Tag Archive for: bronzeville

A Black History Scavenger Hunt Through Bronzeville


The Great Migration of 1916 involved African Americans, in the tens of thousands, traveling to Chicago to escape the Jim Crow South and bolster the industrial labor force.

 

“The black population in Chicago more than doubled during World War I to around 100,000. By 1970, as the Great Migration drew to a close, there were one million African Americans in Chicago, a third of the city’s population. Most of these new arrivals to Chicago found themselves living in a narrow strip of blocks on the South Side, stretching from Twenty-second Street down to Fifty-first Street. The neighborhood was initially labeled the “Black Belt” or the “Black Ghetto,” but an African American writer suggested calling it “Bronzeville,” a name that many residents found less insulting.”

– “Chicago and the Great Migration, 1915–1950.” Digital Collections for the Classroom – February 24, 2021, https://dcc.newberry.org/?p=14436

 

Although Chicago did not have the same official discriminatory laws that African Americans were fleeing from, that was primarily due to the fact that there was not a large Black population initially. Once that shifted, culturally, the caste system of the South was still ever present in the North. However, Black History Month is NOT about rehashing the American history of discrimination and suffering but celebrating the accomplishments of Black people who persevered and succeeded when all the odds were (and are) against them. And Chicago, particularly Bronzeville, is brimming with remembrance.

 

Bronzeville IS Chicago Black History, and the goal today is to encourage you to venture out, with children in tow, to immerse yourself in the history of your own city. Due to the pandemic, the included map and scavenger hunt can be more of a walking tour of historical landmarks. Or, if you’re comfortable, a more immersive experience by visiting the museums, galleries, and local restaurants!

 

Please enjoy these coloring pages designed in collaboration with Hopscotch City while you explore Bronzeville and appreciate the Black History that built this great city! And remember to tag us! @whatshouldwedotodaychicago

 

 

Here are the top landmarks to explore throughout the area:

 

  1. Bronzeville Children’s Museum Although outside the bounds of Bronzeville officially, this museum is the first and only African American children’s museum in the U.S.
    • Named after historic Bronzeville, the museum focuses on African American culture and history.
  2. DuSable Museum of African American HistoryAnother America first thanks to Chicago!
    • DuSable Museum of African American History is the nation’s first independent museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and study of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent.
    • “Chicago is a city rich in African-American History, and the Museum’s namesake comes from Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Haitian of African and French descent, who in 1779 established the trading post and permanent settlement which would become known as Chicago.”
  3. Obama Family Home
    • 5046 S. Greenwood Ave
  4. Obama Kissing Rock
    • The corner of Dorchester Ave & 53rd St.
    • A plaque across from a Subway is where President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama had their first kiss
  5. Harold Washington Cultural CenterOriginally the grounds held The Regal, a former historic black theatre. It played host to the most prominent icons in African-American music such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington regularly.
    • Now an education and performing arts center named after Chicago’s first black mayor.
  6. Gallery Guichard“Andre Guichard, Frances Guichard and Stephen Mitchell, opened the gallery in 2005 with the mission to expose patrons to multicultural artists specializing in the African Diaspora. Through fine art exhibitions, experiential events, and art tours, Gallery Guichard gives emerging underrepresented talent and mid-career artists an opportunity to develop their imagination and creativity.”
  7. Louis Armstrong House
    • 421 E. 44th Street
    • “Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans into extreme
      poverty. He learned to play the cornet while serving a
      sentence for delinquency. After eight years of playing
      in clubs and on riverboats, Armstrong moved to Chicago
      to join Joe “King” Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band.”
    • The home is a private residence but there is a memorial plaque on the outside of the building.
  8. Nat King Cole Home
    • While living at 4023 South Vincennes Ave, Nat King Cole played amateur clubs in Chicago like the Savoy Ballroom and Regal Theatre.
  9. South Side Community Art Center“Founded in 1940, SSCAC is the oldest African American art center in the United States and is a Chicago Historic Landmark. While taking pride in our rich past, we today build on our legacy and innovatively serve as an artist- and community-centered resource with programs, exhibitions and events that inspire.”
  10. Wabash Avenue YMCA“Only the Wabash Avenue YMCA can claim itself as the undisputed birthplace of Black History Month. Located in the heart of the historic Bronzeville district and often referred to as the “Colored `Y’ ” during its heyday, the five-story building was where historian Carter G. Woodson and three buddies developed the notion that if whites learned more about the contributions of blacks, the races would get along better. The result of those meetings was “Negro History Week,” first observed 70 years ago.” – Sabrina Miller from the Chicago Tribune
  11. Chicago Bee BuildingThis building originally housed The Chicago Bee, an African American newspaper.
    • Built and founded by Anthony Overton, the first black cosmetics maker to be in Woolworth drug stores and the first African American to lead a major business conglomerate.
    • The building is now a branch of the Chicago Public Library
  12. Overton Hygienic BuildingThe headquarters of the aforementioned cosmetics company from Anthony Overton.
    • Overton was responsible for State Street being “The Black Wall Street.”
    • “The building also housed the Douglass National Bank, the first nationally chartered, African American owned bank. The Overton Hygienic Building not only housed Overton’s empire, it also provided rental space for other Black professionals, including lawyers, doctors, and architects.”
  13. Ida B. Wells House
    • 3624 S. Martin Luther King Dr.
    • “After settling in Chicago, Wells-Barnett founded the Negro Fellowship League for black men, the first kindergarten for black children, and, in 1913, the first suffrage club for black women.”
    • Ida B. Wells is known for documenting and speaking out against the lynchings that were occurring across the country and championing anti-lynching legislation.
    • Congress has never passed anti-lynching legislation to this day.
  14. Victory Monument
    • 35th Street and King Drive
    • “This structure was erected to honor the meritorious achievements of the Eighth Regiment of the Illinois National Guard, an African-American unit that served in France during World War I as part of the 370th U.S. Infantry.”
  15. Eighth Regiment Armory
    • 3519 South Giles
    • “The Armory was constructed in 1915 to provide refuge for the all black 9th Infantry Battalion, which fought in the Poncho Villa Campaign at the Mexican border. It was later reorganized as the 8th Infantry and was comprised of “all black” officers and soldiers from the State of Illinois which fought in France during WWI.”
    • The armory is now home to the Chicago Military Academy
  16. Sunset Cafe
    • 315 E. 35th St
    • Later known as The Grand Terrace Cafe, The Sunset Cafe was a famous jazz club in Chicago.
    • Considered a “Black and Tan” club where minorities could mingle with authorities without (as) much fear.
    • Also the club where Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Cab Calloway, and many more graced audiences with their music.
    • A plaque on the side of the building commemorates this historical site.
  17. Chicago Defender Building
    • 3435 S. Indiana Ave
    • A former Jewish synagogue which housed The Chicago Defender newspaper from 1920 – 1960
    • This newspaper is partially responsible for encouraging southern Blacks to migrate North for work opportunities as well as campaigned for equality and against Jim Crow violence.
  18. Unity Hall
    • 3140 S. Indiana Ave
    • Chicago’s first African-American alderman and the nations first Black congressman, Oscar dePriest, established The People’s Movement Club and moved it into what is now known as Unity Hall.
  19. Monument to the Great Northern Migration
    • 2600 S. Martin Luther King Drive
    • Alison Saar’s 1994 sculpture depicts a traveler whose entire outfit is made out of the soles of his worn out shoes. He is pointed northward, hand raised, luggage in hand. Representing all of the Black travelers who comprised of The Great Migration.
    • The sculpture is situated at the historic entrance to Bronzeville.

 

From The Monument to the Great Migration, follow the Bronzeville Walk of Fame! The 91 bronze plaques on sidewalks and medians along 35th street commemorate former neighborhood residents who have made contributions to Bronzeville and the African American community at large.

 

Chicago Black Owned Restaurants

 

  • Mustard Seed Kitchen49 E Cermak
    • Meet this American Takeout concept created by James Beard-nominated Chef Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant. ⁣
    • According to @chigirlabouttown for Black History Month they are serving their Fried Chicken Box in a historical shoebox!
  • Brown Sugar Bakery328 E. 75th St & Navy Pier
    • “Southern-style bakeshop specializing in traditional sweet treats & custom cakes.”
  • Two Fish Crab Shack641 E 47th St.
    • “We offer a distinct ambiance to enjoy the finest and freshest seafood around! Two Fish Crab Shack is a great place to hang out with friends, family, or both! No plates… no utensils! Just your hands, a bib, and our unique and absolutely irresistible Two Fish sauces – a selection of 3 The Chi-Way, Garlic Butter, Lemon Pepper, Cajun and Jerk flavors – over freshly prepared seafood that will give your taste buds satisfaction unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted.”
  • Kitchen + Kocktails444 N Wabash
    • “Kitchen + Kocktails will focus on nicely plated comfort foods, including flavored fried chicken and lobster tails, shrimp and grits, creative waffles and other southern classics made with a twist.”
  • Cleo’s Southern Cuisine4248 South Cottage Grove
    • “Cleo’s Southern Cuisine contemporary Chicago based restaurant and catering company founded by Chef Kristen Ashley.”
  • 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar1644 E 53rd St.
    • “Enjoy delicious Caribbean inspired cuisine paired with fun and innovative cocktails. With over 100 Rhums, Rums, and Rons on our bar we are committed to becoming your favorite staycation destination.”
  • Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea8344 S. Halsted
  • Phlavz717 W Maxwell St & 24 Orland Sq. Drive, 2014 E. 87th St
    • Phlavz is your go-to spot for the most unique jerk fusion menu in Chicago!
  • Dozzy’s Grill305 E. Garfield
    • “We believe that access to West African cuisine and hospitality is attainable on Chicago’s south side. The experience we curate with Retreat at Currency Exchange Cafe is complete with coffee service, full bar, complimentary high speed internet, evening entertainment on Thursdays and Fridays.”
  • Soulé1931 W Chicago Ave
    • “We welcome you to Chicago’s West Town; home of the best creole-infused soul food delights on the planet. Our vision is bigger than food. We exist in celebration of culture and community…”
  • Provaré1421 W. Chicago Ave
    • Pasta made fresh in house!
  • The Bureau Bar & Restaurant2115 S State St
    • “The menu boasts a range of bar staples and quintessential soul-food dishes like Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, and collard greens.”
  • Bureau Pizza Co719 S. State St.
    • The South Loop’s Newest Pizza Spot!
  • Luella’s Southern Kitchen4609 N. Lincoln Ave
    • Best fried chicken in Chicago!

Juneteenth in Chicago 2022


June 19th is the REAL freedom day when the word that slavery had ended finally reached the enslaved people of Galveston, TX.

A holiday just as important as the 4th of July, and with Chicago being a major destination of freed African Americans

fleeing the Jim Crow south in the Great Migration, this is the perfect city to celebrate in!

 

 

Here are some fantastic ways to celebrate this weekend!

 

 

 

Juneteenth Story Time

  • Remember our virtual story time from 2020? If you can’t make it out to any of the below events, watch our Colors of Chicago story time of Juneteenth For Maisie!

 

Clear The Shelves w/ Semicolon and Kido!

  • June 18th, 2022 from 10 AM – 1 PM
  • 150 WEST, located in the Roosevelt Collection Shops at 1023 S. Delano Ct.
  • Free books, toys, and good vibes for kids!
  • If you have or know of a CPS student or child in need, register! They will be giving away books for all ages and baby gear.
  • “Since the first donation, we’ve given away over $650k worth of books to Chicago’s students! While it isn’t always what’s best for turning a profit-it IS always best for the literacy levels of families who cannot otherwise afford access to books that they can keep for a lifetime.”

 

Juneteenth at Bronzeville Children’s Museum

  • Saturday, June 18th from 1 -3 PM
  • 9301 S. Stony Island Ave
  • $5 per person, members free
  • Masks required
  • Crafts, storytelling, live music, and more!

 

Juneteenth: The Celebration

  • Harold Washington Cultural Center: 4701 S. King Dr.
  • 6-19-22 at 1:00 PM
  • “M.A.D.D. Rhythms returns on SundayJune 19 at 1 p.m. with the arts partners of the Harold Washington Cultural Center and Bronzeville businesses, for its annual Juneteenth celebration. This afternoon celebration includes live dance, DJ and music, complimentary food, workshops, raffles, art and children’s activities.”
  • Performances by M.A.D.D Rhythms, Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre, Blu Rhythms Cru, Broadway In Bronzeville, The Happiness Club, & Chicago Tap Theatre

 

Beverly / Morgan Park Juneteenth Family Festival

  • Saturday, June 18th 2022
  • Beverly / Morgan Park: 110th Place and Longwood
  • 11 AM – 7 PM
    • Storytelling
    • African Djembe Drumming Lessons
    • Thrive Cardio Dancing
    • African Dancing
    • Vendors
    • Food
    • Music
    • Live Entertainment
    • Activities for Kids and the Entire Family
    • And So Much More…

 

1865 Fest

  • Friday – Sunday, June 17th – 19th 2022
  • GARFIELD PARK’S MUSIC COURT DRIVE (THE CIRCLE) MADISON & MONROE/HAMLIN & CENTRAL PARK, CHICAGO, IL
  • Friday:
    • 3 PM: Military Honors & Flag Raising Ceremony
    • 6 PM: Night Light Football
  • Saturday & Sunday:
    • 11 AM – 8 PM
    • “The Circle” Family activities & workshops
  • Sunday
    • 12 PM: Fathers Day Grill and Live Entertainment

 

Juneteenth “Community Recommitment” Celebration

  • Monday, June 20th 11 AM – 10 PM
  • “Neighborhood parade starts at 9 AM at Gately Stadium Park. The parade will conclude at the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum entrance (817 East 104th Street, between Corliss & Maryland Ave) followed by a community festival that will take place on the museum grounds, Corliss, and Butler College Prep directly across the street from the Museum.”
  • “Our annual free celebratory event will have something for everyone including live performances, vendors, speakers and interactive activities for children,” said NAPRPPM President David Peterson, Jr. “The goal of this event is to create a festive environment in the community, where individuals or, the whole family can come out to enjoy and celebrate African-American history, heritage, and culture.”

 

Juneteenth Festival On The Square

  • June 19th at 1 PM
  • 1016 North Dearborn Street
  • “Congo Square Theatre presents its 2022 Festival on the Square–a celebration of arts, healing, and Black joy, including live music, theatrical readings, and much more!”

 

Dusable Museum of African American History

  • Saturday, June 18th: 10 am
    • The DuSable Museum of African American History is entering a new era. After more than 60 years, the nation’s first independent museum of Black history will unveil exciting new changes during a special announcement and media event on June 18. The historic announcement event will feature speeches from various museum executives and board members such as DuSable President and CEO Perri Irmer, along with other special guests.”
    • Following Dr. Irmer’s remarks, the museum will be FREE and open to the public from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 19th: 11 am – 8 pm
    • The Juneteenth BBQ & Block Party
    • “The DuSable Museum and Chance the Rapper present The Juneteenth BBQ & Block Party! A family Affair!
      Come for the Good Conversations, Special Performances, History + Art + Food + Fashion.”

 

Civil War to Civil Rights at Oak Woods Cemetery

  • Sunday June 19th & Monday June 20th at 1 PM
  • Advance reservations required
  • 1035 E. 67th St., by the S. Greenwood Ave. gate
  • “Hear the stories behind the people buried at the beautiful and tranquil Oak Woods Cemetery on Chicago’s South Side, from important local African Americans who fought for Civil Rights to Confederate prisoners of war.”

 

Freedom Ride Chicago

  • Saturday June 18th from 12-2
  • This two (2) hour bike ride will start at the Harold’s Chicken, 35th and Indiana (located in Bronzeville) at 12:00pm, and end at Harold’s Chicken #88, 1450 South Michigan. at approximately 2:00pm. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the end of the ride!

 

Chicago Mahogany Tours

  • Come explore Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood w/ Dilla!
  • Book online to reserve a time slot for Saturday June 18th or Sunday June 19th
  • “Visit sites like the birth place of Black History Month, the Eighth Infantry Armory, and the Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Building. Gain a better perspective of the historic south side and learn how it changed the world. From the 1st open heart surgery, to Ida B. Wells-Barnett mansion there is a ton of history to be seen. And we can’t forget Pilgrim Baptist Church, which is consider the birth place of gospel music.”

 

The Woodlawn’s Juneteenth Block Party

  • Sunday, June 19th from 12 PM – 10 PM
  • The Woodlawn 1200: 1200 East 79th Street Chicago
  • Rooftop parties, spoken word, live music, cultural activities, kids club, and more!
  • Purchase tickets online

 

Opal’s National Walk For Freedom

  • Saturday, June 18th, 2022
  • Evanston
  • The parade will start route at 10 a.m. staging at the Robert Crown Center area lot. Parade will travel down Dodge street and end at the Civic Center parking lot (Ingraham Park) with additional festivities food and vendors.
  • “Juneteenth, now officially Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people which occurred two and a half years after the emancipation proclamation and originated in Galveston, Texas.”

 

Oak Park’s Juneteenth Celebration

  • June 19th at 11 AM
  • “Oak Park’s Juneteenth celebration culminates with a parade and community cookout on Sunday, June 19. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. from Longfellow Park near Jackson Boulevard and will march north on Ridgeland Avenue to Augusta Street. Community groups and organizations are invited to participate in the parade.”
  • Following the parade, a community cookout will be held starting at 1 p.m. at Taylor Park, 400 Division St.

 

Berwyn Juneteenth Fest

  • June 18th, 2021 from 12 -7 PM
  • Proksa Park, 3001 Wisconsin Ave
  • “Happy Juneteenth! Our goal is to infuse Black Lives Matter & Black Liberation content with Black Music Month into a celebration of life and manifestation of freedom while showcasing unity.
    Please join us in advocating and in celebrating!”
  • Children’s activities include:
    • Bouncy house
    • Seed planting station
    • Biodiversity maze
    • Obstacle course / scavenger hunt
    • Face painting

 

Juneteenth Pier 31 Fest (All Day Beach Bash)

  • June 19th. 10 AM – 10 PM
  • 3100 S. Lake Shore Drive
  • DJs, beach games for all ages, and reservable beach tents!
  • “Everyone’s invited to join us at PIER FEST 2022 to celebrate the freedom and power of Black Ownership.”

 

Eat at a Black owned restaurant. The full list of restaurants is available at the Black People Eats Instagram account: 

  • Juneteenth restaurant list drops on Thursday, June 16th!

 

Don’t forget about our Bronzeville Scavenger Hunt!

  • Thousands of African Americans fled the Jim Crow south and created a Black metropolis in the Bronzeville area of Chicago.
  • Juneteenth is the perfect day to explore this historical area and our scavenger hunt from Black History Month is a wonderful way to explore!

 

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A Black History Scavenger Hunt Through Bronzeville


Explore all Bronzeville has to offer with this compilation of historical sites. Including a free coloring printable for the kids!


Juneteenth in Chicago 2022


Juneteenth is a holiday just as important as the 4th of July, and with Chicago being a major destination of freed African Americans fleeing the Jim Crow south in the Great Migration, this is the perfect city to celebrate in! Enjoy all of these family friendly events this weekend! How will you choose just one?


Ways To Celebrate Juneteenth in Chicago


Celebrate the real freedom day this weekend by selecting one (or more) of these amazing Juneteenth events going on in Chicago!