How to use transit to celebrate Black History Month in the Chicago region
January 26, 2023
January 26, 2023
Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and diversity that are an integral part of our country, but often overlooked. The RTA is excited to share how you can use transit to celebrate Black History Month on a local level, by connecting our riders to Black-owned or Black-run businesses, events celebrating Black History Month, and Black heritage sites around the region.
Join the Chicago History Museum on February 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for their Black History Month Family Event. At this event you will learn about Black figures who have made incredible impacts on a local and national scale. This event is included with general admission.
Where: 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
How to get there:
Also, check out the museum's online exhibitions:
See dynamic works from both professional and amateur African American artists from around the country at the Museum of Science and Industry’s exhibit, Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition. Here until April 23, it is free with entry.
Where: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
How to get there:
Join the Field Museum throughout the month of February as they host several events highlighting the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make to science and museums. For some events, advanced registration is required.
Where: 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
How to get there:
Visit the birthplace of Black History Month with a free tour of the Historic Former Wabash YMCA. Guided by The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC), you will be immersed in Chicago’s Black history that has left a national legacy. The tours will be held on the second Saturday of each month all year long starting at 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Wabash YMCA, 3763 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60653
How to get there:
The Waukegan Park District is hosting a variety of programs and events, such as live performances, a soul food cooking demonstration, and more, to highlight the contributions African Americans have made in their community and beyond. Some events require registration.
Where: 1324 Golf Road, Waukegan, Illinois 60087
How to get there:
Chicago’s Black Restaurant Week is back for its eighth year on February 12-26 with two weeks full of delicious vendors from across the Chicagoland region. No matter if you are taking CTA, Metra, or Pace, you are in for a treat once you arrive. Find participating vendors, locations, and more here.
Across the region, we have access to fantastic Black-owned bookstores that not only sell books but educate the public about Black-centered literature and community development. Here is a small list of bookstores that are easily accessible by transit and worth the trip.
Where: Eisenhower Tower, 1701 S. 1st Ave. #400, Maywood, IL 60153
How to get there:
Where: 515 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60642
How to get there:
Where: 1727 E. 87th St., Chicago, IL 60617
How to get there:
Coffee enthusiasts should venture to Oak Park and Forest Park for two cafes that will make for a perfect weekend coffee crawl. Easily accessible to each other by foot, Pace Bus, or CTA Green Line, these shops are a chance to get custom coffee while supporting local Black-owned businesses. Make a day of it and take the Green Line all way through downtown to Bronzeville on the South Side of the city for one last cup.
Where: 7324 Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130.
How to get there:
They have also recently opened a location at 1033 South Blvd. in Oak Park, steps from the Harlem/Lake CTA Green Line and Oak Park Metra UP-W line stops.
Where: 136 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60301
How to get there:
Where: 528 E 43rd St., Chicago, IL 60653
How to get there:
They also have locations in Hyde Park, Forest Park, and a second location in Bronzeville. All are accessible via transit. Use Google Maps or your preferred navigation tool to explore them all.
Supporting Black enterprises and events celebrating Black culture does not only need to happen during Black History Month, but all year-round. Check out the following resources to find more Black-owned and Black-run shops and services in our region, and for more events honoring Black History Month.
To find more Black-owned and Black-run businesses:
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