The following events are being held in South Holland and surrounding communities throughout the month of February, in honor of Black History Month.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more Black History facts and features all month long.
Note: Events taking place at Chicago Public Library branches are indicated with “(CPL)”. South Holland-specific events are highlighted in red.
February 1–8
Black History Month Walk
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Learn about the impacts Black environmentalists have on the natural world on a self-guided trail exhibit.
February 1–28
Underground Railroad Self-Guided Walks
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Join us for walks throughout February for Black History Month.
February 1–28
Black History Month Exhibit
Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Learn about African Americans who ski and the challenges they face in winter sports.
February 2
Monday Crafternoon: Magazine Beads
3:30–4:30pm, West Chicago Ave (CPL), 4856 W Chicago Ave, Chicago
Make Ugandan paper beads out of magazines. For kids 6 to 13. Children 11 or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
February 2
Black Sitcoms: Think Fast Trivia
7–8:30pm, South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland
Monthly themed trivia games offering fun and friendly competition, aimed at the 20-30 year-old audience. Grab your friends, flex your brainpower, and compete in an exciting evening of trivia fun.
February 3, 10, 17, and 24
Crown & Create
5–5:30pm, South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland
Every Tuesday in February, we’ll read a Coretta Scott King Award-winning or nominated book and make a craft or activity inspired by the story.
February 4
Behind the Bite: A Conversation with The Black Foodies
6:30–8pm, South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland
Enjoy a lively talk with The Black Foodies as they spotlight Black culinary excellence and share the passion behind their work.
February 4 and 10
I Love My Hair Braiding Class
4–5pm, Woodson Regional (CPL), 9525 S Halsted St, Chicago
Gain hands-on experience with hair braiding and natural hairstyles! Practice your skills on mannequin heads in a fun, creative environment.
February 4 and 18
Black History Month Story Trails
12pm, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Follow a self-guided story featuring a prominent African American figure.
February 4 and 25
Musical Lunch with Windy Indie: Celebrating the Black Renaissance in Music
12–1pm, Harold Washington Center (CPL), 400 S State St, Chicago
Windy Indie is a Chicago-based, multi-genre violinist. This nonstop live set honors the Black Renaissance through dynamic violin arrangements that blend jazz roots, spirituals, and modern grooves.
February 5
Tupac Shakur Collaborative Painting
12:30–2pm, South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland
Collaborate on a community painting of Tupac Shakur! This 90s-inspired portrait will be displayed for Black History Month, and also at the 80s/90s–themed Wakanda Night.
February 5
Tween Craft Night: Cowrie Shell Jewelry
4–6pm, Woodson Regional (CPL), 9525 S Halsted St, Chicago
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month by learning the history and significance of cowrie shells across the African diaspora and crafting beautiful cowrie shell bracelets and necklaces! For kids 9 and up.
February 7
Family Archives Day
1–3pm, Woodson Regional (CPL), 9525 S Halsted St, Chicago
Bring your family treasures and consult with expert archivists to learn how to preserve your precious photos, documents and keepsakes. Local history societies and museums will also be present to answer your local history questions! For ages 6 and up.
February 7
Level Up: Voices of Black Game Designers
5–7pm, Woodson Regional (CPL), 9525 S Halsted St, Chicago
Chicago-based game designers Kevin Fair and Keshia Howard share their experiences, creative processes, and insights into the gaming industry, in this panel-based discussion.
February 7
Black History Month Kickoff – Drop-In
11am, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Discover the voice behind America Outdoors! Join us for a brief viewing and explore the work of writer, conservationist, and storyteller Baratunde Thurston. Refreshments will be served.
February 7 and 21
Walk & Talk: Black History Month Celebration
10am, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These walks will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation.
February 9
Just Paint It!
6–7:30pm, South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland
Bring iconic sneakers to life on canvas in honor of Black History Month. Express yourself through color, style, and imagination!
February 9
Black History Spoken Word with Storyteller Oba William King
3–5pm, Whitney M. Young, Jr. (CPL), 415 E 79th St, Chicago
Celebrate Black History Month with this engaging and interactive spoken word event.
February 10
Kids Snacktivity: Traffic Light Treats
4–5pm, Avalon (CPL), 8148 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago
Drop in for this tasty treat celebrating Garret Morgan and the invention of the traffic light. For ages 6 to 13.
February 11
Celebrating Ella Jenkins’ Folk Songs
4:30–5:30pm, South Shore (CPL), 2505 E 73rd St, Chicago
Celebrate the iconic folk songs of Ella Jenkins with music, movement, and joy. For kids of all ages and families.
February 14
Sacred Sound, Sacred Stories: Journaling and Sound Healing
11am–12pm, Woodson Regional (CPL), 9525 S Halsted St, Chicago
A restorative experience combining reflective journaling and sound healing.
February 16
Wellness Wahala with Dr. Tomi Ademokun
5–7pm, South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland
An immersive celebration of Nigerian culture through fashion, music, games, and snacks.
February 17
Black History Month Crafts
5:30–6:30pm, King (CPL), 3436 S King Dr, Chicago
Celebrate Black History Month by making your own craft. For ages 6 to 10.
February 18
Tracing Our Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy
5–7pm, Woodson Regional (CPL), 9525 S Halsted St, Chicago
A beginner-friendly genealogy workshop focused on African American ancestry.
February 21
The Chicago Race Riot of 1919: History, Impacts, Commemoration
11am–12pm, Uptown (CPL), 929 W Buena Ave, Chicago
A talk by Professor Peter Cole examining the 1919 Chicago Race Riot and its legacy.
February 21
Black History Month Story Time
11am–12pm, Greater Grand Crossing (CPL), 1000 E 73rd St, Chicago
Stories, songs, and activities for kids ages 0 to 8 and their caregivers.
February 21
Jeopardy: Black History Edition
1–2pm, Greater Grand Crossing (CPL), 1000 E 73rd St, Chicago
Test your Black History knowledge and win prizes! For ages 6 to 13.
February 21
African American History Open Mic
2–4pm, Sherman Park (CPL), 5440 S Racine Ave, Chicago
Share poetry, music, and more in a welcoming open mic setting.
February 21
Black History T-Shirts
2:30–4pm, West Chicago Ave (CPL), 4856 W Chicago Ave, Chicago
Celebrate Black History Month with a custom t-shirt. Limited supplies.
February 21
If Walls Could Talk: Stories of the Underground Railroad – Part I
11am and 2pm, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Indoor performances celebrating African-descended genius. Register for the 11am or 2pm slot.
February 21
If Walls Could Talk: Stories of the Underground Railroad – Part II
1pm, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
An outdoor experiential performance blending storytelling and music.
February 21 and 22
Black History Month Celebration: Poetry
10am, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Enjoy live poetry readings and learn about Chicagoland Black poets.
February 22
Crown and Glory: A Black Hair Story Time and Celebration
2–3:30pm, Uptown (CPL), 929 W Buena Ave, Chicago
Stories and activities celebrating the beauty and culture of Black hair.
February 23
Good Burger Movie Night
5–8pm, South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland
A Black History Month movie night featuring a 90s classic.
February 27
Rooted & Rising: A Celebration of Black Excellence
1pm, Unity Christian Academy, 700 E 170th St, South Holland
A celebration featuring the Leo High School Boys Choir, which was a finalist on America’s Got Talent, and keynote speaker Rickey Harris, principal of Whitney Young High School.
February 27
4th Annual Wakanda Night
6-8pm, South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Ave, South Holland
A celebration of Black joy, music, and culture of the 80s and 90s.
February 28
In Our Nature: Celebrating Black Voices
10am, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
A celebration of Black voices in nature through storytelling and art.
February 28
Local Stories of the Underground Railroad
1pm, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland
Learn the history of local people and places that shaped the Underground Railroad.