Arts and Culture Archives

Story of Black Rail Workers Inspired by Historical Events told in New Drama “The Porter”

Danielle Sanders - May 14, 2022

Set in the early 1920s, “The Porter” follows the journeys of train porters who hustle, dream, cross borders, and pursue their ambitions in the...

This Week In Black History May 11 – 17, 2022

May 11, 2022

May 11 1933—Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan is born Eugene Walcott on this day in the Bronx, N.Y. He was raised by his St....

This Week In Black History April 20-26

April 20, 2022

April 20 1871—The Third Enforcement Act is enacted. The Act was designed to give the president greater powers to suppress the actions of terrorist organizations...

Black Artists Get Ready to Shine at Expo Chicago

Site Editor - April 5, 2022

The Chicago Black art ecosystem is strong and global. From The American Negro Exposition in 1940; to the formation of the South Side Community...

“Fire Shut Up in My Bones” Debuts at Lyric Opera

Danielle Sanders - March 23, 2022

Photo Credit: Will Liverman and the company of Fire Shut Up in My Bones - photo Ken Howard Met Opera Fire Shut Up in My...

ChiArts Alumna Shaqui Reed: Arts, Advocacy and Education

LaShawn Williams, Contributing Writer - March 8, 2022

Shaqui Reed truly has a story to tell; drawing from her mission to uplift Black culture with her award-winning work, this artist, designer, and...

Sankofa African American 3D Museum Launches

Tammy Gibson (SankofaTravelHer) - March 3, 2022

The Sankofa African American 3D Museum, the first African American virtual museum, launched Friday, February 25th. Tamiko Chambers, team member and the founder of...

Black Roses Poetically Honors Black Women

LaShawn Williams, Contributing Writer - March 1, 2022

For poet Harold Green III, honoring Black women is both a mission and a movement; in his new book, Black Roses, he dedicates a...

Robert Battle on The Legacy and Future of Alvin Ailey

Danielle Sanders - March 1, 2022

Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Robert Battle, Photo Credit: Andrew Eccles Dancer, Choreographer, and Artistic Director, Robert Battle’s journey to the top of...

Women’s History Month Celebrated by Smithsonian Museum of African American History

Site Editor - March 1, 2022

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is offering virtual programs for all ages...