On Saturday, February 28th from 12-2pm, Shorefront will close out this year’s Black History Lecture Series with our fourth and final session. This session will discuss the emergence of Creole culture in New Orleans following Haiti’s independence in 1804 which led to a mass migration of Haitians to New Orleans.
Come enjoy some Creole and Haitian cuisine made by two of the panelists Creole Chef Byron Glapion and Haitian Chef Daniel Desir. The other two panelists will be Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste and Entrepreneur Gabrielle J. Walker-Aguilar!
When: February 28th, 2026 from 12pm-2pm
Where: Levy Center – 300 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
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On Thursday, February 26th at 7pm, Evanston SPACE will be closing out Black History Month with a performance by The Blind Boys of Alabama. We are supporting this event by offering a TICKET GIVEAWAY for two tickets. We are currently advertising this on our socials, though if any of you would like to apply for the tickets, send me an email at laurice@shorefrontlegacy.org and please spread the word to fellow music-enjoyers!
When: Thursday, February 26th – doors at 7pm
Where: Evanston SPACE – 1243 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
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On Saturday, February 21st at 7pm, join the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre for “That Art Thing We Do”, a conversation with three Black Evanston artists which Laurice Bell will be moderating. The artists include Vocalist/Author: Dejah Gomez, Textile Artist/Writer: Melissa Blount, Designer/Letterpress Printer: Ben Blount. This conversation will allow the artists to share a bit about their artistic journeys, and offer insight into each of their unique perspectives in relation to creativity. – RSVP for “That Art Thing We Do”
When: Saturday, February 21st at 7pm
Where: Noyes Cultural Arts Center – 927 Noyes St, Evanston, IL 60201
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On Saturday,February 21st, from 9:30am-2:30pm, The Evanston Reparations Committee Working Groups are bringing a range of resources to the Evanston community through its Learning Hub and Housing Expo. As written in the flyer, the Learning Hub and Housing Expo will feature information on housing, scholarships, grants, school programs, businesses, and financial literacy. Open to all Evanston residents, the expo will offer practical advice, free giveaways, and a complimentary lunch.
When: February 21st, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Evanston Township High School – 1600 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
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On Thursday, February 19 at 5 PM, Shorefront Legacy Center teamed up with the Rotary Club for a special screening of “Stolen School”. This powerful documentary explores the 1967 closure of Evanston’s all-Black Foster School, a decision made in the name of desegregation that sent children from the 5th Ward to schools across the city. Closing the neighborhood school removed a central community anchor, weakening cohesion, connections, and the vitality of Black-owned businesses and pathways to economic opportunity.
As a new Foster School is built, this film acknowledges decades of disinvestment and affirms the central role of schools as living institutions of learning, belonging, and community life.
Following the 36 minute film, Shorefront’s Laurice Bell, joined by Kimberly Holmes-Ross, and Terri Shepard, and Gilo Kwesi Logan will lead a community talkback. Together, we will reflect on what this history teaches us today, and what rebuilding a neighborhood school can and should restore.
When: Thursday, February 19th at 5 PM
Where: Rotary International Auditorium | 1560 Sherman Ave., 3rd Fl. Auditorium
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