Champaign-Urbana Celebrates Black History Month with Diverse Events

Black History Month Events in Champaign-Urbana

The Champaign-Urbana community is celebrating Black History Month with a series of events throughout February, highlighting Black history, creativity, and cultural expression for all ages.

Art Exhibitions and Performances

• Art Reception: Caroline Goldsmith – Seeing More of the World Through Painting
  Thursday, February 5, 4:30 p.m. at the Illini Union, Urbana, IL
  Celebrate the work of impressionist landscape oil painter Caroline Goldsmith, whose paintings capture the beauty of the natural landscape.
• Krannert Center Uncorked: Erech Bruce Band
  Thursday, February 5, 5:30 p.m. at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
  Enjoy funk, blues, and R&B-inspired grooves by the Erech Bruce Band.
• SPEAK Café
  Thursday, February 5, 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Krannert Art Museum
  An open-mic space for song, poetry, art, and knowledge curated by local artist Shaya Robinson.
• Seven Ways to Freedom: The New Philadelphia Story
  Thursday, February 5, 7:00 p.m. at the Urbana Free Library
  Explore the life of Frank McWorter and the founding of New Philadelphia, the first U.S. town platted and registered by an African American.
• Illinois Soul 2nd Anniversary Celebration: MAYSA
  Saturday, February 7, 7:30 p.m. at Krannert Center’s Tryon Festival Theatre
  Celebrate Illinois Soul’s second anniversary with a performance by smooth jazz artist MAYSA.
• UFLive! presents Afro D & the Global Soundwaves
  Sunday, February 8, 2:00–3:00 p.m. at the Urbana Free Library
  A special Black History Month concert featuring the Champaign-Urbana-based hip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul group.

Educational Programs

• DIY Kids: Black History Art
  Wednesday, February 4, 4:00–5:00 p.m. at the Douglass Branch Library
  A weekly after-school program inviting children to create themed art projects.
• NAARID @ Night
  Monday, February 9, 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Centennial High School
  A family dinner catered by Chef Bari, featuring speakers and collaborative discussions.

For a comprehensive list of events and more details, visit the official Champaign-Urbana Black History Month calendar.

Sources

• Champaign-Urbana Marks Black History Month with Full Calendar of Arts, Education, and Community Events
• WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Feb. 5 – Feb. 8
• Five Things in Arts: February 2026