Waukegan, Illinois (February 1, 2023) – The Waukegan Park District will celebrate Black History Month with special programming throughout the month of February. The programs and events will honor African Americans and their contributions to arts, culture, and local history. Preregistration is required for some programs.

The following programs and events will be offered during Black History Month:

• Waukegan’s African American Historical Sites Self-Guided Tour on the Waukegan History Museum Companion App available on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 (Free) The Waukegan History Museum Companion App will feature a self-guided tour that will take users to important historic sites that help tell Waukegan’s African American story.
• Waukegan’s African American Past Pop-Up Exhibit on Display from Thursday, February 2, 2023 to Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at the Haines House Museum (Free) The pop-up exhibit will feature stories of Waukegan’s African American past, including the Underground Railroad, early pioneers and leaders, the segregated community of Frog Island, and the desegregation of Whittier School.
• Black History Celebration on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 3pm to 5pm at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts (Free)
  From musical and dance performances to dramatic readings, the celebration will feature live performances from African American artists. Preregistration is not required.
• Black History Month Banner Craft on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 6pm to 7pm at the Belvidere Recreation Center ($5/$7)*
  Participants will learn about the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans while creating a banner that will be displayed at the Belvidere Recreation Center.
• Soul Food with Sylvia on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 11am to 1pm at the Jane Addams Center ($6/$8)*
  Sylvia England, Founder and Executive Director of the African American Museum at the England Manor, will demonstrate the cooking of a traditional soul food dish. Preregistration is required.

*Resident and nonresident fees are listed in the following order: Resident Fee/Nonresident Fee.

In addition, the Waukegan History Museum will be offering free outreach programs for local classes and community organizations: “Waukegan and the Underground Railroad” and “Influential African Americans in Waukegan”.

More information about the Waukegan Park District’s special programming during Black History Month is available at waukeganparks.org/blackhistorymonth.