Explore Some of the Best Ways to Commemorate Black History Month’s 100th Year Out West 

This year marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. The milestone has its roots in the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization formed at the Wabash YMCA in Chicago on Sept. 9, 1915, by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William B. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps. 

The ASNLH was later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and still exists, making it the oldest and largest historical society designed to research, preserve, and promote Black culture. 

Perhaps the single best way you can mark this 100th national Black history commemoration is by joining the ASALH, which gives you access to a rich trove of information on Black life. The membership fee is $95 a year ($55 for seniors and students). 

Another great way to celebrate is by joining Knarrative, home to the “largest African studies classroom in the world.” 

Meanwhile, on the West Side and in the west suburbs, there are plenty of events commemorating Black History Month. We’ve provided some of them below. If you know about others and want to add them to the list, email the event details to stories@ourculture.us.  

---

West Suburban Happenings

Crowns of Excellence: Black Hair Photo Exhibit

Opens Monday, Feb. 2  | Triton College Library (Upper Level, A-321), River Grove

Triton College presents Crowns of Excellence, a Black History Month photo exhibit celebrating the artistry, cultural pride, and traditions of Black hairstyles. Featuring photographs of Triton students, alumni, staff, and faculty, the exhibit highlights beauty, identity, and self-expression. Free and open to the community during library hours. Click here for more info. 

Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony

Monday, Feb. 2 | 12 p.m. | Maywood Masonic Temple, 200 S. 5th Ave., Maywood

The Village of Maywood kicks off Black History Month with a Pan-African flag-raising ceremony honoring the shared history, resilience, and contributions of people of African descent. The event commemorates the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. Open to the public. Click here for more info. 

Rapbrarian: Reading Came First Documentary Screening

Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Village Hall Council Chambers (Room 201), 123 Madison St., Oak Park

A special screening of Rapbrarian: Reading Came First, documenting Roy Kinsey’s journey as a rapper and librarian and the creation of Rapbrary as an act of cultural preservation. Free to attend. Click here for more info. 

Black History Expo

Friday–Saturday, Feb. 20–21 | Maywood Masonic Temple, 200 S. 5th Ave., Maywood

A two-day Black History Month expo highlighting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, youth oratorical and business pitch competitions, and workshops focused on building Black generational wealth. Open to the public. Click here for more info. 

Black History Month Celebration

Saturday, Feb. 28 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park

The Village of Oak Park will host its annual Black History Month Celebration honoring A Century of Black History. The family-friendly program features music, dance, storytelling, and historical reflection, with a keynote by author and speaker Maggie Anderson. Free to attend; registration required. Click here for more info. 

A Century of Black History Month Celebrations 

Saturday, Feb. 28 | 1–5 p.m. | Roosevelt Middle School, 2500 Oak St., Bellwood

The Village of Bellwood and Mayor André F. Harvey invite the community to a Black History Month Celebration marking 100 years since the first Black History Week (which would later become Black History Month). The event features shopping, networking, entertainment, and food, with local small businesses and youth entrepreneurs. Free and open to the public. Click here for more info. 

Black Business Expo 2026

Saturday, Feb. 21 | 1–6 p.m. | Broadview Park District, 2600 S. 13th Ave., Broadview

The Broadview Park District invites vendors and community members to the Black Business Expo 2026, a showcase for Black-owned businesses to connect with customers, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and grow their brand. Vendor space is limited. Registration is required for vendors. Visit broadviewparkdistrict.net for more info. Click here for more info.

Stunna Steppaz Black History Month Dance Showcase

Saturday, Feb. 28 | Beverly Center, 3031 S. 25th Ave., Broadview

Stunna Steppaz will host a Black History Month dance showcase featuring step teams, dance crews, cheer teams, and more. Teams, performers, and vendors are invited to participate. Registration required. Click here for more info. 

Black Excellence Recognition Ceremony

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. | Village Hall Board Room, 10300 W. Roosevelt Rd., Westchester

The Village of Westchester will host a Black History Month recognition ceremony honoring outstanding Black residents, business owners, and community leaders. A brief program will be followed by a casual dinner. Free community event; registration required. Visit westchester-il.org for more info. Click here for more info. 

A Taste of Black History | Sip & Paint 

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 | Saturday, Feb. 28 | Maywood Park District, 921 S. 9th Ave., Maywood 

The Maywood Park District will host a Black History Month celebration highlighting the flavors, music, and cultural heritage of the African diaspora, featuring food vendors, music, and community activities. The Sip & Paint event the following week will include art, music, and culture led by a local Black artist. Click here for more info. 

Forest Park Celebrates Black History Month 

Feb. 1-28 | Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park 

The Forest Park Library has planned a range of events and programs to commemorate Black History Month—from a Beloved Community Quilt on display all month long to a children’s book fair to an art gallery. Visit fppl.org for more info. Click here for more info. 

Connecting You to Black History, Then and Now 

Feb. 1-28 | Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park 

The Oak Park Public Library has book and film recommendations, an art exhibit, an Idea Box installation, and a series of events designed to commemorate Black History Month. Click here for more info. 

---

West Side Happenings

Malcolm X: Vibe Out — Black History Month Kickoff

Monday, Feb. 2 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Malcolm X College, Grand Stairs, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Near West Side 

Kick off Black History Month with a high-energy celebration featuring live music, food, giveaways, and space to connect and celebrate community. Free and open to the public. Click here for more info. 

Westside Assembly: Black Futures Month

Saturday, Feb. 7 | 10 a.m. | Garfield Park Golden Dome Field House, 100 N. Central Ave., East Garfield Park

Westside Assembly kicks off Black Futures Month with a community gathering focused on imagination, culture, and collective possibility on the West Side. Registration and event details are available online at Eventbrite. Click here for more info.

Black History Month Museum: Black Art Collectors—Preserving Our Legacy

Feb. 1–28 | Aspire Center, 5500 W. Madison St., Austin 

A month-long Black History Month exhibition highlighting the role of Black art collectors in preserving cultural legacy. Registration and details available online at Eventbrite. An opening reception will happen on Sunday, Feb. 1, at noon. Click here for more info. 

Black History Month at Garfield Park Conservatory

Feb. 1–28 | Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Ave., West Garfield Park 

The Garfield Park Conservatory hosts a monthlong series of Black History Month programs connecting plants, culture, and Black botanical knowledge. Events include art activities, plant sales, education stations, wellness walks, weaving and cooking demos, and live music. Select events require registration; many are drop-in. Click here for more info. 

For the Love of Black History in Business

Saturday, Feb. 21 | 1:30–4:30 p.m. | Douglass Branch Library, 3353 W. 13th St., North Lawndale 

A Black History Month brunch and business social celebrating Black legacy, ownership, and economic power. The event includes brunch, a short film on Black business history, and intentional networking rooted in community. Hosted by the Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce. Click here for more info. 

Explore North Lawndale: A Historic Bus Tour

Sunday, Feb. 22  | Departs from DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago

Celebrate Black History Month with a guided bus tour of North Lawndale led by Chicago historian Dilla. The two-hour tour explores the neighborhood’s history, culture, and legacy. Ticketed event; advance registration required. Click here for more info. 

UMOJA Black History Celebration

Saturday, Feb. 21 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Homan Square Community Center Park, 3559 W. Arthington St., North Lawndale

A free, all-ages Black History Month celebration featuring cultural arts performances, music, and local vendors. Hosted at Homan Square Community Center Park. Click here for more info. 

Black History Month With Dilla

Thursday, Feb. 26 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St., Austin

Celebrate Black History Month with Emmy Award–winning Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, who will explore Black history in Chicago and the city’s parks. Free and open to the public. Click here for more info. 

A Black History Celebration 

Saturday, Feb. 28 | Deborah’s Place, 2822 W. Jackson Blvd., Austin 
Join Jason S. Ferguson, founder of the GOlympians Youth Sports Program, for a special Black History event designed to raise funds for the organization. Call (312) 887-0344 or email Jasonfergy@yahoo.com for more info.

---

Citywide Happenings

From Archives to Innovation: The Power of Black Librarianship

Feb. 1-28  | Libraries across the city 

This February, the African American Heritage Committee of the Chicago Public Library invites the public to celebrate Black History Month with a unique theme: “From Archives to Innovation: The Power of Black Librarianship” in which they highlight the social, critical, and cultural impact of Black librarians. The month will feature quilt projects, poetry workshops, trivia challenges, film screenings, and more. Click here for info. 

Choose Chicago’s Black History Recommendations 

Feb. 1-28 | Locations across the city 

The city’s official tourism bureau has provided a list of rich cultural offerings to commemorate Black History Month in Chicago with exhibits, performances, concerts, plays, tours, and events. Click here for more info.