Celebrate Black History Month in February 2007
Parks Come Alive with Music, Art, Food and Poetry
Release Date: 01/09/07
The Chicago Park District commemorates Black History Month in February 2007 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.
“Remembering the Vision” Art Gallery Opening Reception
Thursday, Feb. 1
6 - 9 p.m.
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive
773-256-0149
Admission free; recommended for all ages
The South Shore Cultural Center kicks off the month-long art exhibit “Remembering the Vision” with a party featuring music by KCR Ensemble, the all women’s jazz band.
Art Gallery Exhibits: “Remembering the Vision”
Feb. 1 - 28
Sunday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive
773-256-0149
Admission free; recommended for all ages
“Remembering the Vision” salutes Black History Month by featuring the work of artists who formed the Creative Artists Association.
A Night of Ballroom Dancing, Part II Featuring Generations Big Band
Saturday, Feb. 3
6 - 10 p.m.
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive
773-256-0149
Admission $5; recommended for ages 18 & over
Invite your dance partner to take part in an evening of ballroom dance featuring live music by the Generations Big Band and on-site lessons by Doris Humphries.
Afrikan Heritage Potluck Celebration
Sunday, Feb. 4
12 - 4 p.m.
Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.
773-262-8605
Admission free; recommended for all ages
African, African American, and Caribbean cultures are celebrated through dance, poetry, music, and food. This year’s annual event features Maggie Brown’s Legacy of Music. Guests are encouraged to bring a traditional dish to share in this family-style celebration.
Black History Month Exhibition
Monday, Feb. 5 - Wednesday, Feb. 28
Sunday – Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Sacramento Ave.
312-742-7549
Admission free; recommended for all ages
This exhibition features artwork on African American history. Featured artists to be announced.
Black History Month African Doll Making Workshop
Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13 and 20
10 a.m. – 12 noon
Rainbow Beach & Park, 3111 E. 77th St.
312-745-1479
Admission $5; recommended for all ages
This 3rd annual event provides Chicago Public School students the opportunity to partake in a variety of educational activities including this workshop.
Black History Month Performance Series
Thursdays, Feb. 8 & 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 27
10:45 a.m. – noon
Rainbow Beach & Park, 3111 E. 77th St.
312-745-1479
Admission $5; recommended for all ages
Urban Gateways Touring Performances give the following live presentations:
Feb. 8, Traditional Jamaican music
Feb. 15, Images of Africa
Feb. 27, The Birth Place of Rhythm
Pre-Teen Club Open Mic Poetry
Friday, Feb. 16
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Lake Meadows Park, 3117 S. Rhodes Ave.
312-747-6287
Admission $2; recommended for ages 11-12
Emerging wordsmiths share their reflections through poetry.
"Umoja" Black History Month
Saturday, Feb. 17
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington St.
312-746-6650
Admission free; recommended for all ages
Umoja, meaning “to strive for and maintain unity in the family and community,” features performances and a marketplace with food, jewelry, clothing and artwork.
Black History Month
Saturday, Feb. 17
12 - 2 p.m.
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St.
312-746-5494
Admission free; recommended for all ages
This celebration features guest speakers and special performances. Artists to be announced.
Black Heritage 80th Birthday Salute to Dr. Earl Calloway
Sunday, Feb. 18
3 p.m.
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive
773-256-0149
Admission free; recommended for all ages
The Dr. Theodore Charles Stone Annual Black Heritage Concert series salutes Dr. Earl Calloway, fine arts critic for the Chicago Defender, the oldest African-American owned newspaper in the City of Chicago. This event is presented in part by the Chicago Music Association.
Ashaki
Friday, Feb. 23
6 - 9 p.m.
Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive
773-256-1248
Admission $1; recommended for all ages
Ashaki, which means “beautiful,” is a celebration featuring dance, music and an exhibit of African artifacts from various regions. African food and crafts will be available for purchase at the marketplace.
“People of Color in the Past” Black History Month Celebration
Friday, Feb. 23
6 - 9 p.m.
Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St.
773-287-7658
Admission free; recommended for all ages
This celebration features live music with local bands, special dance performances, drama and refreshments.
Black History Showcase
Saturday, Feb. 24
1 - 2 p.m.
Clarendon Park, 4501 N. Clarendon Ave.
312-742-7512
Admission free; recommended for all ages
This family event features various artists performing African dance, poetry, music and more.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 4786