MSI's Annual 2016 Black Creativity Programming Kicks Off with MLK Day

Larissa M. Tyler | As of Wednesday, January 6, 2016

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—Monday, January 18—join the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago to celebrate Black Creativity Family Day! These events are included in Museum Entry—which is also free to Illinois residents on this day.

If you’re looking for something educational and thought provoking to do with your children in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, consider visiting the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI).

The museum is kicking off its annual Black Creativity program with a Family Day on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—Monday, January 18, 2016. This annual program brings together students, families, teachers and the public to explore the rich contributions African Americans have made to scientific and creative fields. The program focuses on innovation and encourages deeper interest in science and technology among youth.

“The Black Creativity program has been a great opportunity for students, teachers, families and the public from all over the Chicagoland area to explore the legacy of rich contributions and achievements made by African Americans,” said Dr. Rabiah Mayas, Black Creativity’s director of science.

Dr. Rabiah Mayas, Director of Science, Black Creativity, Museum of Science and Industry.

Mayas also told the Chicago Citizen Newspaper that this year’s event will emphasize youth innovation.

“While encouraging deeper interest in science and technology among youths, this year’s programming focuses on innovation, inspiring children to develop their creativity and become the inventors of tomorrow. Our Family Day on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a great way to kick off this annual program for our guests,” Mayas explained.

The Family Day on January 18 includes:

Free Museum Entry for Illinois residents

Jr. Science Cafes, where students and families are able to chat with working science professionals and do hands-on activities to learn more about careers in STEM fields. These sessions will take place at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.

Facilitated workshops hourly from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Innovation Studio, an area in which youth are provided real tools, materials and equipment to create solutions to everyday challenges.

The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, which features more than 100 dynamic art works from both professional and amateur African-American artists from around the country.

According to the MSI website, Black Creativity reaches more than 25,000 students, their teachers and families in underserved Chicago neighborhoods each year with a wide range of targeted, culturally-relevant science education programming. And the popular program has four main goals:

· Provide exposure for African-American youth to careers, educational pathways and other opportunities in science, technology, engineering and medicine.

· Highlight and recognize the contributions and activities of African-American youth in science, technology, engineering and medicine.

· Increase access to MSI and its resources to African-American students and families.

· Showcase African Americans and their contributions, past and current, to the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine.

Additional Black Creativity program offerings in January and February (Black History Month) include:

Public sessions in the Innovation Studio every Monday and Saturday, January 29 through February 28. Facilitated workshops are offered hourly from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, January 18 through February 21. This longest running exhibition of African-American art has been displayed annually at MSI since 1970. The exhibition features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by African-Americans artists from around the country, as well as a youth category which features work by area high school artists.

WHEN: Family Day: Monday, January 18

Innovation Studio: Monday, January 18; every Monday and Saturday January 29 – February 28. Facilitated workshops held hourly from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Juried Art Exhibition: January 18 – February 21, open during regular Museum hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COST: These programs are all included in Museum Entry. Museum Entry is free for Illinois residents on weekdays through January 29.

WHERE: Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive

CONTACT: Renee Mailhiot, (773) 947-3133, renee.mailhiot@msichicago.org,

For additional information, visit msichicago.org.