Black History Month at UIC

Performers at events during UIC Black History Month include (L-R) Scratch Track, “Clybourne Park” director Derrick Sanders, jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker, blues singer Zora Young (click on individual images to download larger file size)

The University of Illinois at Chicago Black History Month program commemorates the culture and contributions of Africans and African Americans with a diverse lineup of events exploring the theme, “Chicago Contributions to Music.”

Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Tickets are sold from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Student Center East first floor service center, 750 S. Halsted St., and the Student Center West first floor information center, 828 S. Wolcott Ave. Cash, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

UIC students who attend and swipe their i-cards at three or more events will be entered to win a $100 gift card to the UIC Bookstore.

For more information, call (312) 413-5070. A complete schedule of events is available online.

Schedule:

Tuesday, Feb. 4
Opening reception and celebration. Features talk by David Stovall, UIC associate professor of educational policy studies and African-American studies, items from the Chicago Blues Museum and trivia contest. 4 – 6 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

Thursday, Feb. 6
“Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Hip-Hop: A Continuum of African-American Culture in the Diaspora.” Discussion on music as a representation of African-American culture and how the Great Migration transformed blues and jazz in Chicago. 4 p.m. Room 1-470, UIC Library, 801 S. Morgan St.

Friday, Feb. 7
“Hoop It Up.” Basketball game between UIC faculty/staff, students and alumni. 6 – 9 p.m. Student Recreation Facility, 737 S. Halsted St.

Wednesday, Feb. 12
“History of Racism in Popular Music.” Performance and discussion featuring acoustic hip-hop band Scratch Track. 1 – 2:30 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

Thursday, Feb. 13
“Hope in My Heart: The May Ayim Story.” Film screening and discussion. Kimberly Alecia Singletary, Northwestern University doctoral student. 12:15 p.m. University Hall, Room 1501, 601 S. Morgan St.

Wednesday, Feb. 19
UIC Jazz Festival. Featuring trumpeter Randy Brecker with UIC Jazz Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

Friday, Feb. 21
“Clybourne Park.” Opening night of Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning show by Bruce Norris. 7:30 p.m. UIC Theatre, 1044 W. Harrison St. Tickets: $11 UIC students, $12 other students, $14 UIC faculty/staff, $16 general public.

Wednesday, Feb. 26
Identity Backpack Workshop. Guided conversations about personal identity.  Noon – 2 p.m. White Oak Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

Thursday, Feb. 27
Identity Backpack Workshop. Guided conversations about personal identity.  Noon – 2 p.m. White Oak Room, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

Thursday, Feb. 27
Black History Makers Award Ceremony. Honoring the contributions of UIC alumni, faculty, staff and students. 3 – 5 p.m. East Terrace, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St.

Friday, Feb. 28
24th annual Blues Cabaret featuring Zora Young. 7 p.m. UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. $25 includes soul food buffet. $10 UIC student tickets only available at door; one per student i-card.