Discover Black history in Illinois, where the past and the present come together. Explore iconic landmarks, world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in soulful music and art. Honor the resilience and creativity of the Black community with every step you take. This Black History Month, Illinois is the perfect place to celebrate the countless contributions that have shaped and enriched our history.
Experience Black History and Culture Across Illinois
Chicago & Beyond - Northern Illinois
The DuSable Black History Museum
The DuSable Museum celebrates Black culture, history, and achievements through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood.
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The African American Museum at the England Manor, Waukegan
A historic home museum chronicling various stages of the Black experience. The site was also a stop along the Underground Railroad.
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Bronzeville Children's Museum
Celebrating 27 years of educating children and bringing African-American History to life. The world's first and only children's museum that includes activities for creative and conceptive thinking, designed for children aged 4-9.
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The Ethnic Heritage Museum
The Ethnic Heritage Museum in Rockford honors the six nationalities that shaped the city’s culture. The Hispanic Gallery features artifacts, art, and vintage clothing, showcasing traditions that helped build Rockford.
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Peoria Riverfront Museum
The museum combines art, science, history, and achievement. Current exhibits include Joyful Resistance, celebrating Black American artists, authors, and designers, plus an African American Wall of Fame honoring local and national figures.
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The Katherine Dunham Museum, East St. Louis
A museum honoring the groundbreaking work of a woman who revolutionized Black performing arts and culture. The museum includes more than 250 African and Caribbean art objects from more than 50 countries.
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Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument, Alton
This monument memorializes Elijah P. Lovejoy, a minister and abolitionist who became a martyr to the abolitionist cause after he was murdered by a pro-slavery mob in Alton.
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Quincy Underground Railroad Museum at the Dr. Richard Eells House
Learn about Quincy’s Underground Railroad history with exhibits that tell the history of fugitives escaping the slave state of Missouri. This location was a key stop for freedom seekers crossing the Mississippi.
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African American Heritage Trail of Champaign County, Champaign
Celebrate African American contributions in Champaign County. The African American Heritage Trail includes a new Underground Railroad exhibit at the Urbana Free Library featuring local archival stories.
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Black History Nights, Springfield
Throughout February, the Illinois DNR hosts free presentations at the Old State Capitol, covering Illinois’ Black Soldiers (2/7), John W. E. Thomas (2/21), and Capitol Insider William Butler (2/28).
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1908 Springfield Race Riot Mural
The mural honors the 1908 riots in Springfield that led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
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The Jacksonville African American History Museum
Located in the Asa Talcott home, a historical Underground Railroad site, the museum features both local and national Black History from slavery to the present.
Learn More Learn MoreTrails to Adventure - Southern Illinois
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African American Museum of Southern Illinois, Carbondale
The museum was the first African American museum between Chicago and Chattanooga. Today, it features a variety of exhibits and educational courses that celebrates African American culture.
African American Museum of Southern Illinois, Carbondale -
Cairo African America Heritage Trail
Led by the Cairo Historical Preservation Project, Inc, this outdoor trail highlights historic sites and community landmarks that have defined Cairo’s vibrant African American community.
Cairo African America Heritage Trail -
Shawnee National Forest, Golconda
Parts of Shawnee National Forest were key Underground Railroad sites, including Miller Grove, a 19th-century free Black community. Visit the Lincoln Memorial in Jonesboro, site of the third Lincoln-Douglass debate.
Shawnee National Forest, Golconda
Chicagoland Black Makers
Brown Sugar Bakery – Chicago
Since 2002, this “dangerously delicious” bakery has been serving up cheesecakes, cupcakes, cobblers, cookies, pies and more. Stop by and treat yourself.
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Vintrendi Wine Company – Olympia Fields
A micro-winery that makes wine from traditional wine varietals and various fruit from California to the Midwest Region. Their goal is not only to make wine; but to produce wine – redefined.
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CrumbCrusher – Oak Park
A family-owned and woman-owned bakery that’s 100% nut-free and allergy-friendly. Try their delicious baked goods or their vegan ice cream!
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Lexington Betty’s Smokehouse – Chicago
Chef Dominique’s Chicago-style BBQ restaurant pays homage to grandmother Betty King’s soulful home cooking. Equipped with those memories of delicious family meals and a little culinary flair of her own.
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Soul & Smoke – Evanston, Avondale, West Loop
Known for the combination of spices in Chef Carter’s signature sauce, Soul & Smoke takes pride in serving the boldest, highest-quality BBQ and soul food in Chicago.
Learn More Learn More2026 Black History Month Events
A Taste of Culture: Chicago Black Restaurant Week
February 8 - 22
Since 2015, Chicago’s Black Restaurant Week has served to elevate Black-owned businesses and provide a spotlight on their contributions to the Chicago food scene. From soulful classics to bold, modern flavors, this celebration showcases talented chefs, inventive dishes, and a deliciously diverse array of cuisines waiting to be discovered.
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43rd Annual Profiles in Excellence Origin Stories: Performance by Ted Williams at the Greenbelt Cultural Center
February 1 (North Chicago)
43rd Annual Profiles in Excellence Origin Stories: Performance by Ted Williams at the Greenbelt Cultural Center -
Various Black History Month programming at Sand Ridge Nature Center
February 1-28 (Holland)
Various Black History Month programming at Sand Ridge Nature Center -
We Voted Exhibit opening at the Ethnic Heritage Museum
February 1, runs through April 30 (Rockford)
We Voted Exhibit opening at the Ethnic Heritage Museum -
2026 Black History Celebration at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts
February 7 (Waukegan)
2026 Black History Celebration at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts -
Black History Nights the Old State Capitol
February 7-28 (Springfield)
Black History Nights the Old State Capitol -
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Drama Group Presents: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf
February 13-22 (Chicago Heights)
Drama Group Presents: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf -
Rebel Music! Women of Color Who Changed the Beat at Joliet Area Historical Museum
February 21 (Joliet)
Rebel Music! Women of Color Who Changed the Beat at Joliet Area Historical Museum -
Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on The Underground Railroad at DuPage County Historical Museum
February 25 (Wheaton)
Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on The Underground Railroad at DuPage County Historical Museum -
A Journey Through Gospel Music at The Hoogland Center for the Arts
February 28 (Springfield)
A Journey Through Gospel Music at The Hoogland Center for the Arts