Chicago's Historic Black Cemetery and Movies

In 1927, Burr Oak Cemetery was established as a proper burial site for thousands of African Americans who moved from the Jim Crow South to the Chicago area during the Great Migration.

In addition to being the final resting place for many prominent Black musicians, athletes, businesswomen, and singers, Burr Oak Cemetery has been featured memorably on the silver screen.

On this live virtual tour, stroll with Chicago Movie Tours across the cemetery's grounds as we discuss the groundbreaking films Cooley High (1975) and Boyz n the Hood (1991). You'll also encounter graves of several Black celebrities and young Emmett Till.