Black History Month Events

As the first major exhibition to survey Pan-Africanism’s cultural manifestations, Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica gathers together some 350 objects, spanning the 1920s to the present, made by artists on four continents: Africa, North and South America, and Europe. Panafrica, the promised land named in the exhibition title, is presented as a conceptual place where arguments about decolonization, solidarity, and freedom are advanced and negotiated with the aim of an emancipatory future.

Date: Exhibit runs December 15 - March 30, 2025
Time: Museum hours
Location: 111 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL, 60603
Learn more: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago website.

BPN members may complete this form to request free tickets to visit the exhibit.

An insightful discussion with Alvin B. Tillery, a distinguished professor of political science at Northwestern University. As the Director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy, the Founder of the Alliance for Black Equality, and a partner with the Black Professionals Network (BPN), Professor Tillery brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. We'll explore the current state of political affairs in our nation, delving into issues of diversity, equity, and social justice.

Date: February 12th, 2025
Time: Noon-1 p.m.

Join BPN for an exclusive visit to the Herskovits Library of African Studies, home to the largest Africana collection outside of Africa. Esmeralda Kale, the George and Mary LeCron Foster Curator, will guide us through this world-renowned collection, which showcases rare and significant materials that highlight the depth and richness of African history and culture.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of the most important Africana archives in the world, located right here at Northwestern! Box lunch will be provided

Registration is required and capped at 35 participants. Please complete this form to RSVP.

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: Noon - 1 p.m.
Location: The Herskovits Library of African Studies is located on the 5th floor of the Main University Library at 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208.

• Getting There:
  • Enter the Main Library using your Wildcard.
  • Walk straight down the long walkway, passing the circulation desk.
  • Turn left and take the elevator to the 5th floor.
  • When you exit the elevator, make a slight left turn.
  • The Herskovits Library will be immediately to your right.

Learn more: Visit the the Herskovits Library website.

Join Northwestern University Religious and Spiritual Life for their annual Black History Month Celebration on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Alice Millar Chapel for,"The Spirit Moves: Dancing in Divine Freedom." The event will include a worship experience that honors sacred dance - a tradition of peoples of African descent that has been embodied/reflected in the U.S. Black Church tradition. The service will feature performances by the Army Praise Dance Ministry, Northwestern Community Ensemble, and special invited guests.

Religious and Spiritual Life is honored to welcome back Rev. Dr. Karen Mosby (Medill'82), Interim University Chaplain and Executive Director, as this year's preacher.

Sponsored by the Center for the Church and the Black Experience (CBE), Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; Black Professionals Network; Student Organizations & Activities, Multicultural Student Affairs, and the Black Studies Department, Northwestern University.

Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL
Learn more: Contact Rev. D'ana Downing, associate chaplain and associate director, Religious and Spiritual Life, with any questions.

McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is hosting a weeklong calendar of virtual education events from February 24 to 28, with an in-person keynote.

"Beyond the Death Gap: Scalable Solutions to Neighborhood Health Inequities"

• Speaker: David Ansell, MD, MPH
• Moderators: Teni Brown, MD, and Linda Suleiman, MD

Date: Monday, February 24, 2025
Time: 5 - 6 p.m.
Location: Simpson Querrey Auditorium, 303 E. Superior, Chicago, IL, 60611
Learn more:  Visit the McGaw Medical Center website to learn more about Health Equity Week events.

Come and have fun over the lunch hour, celebrating the vibrancy of our culture with colors, patterns, and shapes. Debra Blade will lead this experience with a small group. This intimate, interactive event will allow you to tap into your inner artist while connecting with colleagues and fellow BPN members across our campuses.

We will create and paint on canvas and wood. Learn how our aesthetic presented by new entrepreneurs and the artist who designed the new logo for Super Bowl LIX is an art expression deep in our roots. Participants will enjoy making visual representations of their own perspective. Snacks will be provided.

Registration is limited to 14 participants. Please complete this form to RSVP.

Date: February 24
Time: Noon - 1:15 p.m.
Location: The Black House, 1914 Sheridan Rd. Evanston, IL, 60208

Little has been known about the Black faculty experience at Northwestern University - until now. The documentary "Hearing Silences: 50 Years of Black Women Faculty at Northwestern University " traces pioneering women's trials and triumphs between 1975 and the present. The film explores the contributions and the personal sacrifices these women have made over decades.

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: McCormick Foundation Center (MFC) Forum Room, 1870 Campus Dr. Evanston, IL, 60208
Learn more: Visit the Hearing Silences website.
Event Poster: Hearing Silences Screening Poster with other logos.png

BPN members are invited to spend their lunch break in a virtual space of community and support as Victoria O. Akinde, Director of Organizational Development and Diversity at Northwestern University Libraries, shares her career journey.

Date: February 26, 2025
Time: Noon-1 p.m.