READ: A History of Black History Month CLICK HERE TO VIEW Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter…
PARTICIPATE: Black History Month STEAM Kits (K-6) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Dive deeper into the contributions of notable Black inventors, mathematicians and scientists with hands-on learning kits. Pick them up at the Dundee Library Youth Services Desk and at the Randall Oaks Library. Grades K-6.
WATCH: Best Black History Month Song! | Celebrate Black People Who Change the World | Miss Jessica's World (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Grammy Nominated Song: A celebration of black excellence in American history both past and present.
READ: Evanston is the first U.S. city to issue slavery reparations. Experts say it's a noble start. CLICK HERE TO VIEW Read this article from NBC News discussing how critics said a plan by Evanston, Illinois, to give housing grants to Black residents isn't enough. But experts say this could be just the beginning.
WATCH: Virtual Field Trip | Black History Month CLICK HERE TO VIEW In this Virtual Field Trip, we celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of Black Explorers from the past and present. We explore the North Pole with Matthew Henson, examine the importance of Green Book sites with Candacy Taylor, launch to the moon…
EXPERIENCE: Christian McBride’s The Movement Revisited CLICK HERE TO VIEW A musical portrait of civil rights icons. Eight-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, bandleader and host of NPR’s Jazz Night in America, Christian McBride brings his monumental musical tribute inspired by the words of Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali and President Barack…
PARTICIPATE: The African American Museum at the England Manor Tour Note: Confirmation Required CLICK HERE TO VIEW The African American Museum at the England Manor is a historic home museum that focuses on the African American experience. Sylvia England, the founder of the museum, tells her and her ancestors’ story from their time in Africa…
LISTEN: Both Party And Protest, 'Alright' Is The Sound Of Black Life's Duality CLICK HERE TO VIEW This story is part of American Anthem, a yearlong series on songs that rouse, unite, celebrate and call to action. This song is Kendrick Lamar's "Alright"
WATCH: What is Jazz Music? (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW A short definition of Jazz Music for kids, also sharing the African American pioneers of Jazz for Black History Month. Narrated by Phylicia Hollis Butler. This video was made for K-12 Music Classroom use.
WATCH: WATCH: So What by Miles Davis (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW "So What" is the first track on the 1959 album Kind of Blue by American trumpeter Miles Davis. It is one of the best-known examples of modal jazz
WATCH: Jazz Documentary by Ken Burns CLICK HERE TO VIEW Filmmaker Ken Burns tells the story of jazz — the quintessential American art form. The 10-part series follows the growth and development of jazz music from the gritty streets of New Orleans to the Lincoln Gardens on Chicago's south side, where Louis Armstrong first won…
EXPERIENCE: Black History Month: Garfield Park Conservatory CLICK HERE TO VIEW Join us in Horticulture Hall for an afternoon of family fun and community building with Moya Cultural Arts! Moya educates and entertains through electrifying traditional West African drum, dance, song, storytelling and astounding audience participation! During this high energy workshop, learn and see some…
EXPERIENCE: African Diaspora Art CLICK HERE TO VIEW Explore thousands of artworks in the museum’s wide-ranging collection—from our world-renowned icons to lesser-known gems from every corner of the globe—as well as our books, writings, reference materials, and other resources. This particular page explores African Diaspora Art.
READ: Children's Books to Celebrate Black Culture CLICK HERE TO VIEW Understanding and celebrating diverse cultures begins the moment children begin exploring and reading books. Here are nine books that celebrate and offer windows into the world of Black lives and culture.
EXPERIENCE: Malcolm X: Black Film Makers Festival CLICK HERE TO VIEW This event will feature a panel discussion exploring topics within film making in the context of the Black experience. The event includes a showcase featuring select works by local Black filmmakers. Location: Malcolm X College – Student Union
WATCH: Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning Kids & Teens Video Series CLICK HERE TO VIEW Each Monday in February, tune in to a series of videos that highlight local Black storytelling, music, cuisine, and more! Videos will be available for all on our Kids & Teens YouTube playlist.
WATCH: Ruby Bridges from Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures…
LISTEN: Dream Big, Little One - Read Aloud (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big,…
WATCH: Freedom Summer CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PBS American Experience Film discussing the 1964 plan hatched by Bob Moses, a local secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. For ten weeks, white students from the North would join activists on the ground for a massive effort that would do what had been impossible so…
READ: Langston Hughes Poetry (6-8) CLICK HERE TO VIEW "Mother to Son" is a 1922 poem written by Langston Hughes. The poem follows a mother speaking to her son about…
PARTICIPATE: Dove of Peace (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Doves are a universal symbol of peace and make for a great reminder of peace and unity during Black History Month.…
LISTEN: Sounds to Grow On- The Harlem Renaissance CLICK HERE TO VIEW Listen to the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Podcast exploring the African-American poetry scene, starting with the Harlem Renaissance that began in the 1920s. The Harlem Renaissance is a rather loose term that identifies a flourishing of poetry and prose to emerge from Harlem. The…
Read: The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States.…
PARTICIPATE: Black History Month Trivia By DeKalb Public Library (6-12) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Learn about Black history and celebrate Black excellence with this fast-paced mobile trivia game. All participants…
PARTICIPATE: League of Chicago Theatres Black History Month Panel CLICK HERE TO VIEW Join The League of Chicago Theatres at The Understudy on Thursday, February 8th from 7-9:30pm as our…
RAD COMMUNITY EVENT: Celebrating Black Americans and the Arts @ HHS 5:00-7:00 pm CLICK HERE TO VIEW Each month, Huntley High School recognizes and celebrates a different culture or identity…
EXPERIENCE: Black Voices at the Met CLICK HERE TO VIEW This exhibition, which celebrates the extensive contributions made by African American artists at the Met and chronicles the decades-long struggle…
READ: The Chicago Defender CLICK HERE TO VIEW The Chicago Defender is a multi-media content provider of news, information, and events that cover the interests of the urban African American…
EXPERIENCE: The DuSable Museum CLICK HERE TO VIEW The DuSable Museum of African American History is proud of its diverse holdings that number more than 15,000 pieces and include paintings,…
READ: Books By BlackVoices CLICK HERE TO VIEW Check out this list of 130+ K-12 books by Black authors and illustrators! Click the link to see the interactive booklist and…
LISTEN: Live Stream with Jon Batiste CLICK HERE TO VIEW Joining us from The Late Show studio, Batiste spontaneously starts playing piano during a conversation about his role on the…
LISTEN: Black History Month featured Poets CLICK HERE TO VIEW To celebrate Black History Month in February—and the rich tradition of American poetry all year long—browse essays on literary milestones…
WATCH: The Life of Rosa Parks (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW She's an inspiration to all of us with her courage and dignity and determination. Find out in 5 minutes…
READ: 11 inspiring Black American heroes you might not know about, but should CLICK HERE TO VIEW Black history lessons in the month of February likely include the teachings of…
WATCH: Grace Byers Reads "I Am Enough" - Netflix Jr CLICK HERE TO VIEW Simple words send a powerful message: When you love yourself — and those around you —…
PARTICIPATE: Duke’s Blues-N-BBQ CLICK HERE TO VIEW Duke's Blues-n-BBQ is southern barbecue at its finest, right at home in the Midwest. We promise you'll leave with a full belly and…
READ: 10 Black-owned businesses that are shaping Chicago right now CLICK HERE TO VIEW 10 Black-owned businesses that are shaping Chicago right now—from a bookshop and marketplace of shipping containers…
READ: Jennifer King Makes History as First Black Woman NFL Position Coach CLICK HERE TO VIEW Read about how Jennifer King made history as the first Black woman to become…
LISTEN: A Rap on Trial CLICK HERE TO VIEW A podcast that offers a look at how stereotypes and rap lyrics and culture can be viewed with negative bias and…
READ: Maya Angelou CLICK HERE TO VIEW When Maya Angelou published 1969’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the bestselling autobiography that would be adapted into a television movie…
WATCH: Amanda Gorman’s Inaugural Poem, "The Hill We Climb" CLICK HERE TO VIEW Watch Amanda Gorman, 22-year-old poet laureate, read her original work at President Joe Biden’s inauguration on January…
PARTICIPATE: Love All, Accept All (K-2 Craft) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Celebrate diversity with this inclusive banner!
READ: Visit Amanda Gorman’s website CLICK HERE TO VIEW Read and learn about Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, as well as an award-winning writer and cum…
EXPERIENCE: Uncovering Art- Gordon Parks Photography CLICK HERE TO VIEW The National Gallery of Art presents Uncovering America. Experience the photography of Gordan Parks and learn the background behind each…
LISTEN: Oral History Interview with Gordon Parks CLICK HERE TO VIEW An interview of Gordon Parks conducted 1964 Dec. 30, by Richard Doud, for the Archives of American Art, in…
LISTEN: 12 Podcasts About The African American Experience For Black History Month And Beyond CLICK HERE TO VIEW Media, including a good podcast, can be a catalyst to release the…
LISTEN: Hair Like Mine by: Latashia Perry - Read Aloud (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Hair Like Mine by Latashia Perry. Black history month stories for kids such as this…
PARTICIPATE: Visit Semicolon Bookstore CLICK HERE TO VIEW Semicolon is a black women-owned bookstore and gallery space. They are committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit…
LISTEN: Stokely Carmichael, A Philosopher Behind The Black Power Movement CLICK HERE TO VIEW Brief biography on Stokely Carmichael, a philosopher behind the black power movement.
READ: Voices of Democracy- Stokely Carmichael, “Black Power” CLICK HERE TO VIEW Read Stokely Carmichael’s speech, “Black Power” as part of the Voices of Democracy: The U.S. Oratory Project.
PARTICIPATE: Black History Month Family Free Days - American Writers Museum CLICK HERE TO VIEW Celebrate Black History Month with a literary twist at the American Writers Museum’s Family Free…
WATCH: Freedom Riders CLICK HERE TO VIEW Freedom Riders is the powerful harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of six months in 1961 that changed America forever. From May until November…
READ: Young, Gifted and Black (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Author and activist, Jamia Wilson, reads aloud from her children's book 'Young, Gifted and Black' and answers culturally relevant and…
PARTICIPATE: Black History Month Swag Bags for Kids CLICK HERE TO VIEW Celebrate Black History Month at PFPL with special Swag Bags for Kids! These bags will be available on…
WATCH: Brown v. Board of Education CLICK HERE TO VIEW Brown v Board of Education was a case brought to the Supreme Court in 1954 after Linda Brown, an African…
READ: We Are Here (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW An empowering follow-up to New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter that celebrates the rich history of Black…
LISTEN: The Night That Lasted A Lifetime CLICK HERE TO VIEW The podcast takes a long path to finally bring in race and the impact of racial prejudice in our…
EXPERIENCE: Virtual tour of the Jim Crow Museum CLICK HERE TO VIEW This is a virtual tour platform of Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum in Big Rapids, MI. Visitors…
WATCH: Bisa Butler: Quilting for Culture CLICK HERE TO VIEW This video takes us inside Bisa Butler's studio as she talks about her family and upbringing, her education at Howard…
LISTEN: The Patchwork Path, by Bettye Stroud (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Now that Hannah’s papa has decided to make the run for freedom, her patchwork quilt is not just…
READ: Bisa Butler at the Art Institute of Chicago CLICK HERE TO VIEW Learn more about how Bisa Butler’s portrait quilts vividly capture personal and historical narratives of Black life.
WATCH: NIU Hateful Things Exhibit CLICK HERE TO VIEW This video is a virtual tour of the "Hateful Things" exhibit at Northern Illinois University’s Pick Museum of Anthropology. Follow along as Dr. Joseph Flynn with assistance from Rachelle Wilson (Curator), Gaylen Rivers (Graduate Assistant), and Logan Andrews (Intern), take viewers through the 6 themes that…
WATCH: What to Binge on Netflix During Black History Month CLICK HERE TO VIEW Netflix's "Black Lives Matter" genre collection features over 50 titles about racial injustice and the experience…
LISTEN: Stella by Starlight Read-Aloud with Author Sharon Draper (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW When the Ku Klux Klan makes an unwelcome reappearance in Stella's segregated southern town, bravery battles prejudice in this Depression-era tour de force from Sharon Draper, the New York Times best-selling author of Out of My Mind.
LISTEN: This Is How I Feel: A Playlist By Young Black Listeners CLICK HERE TO VIEW Popular music is a powerful vehicle for personal expression and change, too. Music has always been a vital part of protest and social justice. We reached out to our community of young Black listeners because they understand the importance…
READ: “We Insist: A Century Of Black Music Against State Violence” CLICK HERE TO VIEW The 50 songs discussed in this list often describe specific acts of police violence but they are not limited to that subject. Together they construct a kind of timeline of an ongoing movement within American music, stretching back more than…
LISTEN: Black is A Rainbow Color by Angela Joy - Read Aloud (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW From the wheels of a bicycle to the robe on Thurgood Marshall's back, Black surrounds our lives. It is a color to simply describe some of our favorite things, but it also evokes a deeper sentiment about the…
LISTEN: The Sum of Our Parts CLICK HERE TO VIEW People of color have a diverse set of interests, experiences, backgrounds, and cultures. And the way we experience race and racism can be really different. So why do we continue to use big umbrella terms like "POC"? And what do we risk if we lose…
PARTICIPATE: Virtuous Con CLICK HERE TO VIEW Virtuous Con is an online science-fiction and comic culture convention celebrating independent Black artists and creators worldwide. Virtuous Con offers fans and creators a "live" authentic interactive experience where attendees can see, interact with, and buy directly from artists in real time - making our convention unlike any…
EXPERIENCE: The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition CLICK HERE TO VIEW This longest-running exhibition of African American art has been displayed annually at MSI since 1970. Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by African Americans, including youth artists between…
READ: Civil Rights Movement Timeline CLICK HERE TO VIEW The civil rights movement was an organized effort by Black Americans to end racial discrimination and gain equal rights under the law. It began in the late 1940s and ended in the late 1960s. Although tumultuous at times, the movement was mostly nonviolent and resulted in…
LISTEN: Becoming 'Black Moses' CLICK HERE TO VIEW Marcus Garvey was an immigrant, a firebrand, a businessman. He was viewed with deep suspicion by the civil rights establishment. He would also become one of the most famous and powerful Black visionaries of the 20th century. Our play-cousins at NPR's Throughline podcast went deep on how…
LISTEN: The Year We Learned to Fly - Kids Books Read Aloud (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW The Year We Learned to Fly is a children's picture book written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López. Told in verse, the story is about two Black siblings, who use their imagination to escape their boredom.
PARTICIPATE: Jean-Michel Basquiat Inspired Self-Portraits (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Let the inspiration of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s graffiti street art inspire you to paint a self portrait in the same style. Use bright colors, dimension, words, and shapes to express your feelings right on the canvas, just like Basquiat!
WATCH: Esperanza Spalding - Jazz house kids (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW Best New Artist Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding was the featured guest for Jazz House Kids 2010 Inside the Jazz Note hosted by Christian McBride. Conversation, Q&A, Duets and the Camden Creative Arts High School Big Band featuring Esperanza Spalding and Christian McBride.
READ: READ: BlackPast CLICK HERE TO VIEW BlackPast.org, an online reference center makes available a wealth of materials on African American history in one central location on the Internet. These materials include an online encyclopedia of over 4,000 entries, the complete transcript of more than 300 speeches by African Americans, other people of African ancestry,…
LISTEN: It Don’t Mean a Thing - Duke Ellington (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" is a 1931 composition by…
LISTEN: The 2010s: A Jazz Revival In Black Music CLICK HERE TO VIEW On this episode of All Songs Considered, host Robin Hilton is joined by Nate Chinen, from WBGO and Jazz Night in America, and Rodney Carmichael, from NPR Music, to discuss the influence of Glasper's approach — not only in jazz circles but…
WATCH: Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse CLICK HERE TO VIEW Teen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe, and must join with five spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to stop…
READ: 'Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse' Lovingly Introduces Miles Morales, A Black Kid From Brooklyn CLICK HERE TO VIEW Read to learn more about Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Sony’s latest iteration…
READ: The History of Women’s History Month CLICK HERE TO VIEW The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National…
WATCH: Women’s History Month, All About the Holidays (K-2) (3-5) CLICK HERE TO VIEW In the United States, March is Women's History Month. Many people use the month to honor…
EXPERIENCE: Democracy Limited: Chicago Women & The Vote CLICK HERE TO VIEW Discover the ways women organized to challenge the status quo and how these different paths led to a…
PARTICIPATE: 12 Female-Empowering Instagram Accounts To Follow For Daily Inspiration CLICK HERE TO VIEW Social media can breed all sorts of negativity, but it has also given us a platform…
WATCH: KIDZ BOP Celebrates Women's History Month! (K-2) CLICK HERE TO VIEW KIDZ BOP is celebrating Women's Month by celebrating all the amazing women that inspire us to be the…
READ: "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle CLICK HERE TO VIEW More than just a memoir, this book takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery. It seeks to liberate women from…