How to celebrate Black History Month 2025 at UChicago

Over 100 years ago, Georgiana Simpson became the first Black woman to attain a Ph.D. at an American university, making history not just on the University of Chicago campus, but nationally.  

Simpson earned her PhD in German philology in 1921 and contributed to scholarship subjects such as the Haitian revolution. However, her impact on the UChicago community was not only academic; she also took part in the national conversation surrounding housing integration at prominent universities after being forced off campus due to white students’ protests. 

Building upon the legacy of Simpson and other Black scholars and leaders, UChicago will present a number of Black History Month events that encourage the campus community to honor and discuss Black scholars, artists, spiritual leaders and more. Learn more below: 

Now through March 2: A Raisin in the Sun at the Court Theatre

Senior Artistic Producer Gabrielle Randle-Bent brings Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun to UChicago’s Court Theatre. The first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway, Hansberry’s work depicts Chicago’s South Side in the 1950s. Buy tickets here(UChicago student tickets are heavily discounted). 

Feb. 3: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northern Illinois

Join the League of Women Voters Of Chicago, the University of Chicago Library, and the Seminary Co-op for a lecture by historian and author Larry McClellan. This event will explore the history of freedom seekers and the Underground Railroad in Illinois. McClellan's award-winning book, Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois will be available for purchase at the event. Register here.  

Feb. 4: Annual Earl B. Dickerson Lecture

The Black Law Students Association will host former Gary, Indiana Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, for this annual event. Named for Dickerson, the first African American to earn a JD from the University of Chicago Law School, the event highlights a leader engaged in advocacy for Black community in the city of Chicago and beyond. Learn more here.

Feb. 4: Walls Are Witnesses

The Institute of Politics will host a panel discussion on the impact of Black Chicagoans and the future of the city’s social and political landscape. It will feature artist and activist Tonika Lewis Johnson, UChicago Assoc. Prof. Eve Ewing and Chicago historian Shermann "Dilla" Thomas. RSVP here.  

Feb. 5: Race, Class and Education Policy

This event at the Harris School of Public Policy will explore the influence of race and socioeconomic status on education policies and student outcomes. The conversation with scholar and author Bettina L. Love will evaluate potential policy reforms and investigate how to foster a more equitable education model. Register here

Feb. 6: Legacy of Muddy Waters

Visit the Logan Center for the Arts for the premiere of Roots and Blues, a documentary celebrating the legacy of Muddy Waters and the significance of the MOJO museum—a tribute to his life in North Kenwood. This debut screening will be followed by a Q&A. Get tickets here.

Feb. 12: Lunchtime lecture with Rev. Veronica Johnson

Join the Divinity School for a lecture by Rev. Veronica Johnson, the outreach director at Faith in Place, an environmental justice nonprofit that works with communities of all faiths across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin in advocating for healthier communities. She currently serves as the co-pastor of Hyde Park Union Church. Learn more here.

Feb. 17: Preserving Our History

The Gary Comer Youth Center will host an event featuring interactive activities provided by the University of Chicago Library and Black Metropolis Research Consortium, such as shadow-box making, “Archivist in a Box,” and digitization services to help preserve personal and community stories for future generations. Explore exhibits featuring rare artifacts, a curated pop-up bookstore, and a panel discussion that includes Vic Mensa. Register here.

Feb. 18: Black History Month: Rooted in Resilience 

UChicago Dining, the Organization of Black Students (OBS), and the African and Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) have collaborated to bring together a night of food and festive celebration of Black culinary tradition. The evening will highlight the significance of Black farmers’ impact on food justice. RSVP here.

Feb. 19: Lunchtime lecture with Prof. Alexia Williams

The Divinity School will host a lecture with Alexia Williams, a scholar of religion and African American studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her work explores how religious communities operate as sites of racial identity formation, political organizing and aesthetic production for Black Americans. Learn more here.

Feb. 19: AAAC Social Justice Talk

In this panel event at the Crown Family School, four eminent scholars, professionals and changemakers will discuss the state of current racial justice issues—ranging from affirmative action to reproductive healthcare. Register here

Feb. 21: Black History Month Urban Innovation Lunch Colloquium

Nedra Sims Fears, director of the Greater Chatham Initiative, will join the Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation to discuss her work. She is an economic development expert who specializes in strategic planning, financial modeling, community development financing, and program management. Her work has helped support and revitalize homes and businesses in the Greater Chatham area. Register here

Feb. 21: UCABA Black History Month Mixer

Join the University of Chicago Association of Black Alumni Board of Directors for a social mixer celebrating Black History Month. This event will honor Black individuals’ salient contributions to our university, our country and the world and will feature great soul food and music. Register here