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.
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.
Chicagoland Black Makers
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.
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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 – Park Forest
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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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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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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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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