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. 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 25, 2026
POSTPONED: Black History Month Celebration
Dr. Preston Williams Elementary School Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
From Urbana School District: Our annual Black History Month Celebration scheduled for Sunday has been POSTPONED because of the weather. We will update you once we finalize a new date and time. Urbana School District honors longtime community advocate with 4th Annual Black History Month Event WHO: Urbana School District…read more…
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
DIY Kids | Douglass Branch Library: Black History Art
Douglass Branch Library Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Create something new at this weekly do-it-yourself activity for kids! DIY Kids! | February 2026 Wednesdays, 4:00 pm • February 4, Black History Art • February 11, Tech Toys • February 18, Mancala Board • February 25, Pool Noodle Structures For more information: Douglass Branch Library 504 E. Grove Street,…read more…
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Krannert Center Uncorked | Erech Bruce Band
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:30 pm
Peoria-based guitarist Erech Bruce kicks off our Spring 2026 Krannert Center Uncorked series in style! This powerhouse four-piece band delivers funk, blues, and RnB-influenced jams with a solid groove. Enjoy a beverage from the Stage 5 Bar and meet the staff of Illinois Soul as you dig the Erech Bruce…read more…
SPEAK Café | Krannert Art Museum
Krannert Art Museum Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
SPEAK Café, design by John Jennings. Feb 05, 2026 - 6–7:30pm Main Level | In the Galleries SPEAK stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge. It is an open-mic public performance space at Krannert Art Museum curated by local artist, Shaya Robinson, featuring guest performers and welcoming all to the mic.…read more…
Seven Ways to Freedom: The New Philadelphia Story
Urbana Free Library Time: 7:00 pm
This program is intended for adults. Discover the story of Frank McWorter and New Philadelphia, the first US town platted and registered by an African American. This program tells the story of the Frank McWorter family, the interracial town of New Philadelphia and freedom struggles across west central Illinois and…read more…
Saturday, February 7, 2026
An Evening with Exhibit B
The Literary Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join Exhibit B for an evening celebrating Black writers whose work expands language, memory and imagination. In honor of Black History Month, this special reading features four dynamic voices; I.S. Jones, Grayson Thompson, Hollis Tourssanint Druhet and James Stewart III. They will be sharing poetry and prose that holds Black…read more…
Illinois Soul 2nd Anniversary featuring MAYSA
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 7:30 pm
Tryon Festival Theatre 101.1 FM Illinois Soul celebrates two years amplifying Black voices and culture here in East-Central Illinois! What better way to throw an anniversary party than with food, friends, and great music provided by smooth jazz sensation MAYSA! A GRAMMY Award nominee and recipient of the Soul Train's…read more…
Sunday, February 8, 2026
UFLive! presents Afro D & the Global Soundwaves
The Urbana Free Library Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Celebrate Black History Month with live music for all ages! All are invited to a special Black History Month performance featuring Afro D & Global Soundwaves, a socially-conscious hip hop/jazz/funk/soul band based in Champaign-Urbana, led by rapper, trumpeter and educator Pete 'Afro D' Shungu. The band blends horns, rhythm section and…read more…
Monday, February 9, 2026
Centennial High School Presents: NAAPID @ Night
Centennial High School Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Family dinner catered by Chef Bari Dynamic Speakers Connection & Collaboration
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions | Registration Required
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:00 pm
Kahlil Joseph: director, writer, producer BLKNWS is an Afro-futurist film that braids fictional and historical characters in a stunning cinematic experience spanning 247 years across land and sea. Directed by Kahlil Joseph, who is most known for making the companion film to Beyonce's album "Lemonade" and for his collaborations with…read more…
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Krannert Center Uncorked | Chris Greene Quartet
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:30 pm
The Chris Greene Quartet - led by the Evanston, IL saxophone colossus - played its first gig in 2005 and has since become one of the most highly visible, award-winning, and critically lauded bands in the Chicago area. While honoring jazz's tradition, the band incorporates elements of funk, hip-hop, rock,…read more…
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Food For The Soul: Stacey Robinson
Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Black History, and a charge to think about the Black History Month centennial through an AF speculative lens. How do we protect Black history's giants from future erasure and utilize these key figures to frame an indelible Afro future? Presentation included will be his recent projects: Speculative book covers published by Black historians…read more…
Saturday, February 21, 2026
The Other Side
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Choreographed by Hope Boykin Based On The Book By Jacqueline Woodson $10 Click here to purchase tickets. In this moving dance performance from acclaimed choreographer (and director) Hope Boykin, a young girl named Clover is told by her mom that it isn't safe to cross the fence that segregates their…read more…
Sunday, February 22, 2026
New Awakenings Concert
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 3:00 pm
Full Program Coming Soon! The third installment of the School of Music's New Awakenings concert series promises to be a special collaborative celebration of faith, the human spirit, and universal brotherhood. This concert will feature combined campus and community choral singers, the School of Music's Concert Jazz Band, representatives from…read more…
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
And ya' don't stop! Hip Hop Karaoke
Spurlock Museum of World Cultures Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
And ya' don't stop! Hip Hop Karaoke Central Core Gallery, Spurlock Museum 7pm-10pm Free, sign-up upon arrival From block parties to downtown clubs, the MC will have you rocking the mic and keeping the party going. Can you emulate your favorite rapper? Show us what you've got! Perform a rap…read more…
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Krannert Center Uncorked | Zo! & Tall Black Guy (feat. Debórah Bond)
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:30 pm
Enjoy a beverage from the Stage 5 Bar and meet the staff of Illinois Soul as you dig the Erech Bruce Band from 5:30-7pm. All Krannert Center Uncorked performances are free!
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Battle of the Books | Morning Playoffs at Champaign Public Library
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 21st 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…
Lecture: Sneakers as Street Currency
Spurlock Museum of World Cultures Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Lecture: Sneakers as Street Currency Central Core Gallery, Spurlock Museum 11am-3pm Free, no registration required Sneakers or 'kicks' have a high status within hip hop culture. From shell toe Adidas to Nike Air Force Ones, sneakers serve as street-credible currency. The right sneaker gains the wearer attention (views), recognition (social…read more…
Battle of the Books | Afternoon Playoffs at Champaign Public Library
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 21st 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 at Champaign Public Library
Champaign Public Library Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in the 20th annual Battle of the Books. 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…read more…
Mother Nature, Asha Omega, and Suzi Analogue
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Mother Nature, Asha Omega, and Suzi Analogue Performance and Panel Discussion Colwell Playhouse, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 5pm-8pm Free, tickets required The final event of the Convene begins with a panel discussion on Women in Hip Hop, featuring Klevah and Truth of Mother Nature, Asha Omega, and Suzi…read more…