Evanston community members are invited to celebrate Black History Month at a variety of events in Evanston this February.
“Black Evanstonian History Makers Up Close”
Monday, February 4, 7 p.m.
Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Art Gallery, 2nd floor, 2100 Ridge Ave.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre (FJT) and Shorefront present a conversation with FJT founder Gloria Bond Clunie; “Big” Sam Johnson, owner of the Church Street Barbershop; and ETHS honor student Chloe Smith.
This event is free and open to the public. Light snacks and beverages will be served.
“The Whipping Man” stage reading
Sunday, February 10, 3 p.m.
Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 2nd Floor Gallery, 927 Noyes St.
The Center for the Church and the Black Experience at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Northwestern University, and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre will host the stage reading of the emotionally potent play, “The Whipping Man,” by Matthew Lopez. The stage reading will be followed by a lively discussion about the play’s themes.
This event is free and open to the public. Light snacks and beverages will be served.
“All Hail The Queen”
Sunday, February 24, 3 p.m.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
This is a soul-stirring tribute concert to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, featuring the powerhouse singer Qiana McNary and The McNary Experience Band.
Advanced tickets are $20 online at fjtheatre.com and $30 at the door. Attendees can enjoy a post-concert reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres.
For more information and events, visit cityofevanston.org/blackhistorymonth or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.