Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds
Tue, Feb 24
|Orland Park Public Library
Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them
Time and Location
Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST
Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA
About
This hour-long talk is perfect for Black History Month or any time of year you’d like to highlight the vital contributions of African Americans to film history.
In the first half of the program, you’ll discover Something Good—Negro Kiss, a silent film capturing what is believed to be the first onscreen kiss by a Black couple. The movie traces its origins to a nineteenth-century Chicago studio, whose remnants you’ll visit virtually through original HD video.
Chicago’s cinematic legacy continues beyond the studio lot. You'll also learn about Burr Oak Cemetery and its significance to Black history here in Chicago and beyond. Again, through HD video, you’ll walk the cemetery’s hallowed grounds as you learn about groundbreaking films such as Cooley High (1975) and Boyz n the Hood (1991).
This presentation is a meaningful way to celebrate Black filmmakers and stories—whether during Black History Month or throughout the year.
REGISTER HERE
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