admission free
Screenings include Feb. 8: Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975, directed by Joseph Manduke); Feb. 15: Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed (2004, directed by Shola Lynch); and Feb. 22: Claudine (1974, directed by John Berry). Each evening community members lead a discussion about the themes in the movie.
Black History Month Youth Essay Writing Contests
Fridays, Feb. 15 and 29 at 4 p.m.
Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island, 773-256-0903
Ages 12 & under, admission free
Jackson Park offers two contests: “President Lincoln Essay Contest” Feb. 15 where children write about President Lincoln’s accomplishments, and “Who Am I?” Feb. 29 that challenges children to research notable African-Americans. When presenting their essays, each child will state facts and offer clues about who their subject is.
Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 16, 12-2 p.m.
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., 312-746-5494
All ages, admission free
Celebration features music, entertainment, skits and various additional performances.
Black History Month Celebration
Friday, Feb. 22, 3-6 p.m.
Fernwood Park, 10436 S. Wallace St., 312-747-6132
All ages, admission $5
Entertainment live drum performance, activities such as doll making and
Black History Movie
Friday, Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m.
Moore Park, 5085 W. Adams St., 773-287-0561
Ages 6-12, admission free
Two documentaries will be screened, Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind (2000, directed by Stanley Nelson) and “Nubian History for Children.”
Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 22-29, 7-8:15 p.m.
Hayes Park, 2936 W. 85th St., 312-747-6177
Ages 11-12, admission $2
Community youth perform spiritual and African dance and recite poetry.
Black History Showcase: People & Progress
Saturday, Feb. 23, 1-2:30 p.m.
Clarendon Park, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave., 312-742-7512
All ages, admission free
This showcase features traditional dance, poetry and singing performances.
UMOJA Black History Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington St., 312-746-6650
All ages, admission free
The event features African dance performances and poetry readings plus a vibrant marketplace featuring food, jewelry and clothing.
Black History Month
Sunday, Feb. 24, 12 – 4 p.m.
Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., 773-262-8605
All ages, admission free
Experience a celebration of African, African American, and Caribbean culture with dance, poetry, music and food. Please bring a traditional dish to share.
Black History Month Poetry Event
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 5-6 p.m.
Mahalia Jackson Park, 8407 S. Kerfoot Ave., 312-747-6154
Ages 6-12, admission free
Community members participate in a poetry reading.
Ashaki Black History Month Celebration
Friday, Feb. 29, 6-9 p.m.
Washington Park, 5531 S. King Dr., 773-256-1248
All ages, admission $2
Celebration features African art, dancing, and a marketplace featuring various items for sale.
Gospel Hip-Hop Dance Showcase
Friday, Feb. 29, 7-9 p.m.
Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Blvd., 773-762-2842
All ages, admission $7 adults, $3 children
Local choirs perform in this evening of music and dance.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529