Black Historical past Month is a chance to mirror on the previous, have fun the current, and encourage the long run. In Chicago, the general public library serves as a hub for studying and neighborhood engagement, providing applications that spotlight the wealthy contributions of African Individuals.
This yr, the Chicago Public Library’s occasions concentrate on the theme “African Individuals and Labor,” emphasizing the position Black employees, entrepreneurs, and activists have performed in shaping historical past. Whether or not you’re desirous about literature, movie, or hands-on creativity, the library gives some ways to become involved.
Listed here are 5 methods to have fun Black Historical past Month with the Chicago Public Library in 2025.
1. Attend a ebook dialogue on Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells was a journalist, activist, and chief within the struggle for civil rights. The Chicago Public Library is honoring her legacy with a Chicago Historical past Ebook Membership dialogue on her biography, Ida: A Sword Amongst Lions.
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 11, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hosted by the Logan Sq. Department, happening at Straightforward Does It
What to Count on: A dialog about Wells’ groundbreaking work in journalism and social justice, with insights into her lasting impression.
For many who need to be taught extra about Wells, this dialogue gives a deep dive into the challenges she confronted and the change she fought for.
2. Discover the financial legacy of Black Individuals
The financial contributions of African Individuals are sometimes neglected. The Chicago Public Library is providing an internet occasion targeted on homeownership, property taxes, and monetary literacy.
Occasion: What Each Home-owner Ought to Know: Taxes
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 19, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: On-line
What to Count on: Consultants will information owners by way of key monetary matters, serving to to construct financial empowerment in Black communities.
This program aligns with this yr’s Black Historical past Month theme by discussing the financial obstacles and alternatives which have formed Black homeownership.
3. Be a part of a ebook dialogue on Black illustration in media
Illustration in media has lengthy been an important challenge within the Black neighborhood. The Chicago Public Library is internet hosting a dialogue on Coloured Tv, a ebook that explores the evolution of Black photos on display.
Date & Time: Saturday, February 22, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Pullman Department
What to Count on: A dialogue about how Black tales are instructed on tv and the way these narratives form public notion.
For these desirous about media research and cultural illustration, this dialogue gives a thought-provoking take a look at how Black id is portrayed on display.
4. Study in regards to the historical past of Black quilting traditions
African American quilting has lengthy been a type of storytelling and cultural preservation. The Chicago Public Library is internet hosting a rail fence quilt workshop to introduce novices to this historic craft.
Occasion: Threads of Legacy: A Rail Fence Quilt Workshop for Inexperienced persons
Date & Time: Thursday, February 20, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Woodson Regional Library
What to Count on: Contributors will be taught the fundamentals of making a rail fence quilt block, a conventional sample with historic significance.
This hands-on workshop highlights the significance of Black inventive traditions and the way they’ve been used for communication, resistance, and cultural expression.
5. Watch a movie about Ida B. Wells
For many who desire a visible expertise, the Chicago Public Library is screening Ida B. Wells, a documentary that explores her activism and contributions to journalism.
Occasion: Chicago Tales Movie Screening: ‘Ida B. Wells’
Date & Time: Monday, February 24, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Archer Heights Department
What to Count on: A compelling take a look at Wells’ struggle for justice, from her anti-lynching marketing campaign to her position within the suffrage motion.
This movie gives an accessible solution to study an necessary historic determine and her impression on Chicago and past.
Honoring Black historical past past February
Black Historical past Month is greater than only a sequence of occasions—it’s a reminder to constantly discover, be taught, and help Black tradition. The Chicago Public Library gives year-round assets, together with an in depth African American historical past assortment and studying lists that spotlight Black voices.
For a full record of Black Historical past Month occasions and extra data, go to the Chicago Public Library’s official web page.
This February, take the time to have interaction with historical past, have fun achievements, and be a part of the dialog.
