Evanston Commemorates "Black History Month"
Black History Month is an observance of the history of the African diaspora in a number of countries outside of Africa. Since 1976, it is observed annually in the United States and Canada in February. Black History Month was begun as Negro History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. His goal was to educate the American people about African-American history, focusing on African Americans' cultural backgrounds and reputable achievements.
Artists Reception: Black History Month Exhibition Jan. 29 at Noyes
Renaissance Reloaded: Art In Black Chicago, Then and Now In Celebration of Black History Month
This exhibition will be curated by Phillip J. Turner and is collaboratively presented by Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center and the City of Evanston’s Cultural Arts Division. It will be on exhibit from January 28 through March 21., 2012.
The Artists Opening Reception for the Black History Month exhibition will be held from 3-5pm on Sun., Jan. 29 at the Noyes Gallery at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. Please visit www.cityofevanston.org/noyesgallery for updated information.
An art exhibition featuring the paintings of Robert L. Turner, Sr. (self-portrait at left) will be on display during February in the upstairs gallery space at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston. Gallery hours are 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
The Center’s upstairs gallery also will be the location of three free events, all of which will begin at 3:00 p.m. 
on Saturdays. On February 4, bluesman Vince Agwada (image at left with guitar) will perform a rare unplugged set, performing music from his amazing collection of blues compositions. On February 11, celebrated author Deanna Burrell will read excerpts from her critically-acclaimed book, Single Girl Summer, followed by a discussion and book signing. Finally, on February 25, the gallery will ring with spoken words from poet Rob Austin.
For more information, please call Fleetwood-Jourdain Center at 847-448-8254.
Northwestern University Events
Black History Month kicks off with a Harambee Celebration from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Norris University Center. Learn more.
Other events at NU's Evanston campus are being finalized; this page will be updated soon!
ETHS Celebrates 9th Annual Evanston Jazz Festival
On Saturday, February 11, the 9th Annual Evanston Jazz Festival at Evanston Township High School (ETHS) welcomes Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, with special guest Victor Goines, to culminate the festival with a sizzling performance of orchestral jazz. The mission of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) is “to present high quality musical performances and music education programs that will bridge gaps in genre, artistry and diversity.” Trumpeter and composer Orbert Davis is co-founder, conductor and artistic director of CJP.
The evening performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 with a set from ETHS’s own Jazz Ensemble. It will be held in the ETHS auditorium, 1600 Dodge Avenue in Evanston. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, students with ID, and seniors. A $50 family ticket covers admission for two adults and up to four children. All seats are reserved. Call (847) 424-7848 or visit www.ethsjazz.com to order tickets online.
African American Literature Discussion: Extraordinary Ordinary People
Tuesday, February 14, 7 pm, Small Meeting Room, Main Library
Condoleeza Rice's graceful memoir, Extraordinary Ordinary People, is a personal, multigenerational look into her own, and our country's, past. With vivid and heartfelt writing, Rice, U.S. secretary of state under George W. Bush, looks back on her grandparents and parents, then moves forward through her own life up to the 2000 election.
Evanston Northwestern Humanities Lecture 
Thursday, February 16, 7 pm, Community Meeting Room, Main Library
Harvey Young Jr, Associate Professor of African-American Studies, Performance Studies, Radio/Television/Film, and Theatre; gives a public lecture: "A Racist Love Note: Stereotypes and Caricatures on Early 20th Century Valentine’s Day Cards". He discusses the imagery of African Americans in early greeting cards and what this says about the larger society's fears and prejudices. Dr. Young is an award-winning author and an internationally recognized authority on African American culture and performing arts.