Oct 29, 2021 - Things to Do

Bronzeville Historical Society gets a permanent home

Chicago's Bronzeville Historical Society opens with the ReIMAGINE Aunt Jemima exhibit.

Chicago's Bronzeville Historical Society opens with the ReIMAGINE Aunt Jemima exhibit. Courtesy of the Bronzeville Historical Society

Chicago's Bronzeville Historical Society celebrates its official opening in a permanent home Saturday at the Parkway Ballroom building.

Why it matters: Bronzeville is one of Chicago's most important Black neighborhoods and home to some of the city's most influential artists, entrepreneurs and activists.

What's happening: At 1p.m. doors open with music, food and an exhibit called "ReIMAGINE Aunt Jemima."

  • The show explores the life of former slave and Chicagoan Nancy Green, who launched the iconic Aunt Jemima character at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition but finished life buried in an unmarked grave.
  • The Historical Society will then screen "The Black Theater: The Making of a Movement" at 2pm followed by a discussion led by Maséqua Myers.

What they're saying: "I've been looking basically since the beginning to have a space," founder Sherry Williams said in a statement. "Now, I feel ecstatic. I wanted to have a space where I could have everything on display and a space where we could have classrooms, so we can resume quilt-making classes and our Black family history workshops."

If you go: Free, though registration, proof of vaccination and masks are required.

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