Posted 17 days ago in Trending, Family Friendly, Arts and Culture
5 MIN READ – The beautiful thing about Black history is that it’s still being made every day. Check out what these Loop businesses and organizations have to offer and find a way to honor Black History Month this February.
Drumline Live
jose' james with lizz wright: marvin GAYE'S, i want you
Feb. 6, 2026
Mark the 50th anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s, I Want You with an elevated tribute by celebrated vocalists José James and Lizz Wright. Together, they reimagine the visionary album that seamlessly blended jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and disco. The evening at Symphony Center concludes with a post-concert reception presented by the CSO African American Network.
black history concert series: voices of a'se (day one)
Feb. 24, 2026
This free concert series from Uniting Voices honors the influence of Africana music on Chicago and around the world, featuring performances by student singers from across the city. The concert serves as the culmination of their Black History 360 curriculum and takes place at the iconic Auditorium Theatre.
celebrate the black experience at the gene siskel film center
Join the Gene Siskel Film Center as they continue to celebrate Black creativity, imagination, and global perspectives, with a lineup of film programs, lectures, and screenings centering Black voices across time and space.
February kicks off with two screenings of the Siskel Film Center’s Lo-Fi Sci-Fi series celebrating Black speculative imagination: NEPTUNE FROST, the electrifying Afrofuturist musical by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman; and Sun Ra’s iconic, genre-defying SPACE IS THE PLACE.
February also features several encore presentations from the Siskel Film Center’s Black Harvest Film Festival, Chicago’s annual showcase for Black film across the diaspora, which celebrated its 31st year in November.
On February 7, see FROM THE BLOCK, a vibrant showcase for Chicago-based short filmmakers, with select filmmakers in person; and on Sunday, February 8 and 15, we’re thrilled to reprise BLKNWS: TERMS & CONDITIONS, Kahlil Joseph’s immersive feature debut, following its Chicago premiere at the 2025 Black Harvest Film Festival and Visionary Award presentation.
support black owned businesses
Kilwins - 310 S. Michigan
- Originally from Michigan, this franchise made its way to Chicago thanks to a mother-daughter duo who own and operate the local locations. View their story here.
Uni Uni - 333 S. State
- A woman-owned boba tea franchise serving up handcrafted drinks.
Market 96 - 529 S. Wells
- Market 96 is a Black-owned cannabis dispensary in Chicago rooted in community empowerment and inclusion. Founded by a collective of nine women, it offers a welcoming space focused on quality products and exceptional customer service.
ETC- 404 S. Wells
- etc. is a Black-owned Chicago restaurant that highlights Southern cuisine and the deep cultural connections between the North and South.
The L Station - 181 N. Wells
- The L Station is a Black-owned restaurant offering a distinctive dining experience centered on soul food and craft cocktails.
Cleo's - 190 N. Wells
- Cleo’s Southern Cuisine is a contemporary Chicago-based restaurant and catering company founded by Chef Kristen Ashley.
