Black History
RECLAIMING THE NARRATIVE: DR. GAIL C. CHRISTOPHER’S POWERFUL CALL TO RECOGNIZE BLACK HISTORY AS THE HEART OF AMERICA’S STORY
As the nation commemorates the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, Dr. Gail C. Christopher, a renowned thought leader and advocate for racial equity, has penned a compelling article in Washington Monthly titled "Reclaiming the Narrative: Black History as the Heart of America’s Story." Her thought-provoking article challenges Americans to embrace a fuller, more inclusive understanding of Black history—not as a separate chapter, but as the very foundation of America’s economy, identity, and promise.
Chicago Sinfonietta celebrates the 25th anniversary of African Heritage Symphonic Series, Vol. 1 on Cedille Records
This season, Chicago Sinfonietta celebrates the 25th anniversary of its first orchestral album with Cedille Records, African Heritage Symphonic Series (AHSS) – Volume I, released in 2000. The renowned, acclaimed CD set the orchestra’s focus in recorded sound.
NCBCP President & CEO Melanie L. Campbell Statement on the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
On August 6, 2025 we paused to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), the landmark law that granted and protected long-denied voting rights for Black Americans. Unfortunately, since 2010 over 25 states have enacted restrictive voter suppression laws to create barriers to minority, low-income and young voters. Also, the 2013 U. S. Supreme Court voting rights decision, Shelby v. Holder, further weakened the enforcement powers of the VRA that has left voters vulnerable to more barriers.
JUSTICE FOR THE HONORABLE MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY IS ACCEPTABLE
The Honorable Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (Born November 20, 1942) the forty-six President of the United States of America, on January 19, 2025 Posthumously Pardons the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey (Born August 17, 1887, Died June 10, 1940).
ARENA STAGE HONORS U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON WITH THE AMERICAN VOICE AWARD
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater presented the American Voice Award to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on Thursday, Feb. 22, as part of the Opening Night celebration for the world premiere of Kia Corthron's Tempestuous Elements.
W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation Awarded $5m Grant by Mellon Foundation
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation (WEBDBMF) received a $5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation (Mellon) of New York to support the restoration of the final home and resting place of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois in Accra, Ghana and the preservation of his library. The grant provides leadership funds for four years in Phase 1 of the Du Bois Museum's plans to restore the historic site and develop an expanded museum and academic research center to celebrate his life and legacy. The award is consistent with Mellon's Humanities in Place's goal of supporting, "a fuller, more complex telling of American histories and lived experiences."
Dexter King Died Believing that the Truth of His Father's Killing Will Someday Rise by Dr. Barbara Reynolds
Not another King dying far too soon. This was the immediate reaction of many at the news that Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King had died from prostate cancer at age 62. In 2007 his sister Yolanda died at age 52.
Elementary School Recreates Black Wall Street
The Students and staff at Fernwood Elementary School transformed their second floor into the historical Greenwood District in Tulsa, OK. Black Wall Street was known as one of the wealthiest Black communities in the U.S. at the time.
City Colleges of Chicago Proudly Announces the Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship and Fellowship Program in Honor of the Legendary City Colleges Educator, Civil Rights Activist, Historian and Author
The Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship and Fellowship (TBSF) program is inspired by the late City Colleges professor Timuel D. Black Jr’s remarkable career, his lifelong commitment to equity and justice in Chicago, and his belief in the power of community history and activism.
Postal Service Salutes Author Ernest J. Gaines
The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated the life of author Ernest J. Gaines, best known for the novels "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" and "A Lesson Before Dying," as the 46th honoree in the Black Heritage Stamp series in a first-day-of-issue ceremony at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
After Veteran's Administration Rejected Payment for His Cancer Treatment, Black Veteran Credits HBCU for Saving His Life
The benefits of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are well known by those who enroll in them, support them or otherwise associate with them.
2 Chainz to Headline 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands Halftime Show
Multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning hip hop artist 2 Chainz will perform at the 2023 Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), Feb. 18 at Alabama State University (ASU), the first time the nation's premier showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands and dance teams has been held on an HBCU campus. As one of ASU's most famous alumni, 2 Chainz will take the stage during the halftime show, celebrating Black culture and musical excellence.
Civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill will headline MLK Commemoration
Scholar, author and civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill will headline Northwestern University’s 2023 MLK Dream Week with a keynote conversation at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive. The keynote event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
EVANSTON CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS JOIN TOGETHER JAN. 15 TO HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY
The Music Institute of Chicago and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre present a free musical celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., welcoming fellow Evanston arts organizations and community members and featuring remarks by Mayor Daniel Biss. The event takes place on Sunday, January 15 at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. The performance also will be available via livestream.
