New Black History Museum Opens on the West Side

A new Black history museum and education center has opened its doors in Austin, marking a first for Chicago’s West Side.

The African American Museum and Education Center, 6914 W. North Ave., held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 11. Organizers said it’s the first African American museum and education center on the West Side, dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of Black America through exhibits, performance, and community programs.

The museum is led by Executive Director Kevin Sayles and operated by the Future Drive Empowerment Center, a local nonprofit. Inside, visitors will find several galleries highlighting influential Black leaders, including Congressman Danny K. Davis (7th), who was honored with an award from Future Drive before the ribbon-cutting. 

State Rep. Camille Lilly (78th), who helped the organization acquire the building along with Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, said the project has been years in the making.

“About seven years ago, Jimmy Gardner and a group of community men showed me their small museum on Madison Street,” Lilly said. “They told me they wanted something bigger to teach people history. Today, that dream has come true. This space is part of our effort to redevelop the North Avenue corridor, and I’m proud to support it.”

The facility also features a recording studio and classroom space where youth and adults can learn music production, sound mixing, and performance.

“We’ll have classes, performances, and after-school programs once school funding comes through,” said LaShonda Coleman, a member of the Future Drive team. “Right now we’re open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the space is available for weekend events. No appointment is necessary, although we prefer appointments be made ahead of group visits.”

Museum leaders say the new space will continue to evolve, with rotating exhibits, youth workshops, and partnerships aimed at making history, creativity, and empowerment accessible to all.