CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Black History Month will be celebrated across Champaign-Urbana throughout February with a wide-ranging lineup of events highlighting Black history, creativity, and cultural expression for all ages.
The month begins on Wednesday, Feb. 4, with DIY Kids: Black History Art at the Douglass Branch Library. The weekly after-school program runs from 4 to 5 p.m. and invites children to create themed art projects. Additional DIY Kids sessions in February include Tech Toys on Feb. 11, Mancala Boards on Feb. 18, and Pool Noodle Structures on Feb. 25.
Live music and performance take center stage early in the month. On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Krannert Center Uncorked spring series opens with the Erech Bruce Band at 5:30 p.m. at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, featuring funk, blues, and R&B-inspired grooves. Later that evening, SPEAK Café will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Krannert Art Museum, offering an open-mic space for song, poetry, art, and knowledge curated by local artist Shaya Robinson.
Also on Feb. 5, the Urbana Free Library will host Seven Ways to Freedom: The New Philadelphia Story at 7 p.m. The adult-focused program explores the life of Frank McWorter and the founding of New Philadelphia, the first U.S. town platted and registered by an African American.
A major celebration follows on Saturday, Feb. 7, when Illinois Soul marks its second anniversary with a performance by smooth jazz artist MAYSA at Krannert Center’s Tryon Festival Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Family-friendly programming continues on Sunday, Feb. 8, with UFLive! presents Afro D & the Global Soundwaves from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Urbana Free Library. The Champaign-Urbana-based hip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul group will perform a special Black History Month concert for audiences of all ages.
On Monday, Feb. 9, Centennial High School will host NAARID @ Night from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring a family dinner catered by Chef Bari along with speakers and collaborative discussions.
Film and music return to Krannert Center on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, an Afro-futurist film directed by Kahlil Joseph, beginning at 5 p.m. Registration is required. The following evening, Thursday, Feb. 12, the Chris Greene Quartet will perform as part of the Krannert Center Uncorked series at 5:30 p.m.
Mid-month programming includes Food for the Soul: Stacey Robinson on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center. The presentation explores Black History Month’s centennial through an Afro-speculative lens and examines how Black history can be preserved for future generations.
Dance and choral music highlight the third week of the month. On Saturday, Feb. 21, Krannert Center will present The Other Side, a dance performance choreographed by Hope Boykin and based on the book by Jacqueline Woodson, from 2 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, Feb. 22, the New Awakenings Concert will bring campus and community musicians together at 3 p.m. for a collaborative celebration of faith and the human spirit.
Interactive and youth-focused events close out the month. And ya’ don’t stop! Hip Hop Karaoke will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures. The Krannert Center Uncorked series continues on Thursday, Feb. 26, with Zo! & Tall Black Guy featuring Debórah Bond at 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, students in grades three through five can participate in the 21st annual Battle of the Books at the Champaign Public Library, with morning playoffs, afternoon playoffs, and finals held throughout the day. The Spurlock Museum will also host Sneakers as Street Currency, a free lecture examining sneaker culture within hip hop, along with a performance and panel discussion featuring Mother Nature, Asha Omega, and Suzi Analogue at Krannert Center later that evening.