The Chicago Park District commemorates Black History Month this February with various events throughout the city. From our featured Umoja event to smaller events, there are several opportunities to celebrate this special month in the parks. Most events are admission-free or charge nominal fees. In addition, some Park District staff members created the Black History-themed activity videos shown below, for your enjoyment at home.
Several parks across Chicago have been named in honor of African Americans who have been instrumental in shaping the legacy of our city, country, and beyond. Learn more about these influential leaders in the "Named in their Honor" presentation below.
Feature video: Divine Nine in the Parks. Learn about the history of the nine Black fraternities and sororities and their presence in our parks.
The spirit of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC), which is composed of nine Black fraternities and sororities, is very well represented at the Chicago Park District.
Watch this video and learn about the history of the 'Divine Nine' and their presence in our parks.
Learn about the influential African Americans for which many Chicago parks are named after. Click on the image below to page through the presentation.
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Black History Month Celebration (1:51 minutes)
Julie Fair, Foster Park
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Fitness & Black History Challange (2:26 minutes)
Nathan Powell, Tuley Park
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Because Black Lives Matter Past to Present (3:50 minutes)
Renee Shepherd-Owens, Xavier Edwards & Dakeya Perkins, Kennicott Park
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Spotlight: Daniel Hale Williams (4:30 minutes)
Darren Moore, Fernwood Park
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Spotlight: Serena Williams (2:27 minutes)
Imani Gordon, Palmer Park
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Spotlight: Louis Armstrong Experiments (3:41 minutes)
Tamila Pikes, West Pullman Park
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Cooking & Blues (7:48 minutes)
Cheryl Hill-Beverly and Stephanie Biocic, LeClaire-Hearst Park
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The History of Quilting & Kenti Making (4:30 minutes)
Stephanie Esposito and Stephani Biocic, LeClaire-Hearst Park
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History of Robichaux Park (2:09 minutes)
Jamel Watson, Robichaux Park