Celebrating Black History Month as a community in Champaign-Urbana
Numerous events are happening in the Champaign-Urbana area that are directly (and indirectly) related to Black History Month
February is Black History Month around the country, and we’re excited to see that Champaign-Urbana has a wide variety of events and commemorations to offer. Here’s a look at Champaign-Urbana area events and activities directly (and indirectly) related to Black History Month. From the visual arts to literature to music to film, there’s a lot happening.
We’ve done our best to indicate appropriate age groups for these events, but we’re not always sure. Check with event sponsors if you need more information than what we have provided.
Have something to add? If it’s for families, please submit it to our calendar.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Black History Month Celebration
Dr. Preston Williams Elementary School Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Urbana School District honors longtime community advocate with 4th Annual Black History Month Event WHO: Urbana School District #116 WHAT: Black History Month Celebration WHERE: Dr. Preston Williams Elementary School | 2102 E. Washington St., Urbana WHEN: Sunday, January 26, 2025 | 3-5 p.m. Children’s activities are available from 3-3:30 p.m.…read more…
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
DIY Kids at Douglass Branch Library | Black History Bingo
Douglass Branch Library Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Stop by the Douglass Branch on Wednesdays for their weekly do-it-yourself activity for kids. DIY Kids! | February 2025 Wednesdays, 4:00 pm • Feb. 5, Black History Bingo • Feb. 12, Tech Toys • Feb. 19, Mancala Board • Feb. 26, Spaghetti Tower Challenge For more information: Douglass Branch Library…read more…
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:00 pm
Join Illinois Soul and Krannert Center to celebrate Black History Month with Krannert Center Uncorked! Every Thursday in February, Krannert Center will showcase some of the best local and regional musicians on Stage 5 in the Krannert Center lobby. Connect with friends new and old, enjoy a beverage from the…read more…
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Young Artist's Studio: What's Your Story? with Nika Lucks
Urbana Free Library Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
You matter. Join Artist-in-Residence Nika Lucks to make your life into a collage story between the covers of a book in this workshop. Nika is a self-described multi-dimensional artist, photo artist, graphic designer, and crafter. As an after-school educator, she brings a sense of adventure, art, and creativity to her…read more…
Sunday, February 9, 2025
UFLive! presents Afro D & the Global Soundwaves
Urbana Free Library Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Celebrate Black History Month with live music for all ages! All are invited to a special Black History Month performance featuring Afro D & Global Soundwaves, a socially conscious local hip-hop/jazz/soul/funk band. The band makes soulful music designed to be heard by people of all ages, bridging the gaps between…read more…
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:00 pm
Join Illinois Soul and Krannert Center to celebrate Black History Month with Krannert Center Uncorked! Every Thursday in February, Krannert Center will showcase some of the best local and regional musicians on Stage 5 in the Krannert Center lobby. Connect with friends new and old, enjoy a beverage from the…read more…
Monday, February 17, 2025
Heritage Trail Bus Tour | Advance Tickets Required
Douglass Park Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Community Tours A Ride Through History Imagine stepping back in time and experiencing African American history through the Reconstruction era, the Great Migration, and the Civil Rights movement right here in the community. Spanning more than 170 years, the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail invites you to dive into…read more…
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:00 pm
Join Illinois Soul and Krannert Center to celebrate Black History Month with Krannert Center Uncorked! Every Thursday in February, Krannert Center will showcase some of the best local and regional musicians on Stage 5 in the Krannert Center lobby. Connect with friends new and old, enjoy a beverage from the…read more…
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Battle of the Books | Morning Playoffs at Champaign Public Library
Champaign Public Library Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in the 20th annual Battle of the Books. Find copies of the required books at the Douglass Branch and Main Library. Every participant will receive a prize book. Teams can have up to 12…read more…
Battle of the Books | Afternoon Playoffs at Champaign Public Library
Champaign Public Library Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in the 20th annual Battle of the Books. Find copies of the required books at the Douglass Branch and Main Library. Every participant will receive a prize book. Teams can have up to 12…read more…
Battle of the Books | Finals at Champaign Public Library
Champaign Public Library Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Students in grades 3 to 5 can celebrate Black History Month by challenging their book knowledge in the 20th annual Battle of the Books. Leading teams from the morning and afternoon Battle of the Books Playoffs will be invited to participate in the finals. Find more information under the playoff…read more…
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Krannert Center Uncorked with Illinois Soul
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Time: 5:00 pm
Join Illinois Soul and Krannert Center to celebrate Black History Month with Krannert Center Uncorked! Every Thursday in February, Krannert Center will showcase some of the best local and regional musicians on Stage 5 in the Krannert Center lobby. Connect with friends new and old, enjoy a beverage from the…read more…