Posted 7 hours ago in Trending, Family Friendly, Arts and Culture
7 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.
Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica
Head to The Art Institute for a one-of-a-kind exhibition that honors the rich artistic contributions across the Black Diaspora. This display features 350 works spanning from the 1920s to today, created by artists from Africa, North and South America, and Europe. Rather than presenting a fixed, defined space, the exhibition reimagines Panafrica as a dynamic and ever-evolving constellation, reshaping traditional representations of the world.
(Panafrica refers to a conceptual, cultural, and political unity that connects people of African descent across the globe, encompassing the shared histories and experiences that transcend geographical and national borders.)
For more information about the exhibit click here.
Enjoy A juicy new take on hamlet
Catch Fat Ham playing at the Goodman Theatre this February. Set against the backdrop of a lively Southern cookout, this Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony-nominated play takes you on a Black, queer journey of self-discovery and resilience. With its “uproarious reimagining of Hamlet” (The New Yorker), it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you reflecting long after the curtain falls. Be sure to catch this bold, powerful performance you won’t want to miss!
Tickets can be purchased here.
Celebrate Africana Music
Join Uniting Voices (formerly the Chicago Children's Choir) for an unforgettable evening at the Chicago Symphony Center, celebrating Africana music and its profound influence on both Chicago and the world. As part of the Black Futures Concert Series: Afrofuturism: The Freedom Metropolis: Day One, this musical journey explores a rich blend of genres, including jazz, soul, funk, pop, hip-hop, African-American spirituals, and Afrobeats, showcasing the dynamic soundscapes that shape the future of music.
The event will take place February 7, 2025 at 11 a.m., tickets may be found here.
Support a Black-owned restaurant
Native Foods
The beloved Chicago Loop vegan eatery, Native Foods, heralds a new chapter as it becomes Black and employee-owned, thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Dame Dia. The rejuvenated Native Foods introduces a captivating mix of traditional vegan recipes and West African cuisine, showcasing Dame’s Senegalese heritage and culinary prowess.
Support Dame Dia's vision and indulge in delicious plant-based foods here.
ETC
Get ready to satisfy your cravings with a visit to Experience, Taste, Cocktails (ETC), now open at 404 S. Wells. Chef Lamar Moore’s exciting new spot, which debuted in December, brings a fresh twist to Southern cuisine. Moore’s menu features braised oxtail with confit cipollini onions and heirloom purple grits from South Carolina. Traditional deviled eggs are elevated with a dollop of caviar, while black-eyed peas form the base of his unique take on hummus. Smoked catfish transforms into a flavorful dip with Cajun spices and whipped cream cheese.
View the full menu here.
