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.
Sunday, January 28, 2024
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 3rd 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: Sunday, January 28, 2024 | 3-5 p.m. WHY: The public is invited…read more…
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Black History Spotlight | Focus on STEM
Urbana Free Library Time: 6:30 pm
NAACP Champaign County invites you to the Urbana Free Library for soul food dinner, inspiration, motivation, black history information, trivia and prizes. Students please bring photos & bios. (If you don't have them, we will work on bios and take photos during the session) Be ready to make selections for…read more…
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Black History Day Party
Eastland Mall Time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Mimi's Boutique presents: Black History Day Party! Everyone is welcome!
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Black History Month Program
Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum Time: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Head to the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum on Sunday, February 11th, 2024 for a transformative Black History Month program. This day-long event will feature two separate classroom programs celebrating Black history and culture as well as a special surprise at the end of the day as everyone prepares to dance…read more…
Monday, February 12, 2024
Storytime & Craft Celebrating Black History Month
Tolono Public Library Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Come to the Library for a storytime and craft celebrating Black culture, accomplishments, and joy. Recommended Ages: 0-5
Thursday, February 15, 2024
The Story of the 370th Infantry Unit and Its Impact on Champaign County
The Urbana Free Library Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Dr. Barbara Suggs Mason and Angela Rivers of the African American Heritage Trail explore the 370th Infantry and Legion Post 559. The 370th Infantry Regiment was an all-Black unit that fought during World War 1. While the unit was headquartered in Chicago, it grew out of the 8th Infantry Regiment…read more…
Monday, February 19, 2024
Black History Month Soul Skate
Illini Skateland Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Come out and skate..wear your BLACK..RED..or GREEN! This is an ALL SKATE...COMMUNITY SKATE!
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Battle of the Books | Morning Playoffs
Champaign Public Library Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in the 19th 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 to 12…read more…
Battle of the Books | Afternoon Playoffs
Champaign Public Library Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in the 19th 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 to 12…read more…
Battle of the Books | Finals
Champaign Public Library Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Leading teams from the morning and afternoon Battle of the Books Playoffs will be invited to participate in the finals. Find more information under the playoff listings (Feb. 24 at 11 am and 1:30 pm): Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book…read more…
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Black History Month Youth Celebration
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Head to PIlgrim Missionary Baptist Church to support youth through a celebration that includes performances by local artists and DREAAMers themselves! Open to the community and all ages!
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Everybody's Got a Story
Spurlock Museum of World Cultures Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Everybody has stories to tell, and here is a chance to tell yours. In connection with the ongoing Black Joy Project at the Spurlock, the museum invites members of the community to share memories, legendary tales from family or friend groups, important moments…anything you wish to share or think others…read more…