Glencoe’s reception on Feb. 25 and other local programs to enjoy during Black History Month

Local organizations are offering a variety of events and resources to mark Black History Month and it is not too late to get involved.

The Glencoe Historical Society is celebrating Black History Month and honoring the 140th anniversary of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church — a local institution founded by Homer Wilson, Glencoe’s first Black homeowner — with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, at the historical museum, 375 Park Ave. The event will also showcase the museum’s standing Black Heritage Exhibit, which debuted in 2022. Tickets, which benefit the museum, can be purchased online.

Submissions for the Village of Wilmette’s annual Black History Month art contest (poster, essay/poetry, and multimedia/music) contest are due Thursday, Feb. 15.

Baha’i House of Worship, 100 Linden Ave. in Wilmette, is hosting a series of events to celebrate the month. Helen Butler will lead a conversation about the life of Robert Turner, the first African-American Baha’i, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, and organization’s monthly Art On A Cart gathering, set for 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, will honor Black history.

The Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road, has curated a collection of resources on the Black American experience. The exhibits include information on Civil Rights on the North Shore and other topics. The museum is open from 1-4:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays.

The Wilmette Public Library also has a busy calendar of Black History Month programs for children, teens and adults. The library also announced the screening of “Trial in the Delta — The Murder of Emmett Till” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 22 at Wayfarer Theatre, 1800 2nd St. in Highland Park. This film was adapted from the once missing trial transcripts. The special presentation will conclude with an audience conversation.

The Winnetka Public Library is telling the story of legendary musician Bob Marley from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15. Registration is open for this virtual event that will use performance and interview clips to trace the arc of Marley’s career. 

Over at the Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., guests can find displays featuring selected books, music, movies and more to honor and celebrate the history and contributions of Black Americans. The library is aligning with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture’s theme, “African Americans and the Arts.”

Additionally, the library’s online resources, particularly kanopy, hoopla and National Geographic KIDS! have curated music, movies, ebooks, audiobooks, comics and more for Black History Month.

The Art Center Highland Park welcomes all to The Roots of Black Dance in America from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, a family-friendly event in partnership with Urban Gateways. The event will explore the evolution of Black dance in America from traditional African to concert jazz dance. “Through the course of the show, audiences will discover how movement and expression can create community,” the event listing says.

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