Join the Chicago Public Library in celebrating Black History Month 2025, the theme is "African Americans and Labor." This theme emphasizes the crucial role that work—both free and unfree—has played in shaping the collective experience of Black Americans. From the labor of enslaved Africans in agriculture to the rise of Black entrepreneurship, self-help strategies, and involvement in organized labor movements, Black Americans have made profound contributions to work and industry. This theme will highlight the transformative impact of Black labor, celebrating its significance in history and its ongoing influence across the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora.
Events
See event highlights below and view all Black History Month events.
Featured
Pullman National Historical Park Museum Tour
Monday, February 3, 2025
11:00AM – 12:00PM
Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center
This year, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids (BSCP), founded by A. Philip Randolph, will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It was the first Black union chartered by the American Federation of Labor.
Celebrate Black History Month with a park ranger at Pullman National Historical Park. Discover how Pullman's diverse workforce left their defining marks on US labor history: from the workers building railcars in the factories to the porters who defined the onboard experience.
Chill Crafts: African Print Wooden Bookmarks
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 6
North Austin Branch
Decorate wooden bookmarks in special African prints using acrylic paints and Sharpies.
Labor of Love: A Silent Paint Party
Thursday, February 6, 2025
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Woodson Regional
Using personal earpieces, enjoy a curated playlist featuring soulful music, spoken word, and historical narratives in peaceful silence. Let the legacy of the Black labor movement guide your creativity as you honor their contributions through art.
Zumba: Movement to House Music
Saturday, February 8, 2025
2:30PM – 3:30PM
Woodson Regional
On behalf of the African American Heritage Committee, the Woodson Branch invites you to join a one-of-a-kind Zumba class featuring energizing Chicago House music for a truly enjoyable workout experience!
Navigating the Gig “Side Hustle” Economy: Tools for Success
February 11, 2025
1:00PM – 2:00PM
Woodson Regional
Join us for a program to empower gig workers with practical strategies and valuable resources!
Project Kuumba: Zine Workshop
Thursday, February 13, 2025
5:00PM – 6:30PM
Lincoln Park
Kuumba is a swahili word for creativity. In honor of Black History Month, create a zine about the creative contributions of African Americans. The Teen Librarian will walk you through the steps of making a mini zine using one page but you can make any type of zine that fits your interests and style.
Celebrating Heritage: Jewelry Making Workshop
Saturday, February 15, 2025
2:30PM – 3:30PM
Woodson Regional
Celebrate creativity, heritage, and community while crafting beautiful pieces that reflect the beauty and resilience of Black culture.
Joy Joshua is a jewelry maker and instructor with a successful track record of hosting almost 40 workshops at the Chicago Public Library, servicing over 600 patrons city-wide.
Book Clubs
Black History Month Teen Reads: Book Pick Up
Saturday, February 1, 2025
1:00PM – 5:00PM
Woodson Regional
Chicago History Book Club: Ida A Sword Among Lions
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
6:30PM – 7:30PM
Hosted by the Logan Square Branch, taking place at Easy Does It
Adult Book Discussion: Colored Television
Saturday, February 22, 2025
10:30AM – 12:00PM
Pullman
Online Events
What Every Homeowner Should Know: Taxes
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
6:00PM – 7:00PM
Online event
Unpacking "The Bluest Eye": A Journey Through Themes and Characters
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6:00PM – 7:00PM
Online event
Recommended Reading
Black History Month 2025: Books for Kids
Black History Month 2025: Books for Teens
Black History Month 2025: Books for Adults
Black History: Recent Highlights (February 2025)
