To celebrate Black History Month, several Chicago Park District locations will host celebrations which will feature art, music, dance and more to honor black culture.
The contributions of black scholars, leaders, staff, and community members to the Chicago Park District are unquantifiable, and many are recognized with namesake parks. The Park District has named over 45 park locations in honor of black community members who have been instrumental in shaping the city’s legacy. In addition, the Park District has published a video vignette titled “Named in Their Honor” to spotlight these parks and their history.
“We stand proudly with Chicago’s black community. At the Park District, thirty-four percent of our workforce identifies as black, and equally as important, nearly 30% of our patrons do as well,” said General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “With exciting events and educational materials, we will honor this community’s legacy, and celebrate their rich culture and influence that endures in parks citywide.”
The Chicago Park District also offers on-demand activities to celebrate Black History Month. People are invited to learn about African American leaders and even learn some crafts along the way.
In-person events, virtual educational videos, and a document of Chicago Park District locations whose names honor black community members past and present can be found at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/black-history-month.
Black History Month Events open to the public:
Friday, February 2, 2024
BHM Family Movie Series: Black Adam
Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr., 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free admission, All Ages
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a movie inside the park! As part of a larger BHM Family Movie Series our staff at Douglass Park will feature the movie ‘Black Adam’ [2022].
Thursday, February 8, 2024
BHM Family Movie Series: Black Adam
Altgeld Park, 515 S. Washtenaw Ave., 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free admission, All Ages
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a movie inside the park! As part of a larger BHM Family Movie Series our staff at Douglass Park will feature the movie ‘Black Adam’ [2022].
Saturday, February 10, 2024
BHM Family Movie Series: The Little Mermaid [2023]
La Follette Park, 1333 N. Laramie Ave., 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Free admission, All Ages
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a movie inside the park!
As part of a larger BHM Family Movie Series our staff at La Follette Park will feature the movie ‘The Little Mermaid’ [2023].
Friday, February 16, 2024
Know Your Black History
Sumner Park, 4320 W. 5th Ave., 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
If you like playing Trivia, you’re going to have a great time! Join us for an evening of challenging yourself playing ‘Know Your Black History’. The staff will also have some other family-friendly activities.
Black History Celebration
Foster Park, 1440 W. 84th St., 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free admission, All Ages
Join us for an invigorating Black History Month Celebration featuring live performances, spoken word and an art showcase. Co-sponsored by Foster Park Advisory Council.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
BHM Family Movie Series: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a movie inside the park!
As part of a larger BHM Family Movie Series our staff at Columbus Park will feature the movie ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ [2022].
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Soul Food & House Music – Black Celebration
Altgeld Park, 515 S. Washtenaw Ave., 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Join us for a Black History Month celebration! When healthy soul food meets Chicago's Legendary house music. Let's EAT, HEAL & DANCE. Healthy food samples by our very own Chef Ali.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
UMOJA Black History Celebration
Homan Square Community Center Park, 3559 W. Arthington St., 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free admission, All Ages
Free for all ages. Stop by the UMOJA Black History Celebration at Homan Square Park for cultural arts, music, dancing, and vendors.
Black History Month Celebration
Taylor Park, 39 W. 47th St., 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Join us for "Our Journey in Time." This Black History month celebration will include poetry, dance, black history skits and sports routines.
Black History Program
Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St., 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
This program showcases a variety of art works from dance and theatre to poetry and music in efforts to highlight the achievements of historical African American heroes. Through celebrating black power and excellence, we hope to inspire our audiences to create change in their community.
Friday, February 23, 2024
Black History Celebration
Sumner Park, 4320 W. 5th Ave., 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Calling all Students, Parents, and Staff to come out and enjoy some Family fun with Sumner School and the Chicago Park District. This is a FREE event for our wonderful community to enjoy. The family-friendly event is a Tribute to our Wonderful Black History. This event will take place at Sumner School & Park Campus and will include the following fun activities to enjoy: Black History Assembly (2:30pm – 3:45pm), Family Roller Skating Assembly (4pm – 7pm), free skates are provided.
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Black History Month Celebration
Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Gather your friends and family and let's have a great time celebrating Black History Month! Our 2024 theme is African American Female Artists.
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
BHM Family Movie Series: The Wiz
Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a movie inside the park!
As part of a larger BHM Family Movie Series our staff at Austin Town Hall Park will feature the movie ‘The Wiz Live!’ [2015].
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Live the Spirit Jazz Concert: The Young Masters
Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St., 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Free Admission, All Ages
Join us for a Black History Month jazz concert featuring The Young Masters.