Celebrate Black History Month in Champaign-Urbana: Joy, Creativity, & Community
February is Black History Month—a time not only to reflect, but to celebrate. Across Champaign-Urbana, artists, scholars, musicians, filmmakers, and community leaders are coming together to honor Black history through creativity, storytelling, and shared joy. From powerful films and performances to hands-on workshops and soulful music, here’s a look at just some of the vibrant events lighting up our community all month long.
Film Screenings: Stories of history, resistance, & imagination
BLKNWS
Wed., Feb. 11 | 5pm | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
This Afro-futurist cinematic experience spans 247 years across land and sea, weaving together fictional and historical figures. Directed by Kahlil Joseph—known for his work with Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar—BLKNWS challenges and expands how stories are told. A discussion follows the screening. Free, but registration is required.
Against the Current
Wed., Feb. 11 | 5:30pm | Spurlock Museum of World Cultures
This newly released documentary follows Kyla, a Chicago high school senior and community organizer, as she travels across Illinois uncovering the many ways Black communities have resisted oppression over time. Free, but registration is suggested.
Uniting Pride’s Honoring Black Queer Films Series: The Color Purple (2023)
Tue., Feb. 24 | 6pm | University YMCA
This special film series honors Black queer filmmakers, authors, poets, and histories. On Tuesday, February 24, the featured screening is The Color Purple, a musical reimagining that focuses on Black womanhood, tenderness, chosen family, and self discovery as sources of healing and strength, reminding us that Black queer love is central, joyful, and worth celebrating. Free and open to all.
Performances: Movement, music, & meaning
Certified Organic Presents: Tribute to Roy Hargrove
Thurs., Feb. 12 | 7:30pm | Gallery Art Bar
Join Illinois Soul 101.1 FM, our community's not-for-profit radio station amplifying Black voices, for an evening of legacy, groove, and pure jazz honoring legend Roy Hargrove and featuring Chicago saxophonist Chris Greene—known for his powerful collaborations with Common. Hosted by Pete "Afro" Shungu. No cover!
Krannert Uncorked
Thurs., Feb. 12, 19, 26 | 5:30pm | Stage 5, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Set in an intimate, laid-back atmosphere, Krannert Uncorked offers a chance to experience exceptional artists up close. On February 12, the Chris Greene Quartet brings a dynamic blend of jazz tradition infused with funk, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban rhythms, reggae, blues, and rock, led by acclaimed Evanston saxophonist Chris Greene. February 19 features Ther’Up.Y, a rotating collective born from the beloved Soul on Sunday series, delivering high-energy, feel-good performances spanning R&B, gospel, neo soul, jazz, country, and reggae. The series wraps up February 26 with Zo! and Tall Black Guy alongside Debórah Bond, blending innovative hip-hop and R&B with downtempo house, lush synths, and irresistible grooves. All are free and open to the public.
The Other Side
Thurs. & Fri., Feb. 19–20, 10am (school performances); Sat., Feb. 21, 2pm (general public) | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Jacqueline Woodson’s simple yet powerful book The Other Side comes to life in a dance piece from Bessie Award-winning choreographer Hope Boykin. When literal and figurative fences keep us apart, can we find the courage—and creativity—to knock them down? Tickets are $10 each.
Conversations & Community: Learning together
Soul Food Lunch & Advocates Panel
Wed., Feb. 25 | Noon |Student Union Dining Hall, Parkland College
Parkland College's Black History Month calendar is always full of enriching events (go here for a full list). This lunchtime discussion highlights the leadership, advocacy, and lived experiences of Black community advocates—including Dr. Lakisha David, Dr. Rebecca Ginsburg, Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall III, Unit 4 School Board Representative Justin Michael Hendrix, CEO Jaqueline Kalipeni, and Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams—paired with lunch from the brilliant Neil St. Blues' southern soul cuisine. Free and open to all.
Oscar Joyo: The Importance of Creative Flexibility: A Journey of Learning, Adaptability, and Self-Discovery
Thurs., Feb. 26 | 5:30pm | Spurlock Museum of World Cultures
Oscar Joyo—Chicago-based muralist of Epoch on the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail (CCAAHT)—will share his journey from a curious child to a professional artist, grounded in his belief that learning is a constant cycle of adaptation, failure, and progression in the pursuit of creativity. Hosted by the Center for Advanced Study and Art Education Program at the University of Illinois in collaboration with community partners, including CCAAHT, Stratton Academy of the Arts, Unit 4 Schools, and others. Free and open to the public.
Celebrations: Hip Hop Convene
Get ready for four days of music, art, learning, and connection with the 2026 Hip Hop Convene! Celebrate hip hop’s legacy and future as a force for cultural innovation, social change, and community empowerment. Events take place across Champaign-Urbana, including Krannert Center, Spurlock Museum, Gallery Art Bar, the School of Music, and more. All are welcome!
Here's just a small sampling of events:
And ya' don’t stop! Hip Hop Karaoke
Wed., Feb. 25 | 7pm | Spurlock Museum of World Cultures
Step up to the mic and channel your favorite rapper—solo or with friends. Hosted by DJ TAT, this high-energy event is all about confidence, creativity, and crowd love. Free and open to the public.
CU STEAMM Fair: Creative Connections at the Intersection of Art and STEMM
Sat., Feb. 28 | 1:30pm | Campus Instructional Facility
This campus and community showcase is packed with interactive activities and live demonstrations showcasing the creative and expressive side of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Designed for families of middle and high school students, the day invites curiosity and collaboration—bringing rhythm, color, pattern, sound, and movement to life. Free and open to the public.
Her Voice, Her Rhythm: Women Shaping the Culture
Sat., Feb. 28 | 5pm | Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
The Convene’s final event features a panel discussion on Women in Hip Hop, with Mother Nature, Asha Omega, and Suzi Analogue. The discussion is moderated by Dr. Malaika McKee, followed by live performances from the artists. Free, but tickets are required.
Join the Celebration
Black History Month in Champaign-Urbana is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and joy—past, present, and future. Whether you’re catching a film, dancing to live music, attending a STEAMM fair, or joining a community conversation, there’s an open invitation for everyone to connect, learn, and celebrate together.