Back in 1926, the concept of Black History Month was established by Carter G. Woodson (also known as “Father of Black History) in our beloved Chicago. As we ring in Black History Month, it’s important to acknowledge and help work to overcome the issues and inequalities still plaguing the Black community today. We’ve listed 6 extraordinary exhibits that honor and celebrate Black history, then and now.
1. Attend an immersive virtual exhibit at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Taking visitors back to 1963’s March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, The March offers exhibit viewers a chance to immerse themselves in the historic event.
The DuSable Black History Museum featured additional exhibitions as well– like a retrospect on cases that have been reexamined under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Act, aptly titled Freedom: Origin and Journey and Un(Re) Solved. Address: 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
2. Learn all about historic Black Writers at the American Writers Museum
Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice gives viewers a deeper look into the significant contributions of Black writers. The exhibit at the American Writers Museum delves into racial injustice as seen through the writings of Black authors. With testimony from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement, this compelling exhibit is a chance to learn more about Black history through previously under-spotlighted authors. Address: 180 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
3. See video artworks that explore the Black experiences on screen at the Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art has put together a visually compelling exhibit titled Martine Syms: She Mad Season One which goes until February 12th. Presenting five video artworks, this particular exhibit seeks to examine the way Black experiences in TV, film and online have historically been presented. According to MCA’s official site, Martine Syms’s work “reflects on contemporary visual culture with humor and biting social commentary” and exhibits an” ongoing conceptual project that takes the form of a semi-autobiographical sitcom about a young woman trying to make it as an artist in Los Angeles.” In displaying sources inspired by movies, shows internet memes, and old-time ads, exhibitgoers can now experience this particular showcase for the first time in its entirety. Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
4. Attend an exhibit that honors Dr. King at The Chicago History Museum
The visual exhibit, Remembering Dr. King, showcases Dr. King’s lasting legacy in Chicago and his time spent here in the 1960s. The gallery features over 25 photographs that depict key moments in Dr. King’s work with the Civil Rights Movement. Address: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
5. See one of the longers running exhibits at the Museum of Science & Industry
The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition stands as one of the longest-running exhibits featuring African American artists. Showcasing dynamic works from professional and amateur artists, this exhibit has been around since the 1970s, showcasing a range of incredible paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, and more, the exhibit is now open until April of this year. Address: 5700 S Dusable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
6. Explore the history of the Great Migration at The Southside Community Arts Center
The Promised Land showcases a series of works that seek to explore the Great Migration. In examining how migrations of the African Diaspora, as seen through 11 different Black artists, this exhibit works to understand the ways in which the African Diaspora has been continually influenced by the historic movement of its time. Address: 3831 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653