Celebrating Black History Month as a community in Champaign-Urbana
Numerous 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.
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.
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Kumasi J. Barnett Virtual | Artist Lecture | Zoom
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Kumasi J. Barnett Virtual Artist Lecture Thursday, January 26 at 6pm on Zoom Through painting over old comic books, Barnett changes their narratives into critiques of systemic racism. By addressing real-world issues through a superhuman genre, Barnett's work dissolves the disconnect between contemporary American narratives and the reality of "justice,"…read more…
Friday, January 27, 2023
I Have a Dream Paper Quilt Submission Deadline
Phillips Recreation Center Time: All Day
The Phillips Recreation Center will be accepting squares for their community “I Have a Dream” paper quilt that will be displayed throughout Black History Month. Download a template from their website or pick up at any UPD facility and draw, paint, color, collage, or write your dream on your quilt…read more…
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Black History Month Kick-Off
Dr. Preston Williams Elementary School Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Urbana School District honors longtime community advocate with 2nd Annual Black History Month Kickoff Event WHO: Urbana School District #116 WHAT: Black History Month Kickoff WHERE: Dr. Preston Williams Elementary School | 2102 E. Washington St., Urbana WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2023 | 3-5 p.m. WHY: The public is invited…read more…
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
DIY Kids - Black History Bingo
Champaign Public Library Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Learn about famous people, places, and events in Black History by making your own bingo card and playing together at our weekly do-it-yourself activity for kids. School age | Activity Douglass Branch Library, Meeting Room at Douglass Branch For more information: Douglass Branch Library 504 E. Grove St., Champaign douglassbranch@champaign.org champaign.org 217-403-2090…read more…
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Artist lecture by Stacey Robinson
William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College Time: 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Parkland College will host an artist lecture by Stacey Robinson on Thursday, February 2, at 10:45 am in the William M. Staerkel Planetarium. Robinson's talk is part of Giertz Gallery programming for "In Blackest Shade, In Darkest Light" and in collaboration with Parkland College's Black History Month programming. After Robinson's…read more…
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Illinois Libraries Present: A Conversation with Kwame Alexander | Zoom event | Registration Required
Time: 7:00 pm
Join the Illinois Libraries on Zoom for an evening of inspiration and conversation with best-selling and award-winning children’s and young adult author and poet, Kwame Alexander, author of the Newbery Award winning book, The Crossover, Newbery Honor/Caldecott Medal winning book, The Undefeated, and most recently, An American Story. Kwame will…read more…
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Let the Little Light Shine (2022)
The Virginia Theatre Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
$7.00 Admission: Tickets Available Online or at the Ticket Office A special presentation of The Arthouse Experience Film Series. Presented by Illinois Public Media, this exciting series brings the very best of recent art films and documentaries to the Virginia Theatre. LET THE LITTLE LIGHT SHINE (2022) Rated G 86 Min Illinois Public…read more…
Sunday, February 19, 2023
UFLive! presents Afro D & the Global Soundwaves
Urbana Free Library Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A special live music and spoken-word performance for Black History Month. Head to the Urbana Library for a special music-centered event for Black History Month. The performance features Afro D & Global Soundwaves, a socially-conscious hip hop/jazz/funk band based in Champaign, Illinois. The band makes soulful music designed to be…read more…
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Jabari Dreams of Freedom
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Studio Theatre 10-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he meets children and young people from the Civil Rights Era, including Ruby Bridges, Claudette Colvin, and others, who…read more…
Battle of the Books
Champaign Public Library Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in Champaign Public Library's 18th annual Battle of the Books. Find copies of the required books at the Douglass Branch and Main Library. Every participant will receive a prize book. Teams can have up…read more…
We will continue to add to this list, so please check back here.