Community Events to Celebrate Black History Month in Champaign-Urbana
Champaign-Urbana area events and activities directly (and indirectly) related to Black History Month
February is Black History Month around the country, and we’re excited to see that Champaign-Urbana has a wide variety of events and commemorations to offer. Here’s a look at Champaign-Urbana area events and activities directly (and indirectly) related to Black History Month. From the visual arts to literature to music to film, there’s a lot happening.
We’ve done our best to indicate what events are appropriate for which age groups, but we’re not always sure. Always check with event sponsors if you need more information than what we have provided.
We didn’t put this on the calendar, but here’s the info on how to see Black Panther for free, in theatres, the week of February 1-7.
Have something to add? If it’s for families, please submit it to our calendar. Or email us with your information.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Designation of an ACS National Historic Chemical Landmark for St. Elmo Brady
100 Noyes Laboratory 505 S. Mathews St. Urbana, IL 61801, Time: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Designation of an ACS National Historic Chemical Landmark for St. Elmo Brady, the first African-American to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States Tuesday, February 5, 2019 4:30pm – 5:30pm 100 Noyes Lab Featured Speakers Provost Andreas Cangellaris, UI Archivist Jameatris Rimkus, and 2018 American Chemical Society President Dr. Peter…read more…
Saturday, February 9, 2019
MLK - Hosted by Concerned Citizens of Rantoul
J.W. Eater Jr High School, Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Concerned Citizens of Rantoul will sponsor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event will take place at J.W. Eater (Innovation Center) in Rantoul, IL on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 2:00pm-3:30pm. They will feature as a guest speaker Dr. James C. Harden. LDA…read more…
Sunday, February 10, 2019
1968 Exhibit Speaker Series: Civil Rights in Champaign County
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
1968 was a flashpoint in the fight for Civil Rights in both Champaign County and throughout the United States. With the assassination of many leaders of the movement taking place in the 1960s, including Martin Luther King Jr. in April of 1968, the year was absolutely crucial in the fight…read more…
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Black History Month Luncheon at Parkland College
Parkland College, Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Black History Month Luncheon Thursday, Feb. 14 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Room U140 Sample an array of foods from traditionally Southern African American cuisine. Luncheon tickets may be requested via email to nsanders@parkland.edu. “History, Heritage and Hope: Looking Forward” is the theme of Black History Month 2019 observances at Parkland College. The school will celebrate the…read more…
Monday, February 18, 2019
Afternoon Movie Matinee at Rantoul Public Library
Rantoul Public Library, Time: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Relax on your day off by enjoying a movie matinee themed for Black History Month. In 1963, the Watsons load up their 1948 Plymouth Brown Bomber outfitted with a true tone Ultra-Glide turntable and head South from Flint, Michigan with plenty of comedy en route. When they finally make it…read more…
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Battle of the Books 2019
Champaign Public Library, Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Register ahead of time! Get your team signed up by Monday, February 4! Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in our 16th annual Battle of the Books. Find copies of the required books at the Douglass Branch and Main Library.…read more…
Centennial High School Black Culture Club Talent Show
Centennial High School Aldridge Auditorium, Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Black Culture Club (BCC) at Centennial High School is holding their annual talent show. All are welcome to attend and all proceeds go to scholarships for the participating seniors. Doors open at 6:30pm and show begins at 7pm. This show sells out early so come early and secure your…read more…
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Cultural Fashion Show
Parkland College Student Union, Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, Feb. 27 Noon–1 p.m., Student Union Cafeteria Parkland College Student Government will host a fashion show that provides a cultural exhibition of black fashion, pre- and post-Americanization. “History, Heritage and Hope: Looking Forward” is the theme of Black History Month 2019 observances at Parkland College. The school will celebrate the…read more…
Friday, March 1, 2019
Student Voices, Spoken Word and Original Songs by Parkland Students
Parkland College Student Union, Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Friday, March 1 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Cafeteria Stage, Student Union This open mike show features Parkland College students reciting original poems, monologues, and other spoken word. Event is sponsored by the academic coaches of the Center for Academic Success. "History, Heritage and Hope: Looking Forward" is the theme of Black History…read more…
We will continue to add to this list, so check back here.