February is Black History Month! Experience the vibrant history of Black culture and accomplishments by participating in local events and programming happening throughout the month.

City of Evanston & Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

"Black History 24/7/365: That Art Thing We Do"

Saturday, February 17  |  7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  |  Noyes Cultural Arts Center

Join the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre for "Black History 24/7/265: That Art Thing We Do". Engage with Black Evanston artists in a conversation moderated by Laurice Bell and then stick around for an Afterglow Party with wine and hors d'oeuvres. Register now to attend this free event.

Black History Month Celebration at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

Saturday, February 24  |  6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  |  Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

February is Black History Month, when the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Celebrate and recognize the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are a part of our country's history. Join us on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., for a night of celebration at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center!

Evanston Public Library

Special Programs For Adults

• Jan. 27: A Decade to Remember, Behind the Scenes. Go behind the scenes of the exhibit at the Main Library with Shorefront Legacy Center Founder Dino Robinson to learn about the legacy of the Norshore Twelve and its annual cotillion. In person. Saturday, Jan. 27, 3-4:30 p.m. Main Library. Register.
• Feb. 2: Sip & Paint Black History Month Kickoff. We’ll bring the paint and supplies. You buy the beer. Ages 21+. In person. Friday, Feb. 2, 6-8 p.m. Temperance Beer Co. Register.
• Feb. 6 & 13: Black Abstract Art and Black Imaginations. Learn from Professor Emerita D. Soyini Madison of Northwestern's Department of Performance Studies in this two-session mini-course. Tuesdays, Feb. 6, and Feb. 13. 6-7:30 p.m., online and in-person at the Main Library. Register.
• Feb. 7: The AUX with Tiffini Holmes: A Lunch & Learn Event. Discover The AUX, an exciting new commercial hub in Evanston creating space and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 12-3 p.m. Main Library. Register.
• Feb. 14: Open Mic & Karaoke Night. Showcase your talents with open mic performances followed by karaoke. Ages. 21+.Wednesday, Feb. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. Double Clutch Brewing. Register.
• Feb. 16: Organ Donation and African Americans: Myths and Misconceptions. In partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State. Friday, Feb. 16, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Robert Crown Branch. Register.
• Feb. 21: Finding Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable: Chicago’s Black Father. Join Associate Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Pierre Joseph for a talk about the life and times of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable. Wednesday, February 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Main Library. Register.
• Feb. 24: Matinee Movie @ Main Celebrating Black History: Summer of Soul. (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised). Watch and discuss Questlove’s documentary celebrating the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Saturday, Feb. 24. 3-5:15 p.m. Main Library. More info.
• Feb. 27: Mental Health in Black Communities: A Panel Discussion. Experts will discuss the intersection of shared experience, inequities, and mental health access. Tuesday, Feb. 27: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Robert Crown Branch. Register.

Programs for Kids, Teens, and Families

• Feb. 11: Matinee Movie @ Main Celebrating Black History: The Little Mermaid. (2023). Join us at 1 p.m. for a craft in the Children’s Art Garden, followed by the screening at 2 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 11, 1-4:30 p.m.Main Library. More info.
• Feb. 20: Teen Snack & Paint. Embrace your inner royal as we make crowns and learn about crowns from different nations in Africa. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 4-6 p.m.Robert Crown Branch. Register.
• Feb 23: Black Family Game Night. Join us for an evening of great food, fun, trivia, and games in celebration of Black History Month! Friday, Feb. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Robert Crown Branch. Register.

'Black Panther' costume designer Ruth E. Carter talks about Tradition and Imaginatio

Wednesday, March 20  |  7 p.m. to 8 p.m.  |  Virtual

The Evanston Public Library does not limit its work uplifting Black creators to just the month of February. Join EPL, Illinois Libraries Present, and two-time Academy Award winner Ruth E. Carter for her talk, Interweaving Tradition & Imagination Through Costume Design. Carter is the first Black person to win the Academy Awards Costume Design category for her work on Black Panther. Sign up to participate.

Evanston History Center

Black Health Professionals in Evanston (1890-1930)

Join the Evanston History Center to kick off Black History Month with a presentation by historian Rhonda K. Craven who will highlight both the well-known and lesser-known Black health professionals who lived and worked in Evanston from the late 19th century to 1930. Craven will explore this history while also providing a snapshot of healthcare challenges faced by Black Evanstonians that eventually led to the establishment of local institutions. RSVP to reserve your spot.

Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois

Thursday, Feb. 8  |  1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  |  Evanston History Center

Join Larry A. McClellan, author of Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois, for a presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. at Evanston History Center. RSVP here.