Black Educational Events in Naperville, IL

Join Black Educational Events in Naperville, IL providing educational opportunities for your community. These events offer learning experiences that honor cultural heritage while helping members of the Black community develop new skills and knowledge.

Black History Future Folk Symposium: Dunham & the Diaspora

A FREE 2-day Chicago symposium celebrating Katherine Dunham & the Diaspora through a keynote address, performances, panels & workshops!! Old Town School of Folk Music is hosting its 3rd annual Black History Future Folk Symposium. Produced by our Community Ventures Department, each year this symposium draws inspiration from the definition of folk music provided by Folk Alliance International: “Folk is the music of the people, reflective of any community where they are from.” The theme for 2026 is Katherine Dunham and the African Diaspora. Focusing on the prolific Chicago legacy of Katherine Dunham, this free two-day Symposium will invite participants of all ages to participate in open, accessible, and rigorous discussions about the intersections of Black history, liberated futures, and folk practices. Through presentations, panel discussions, participatory workshops, and performances, 2026’s Symposium will cultivate fertile ground for deep theoretical and embodied understandings of afro-diasporic dance and music. SCHEDULE Friday, April 17, 2026 • 6:00 - 8:30 PM 📍 Old Town School Lincoln Square Campus – Myron R. Szold Concert Hall | 4545 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 6:00–7:15 PM • Opening Keynote Speaker: Heather Beal 7:30–8:30 PM • Dunham from Haiti to New Orleans Opening Performance: Featuring Tamboula & the Windy City Ramblers with choreography by Stacy “Jukeboxx” Letrice & Daniel Desir

Friday, 17, 18.00 - Friday, 17, 20.30 Chicago, IL _$25

Black Writers Weekend 2026 The Pop Up Experience - Chicago

✈️ CHI bound! Join us at Da Book Joint for a Dear Black Writers screening and networking. Black Writers Weekend Pop-Up is an intimate creative gathering designed to celebrate and connect Black storytellers across disciplines. This special event features an exclusive screening of Dear Black Writers, a dynamic artist panel with creatives from books, film, and media, and a curated creative mixer for meaningful networking. The pop-up creates space for conversation, collaboration, and community—bringing writers and creatives together to share insights, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections in a supportive, inspiring environment.

Saturday, 23, 17.00 - Saturday, 23, 21.00 Chicago, IL _$25

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Annual Douglass and Wells Lecture

The purpose of this annual lecture is to help all people appreciate the distinctive theological and spiritual contributions that African American followers of Jesus have made to the church and the world. Central to the lecture series is the conviction that one does not have to choose between a high view of Scripture, deep commitment to Jesus, and a concern for justice. These elements—personal piety, concern for justice, and love for God’s word—have always been hallmarks of the central stream of the Black Christian tradition. About our Guest: Reverend Dr. Charlie Dates The Reverend Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is a dynamic and visionary preacher, scholar, and civic leader. His ministry unites people longing for change across generational and racial divides through the clear and compelling proclamation of the Gospel. Dr. Dates serves as the Senior Pastor of both Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago and the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago—a unique calling that places him at the helm of two of the most storied and influential Black churches in the nation. Under his leadership, both congregations are experiencing vibrant renewal—spiritually, structurally, and socially—as they strengthen their prophetic witness to the city and the world.

Tuesday, 10, 18.30 - Tuesday, 10, 20.00 Naperville, IL _$25