Celebrating Black History Month as a community in Champaign-Urbana
A number of events are happening in the Champaign-Urbana area that are 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. Some of these events will be happening virtually, and we include streaming links whenever we can (just click on the event).
We’ve done our best to indicate appropriate age groups for these events, but we’re not always sure. Always check with event sponsors if you need more information than what we have provided.
Have something to add? If it’s for families, please submit it to our calendar presented by OSF HealthCare.
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Urbana Schools Black History Month Kickoff Honoring Janice Mitchell
Dr. Preston Williams Elementary School Time: 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Urbana School District honors Janice Mitchell with Black History Month Kickoff Event WHERE: Dr. Preston Williams Elementary School | 2102 E. Washington St., Urbana WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 30 from 2-2:30 p.m. The public is invited as Urbana School District #116 celebrates the start of Black History Month.…read more…
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Virtual February Dance 2022 - FREE
Time: 7:30 pm
This performance will be live-streamed on February 2, 2022, at 7:30pm. It will be available for free for on-demand viewing (following the live stream) Monday, February 7 - Monday, February 21, 2022. View the stream here. February Dance will present four prestigious choreographers in the dance field who create work…read more…
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Bite Into History: Potato Chip Taste Test & Biography of George Crum
Mahomet Public Library Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Celebrate a little black history for Black History Month and taste some potato chips at the same time! What better way to spend a winter afternoon? Join Mahomet Library’s own Becca for a short presentation on the origin of the potato chip and its creator, George Crum. Then prep your…read more…
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Social Justice and Just Causes
Spurlock Museum Time: 4:30 pm
Donald Byrd, artistic director, Spectrum Dance Theater George A. Miller, visiting artist What is the balance of the didactic, the authentic/personal, and the aesthetic in the creation of dance works during a time of racial reckoning and consciousness expansion? Tony-nominated and Bessie Award-winning choreographer Donald Byrd will present some of…read more…
Friday, February 18, 2022
Black History Month Double Feature
Mahomet Public Library Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
To celebrate Black History Month, the Mahomet Public Library is screening two movies at the library: 5 pm: Pixar’s Soul (rated PG) Joe Gardner is an average guy teaching music in middle school whose real dream is to be a jazz musician. When he finally earns the chance to perform onstage, he…read more…
Saturday, February 19, 2022
VIRTUAL: Hidden Stories The History of African Americans in Champaign County
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Join the Champaign Public Library for a discussion on the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail. Learn about plans for the project and hear some of the many untold stories of African Americans in Champaign County. The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail is currently under development through the sponsorship…read more…
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Black Chorus - "Feel the Warmth"
Smith Recital Hall Time: 7:30 pm
Dr. Ollie Watts Davis will present the Black Chorus at the University of Illinois in their Winter 2022 Concert, Feel the Warmth on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall of Smith Memorial Hall (805 S. Mathews, Urbana, IL 61801). Get more info here. Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, director…read more…
Thursday, March 3, 2022
UHS Black History Talent Showcase Livestream
Time: 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Urbana High School is wrapping up its Black History Month celebrations with a Talent Showcase, Thursday, March 3, 9:30am-10:45am, available to livestream on Youtube.
We will continue to add to this list, so please check back here.