The Chicago Public Library is pleased to announce that we are entering the programming phase of the Renaissance Project, an initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation to increase access to archival materials that reflect Chicago’s rich Black history. These intergenerational programs, offered from April-June, will shine a spotlight on lesser-known African American voices and bring the library’s extensive archives to life through engaging workshops and performances.
From creating Lego models that honor Dr. Leonidas Berry, organizer of the Flying Black Medics, to crafting hairpieces inspired by the trailblazing entrepreneur Marjorie Stewart Joyner, there’s something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Each workshop and performance will offer a brief introduction on the individual or organization that inspired the program and highlight archival materials from the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Woodson Regional Library and Special Collections at Harold Washington Library Center.
Events
These programs are free and open to the public and can be found on our website under the Renaissance Project program type. Event highlights are below.
Featured
A Musical Tribute to Chicago’s Black Classical Heritage
This piano performance and presentation will explore Chicago’s Black classical music heritage centering two organizations: the Chicago-based National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM) founded in 1919, and the Chicago Musical College. Piano and vocal works by renowned Chicago-based composers with ties to these Chicago institutions will be performed.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 6:00PM – 7:30PM: Blackstone
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6:00PM – 7:00PM: Back of the Yards
Advertising and Storytelling: A Photography Workshop
Participants will examine samples of advertising copy sourced from Ebony & Jet magazines to investigate historical advertisements and discuss the importance of storytelling. It will feature a Photography 101 instructional program with photographer Arion Davis.
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 2:00PM – 3:30PM: Harold Washington Library Center
Meet Dr. Leonidas Berry: Make a Plane Workshop
This program is a family friendly program designed to learn about the life and work of Dr. Leonidas Berry, organizer of the Flying Black Medics. As an introduction to his collection and his impact in Chicago, participants will be putting together a model plane like the ones used by the Flying Black Medics.
Monday, April 28, 2025, 5:30PM – 6:30PM: Manning
Meet Charles C. Dawson: Diorama Workshop
An influential Chicago artist in the 1920s and ’30s, Charles Clarence Dawson was widely known for his illustrated advertisements. This is a hands-on workshop where participants immerse themselves in the art of storytelling through dioramas. Materials will be provided, and participants will work on their own projects.
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00PM – 7:00PM: Brainerd
Friday, May 16, 2025, 3:30PM – 4:30PM: Independence
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 2:00PM – 3:00PM: McKinley Park
Meet Marjorie Stewart Joyner: Hair Ornament Workshop
Participants will explore the life and legacy of Marjorie Stewart Joyner, a pioneering figure in Chicago's beauty culture. After the engaging lecture, jeweler Joy Joshua will lead a workshop where participants can design their own unique bejeweled hair ornaments.
Monday, May 5, 2025, 5:00PM – 6:00PM: Chinatown
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 5:00PM – 6:00PM: Wrightwood-Ashburn
Saturday, May 10, 2025, 1:00PM – 2:00PM: Hall
Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 5:00PM – 7:00PM: Chicago Bee
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 2:00PM – 4:00PM: Kelly
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 4:00PM – 6:00PM: West Town
Friday, May 30, 2025, 1:00PM – 2:00PM: Chicago Lawn
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 2:00PM – 3:00PM: Near North
These programs were made possible with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
Archives
We invite you to explore more materials at the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Woodson Regional Library and the Special Collections at Harold Washington Library Center, which inspired programming for the Renaissance Project.
Select materials from CPL’s archives have been digitized and can be found in our online digital collections.