Celebrate MSI’s annual tribute to the culture, heritage and contributions of African Americans in art and innovation.

Black Creativity: 50 Years is a visual timeline that shares the story of the program’s evolution and impact. Premiering 50 years ago as the Black Esthetics arts and culture festival, it showcased the talents of emerging artists and featured theater, dance and musical performances with well-known entertainers from Chicago and beyond. Over the decades, the program expanded to celebrate the contributions of African Americans in the sciences and was renamed Black Creativity, becoming a major winter event at the Museum. New experiences were added, including an exhibit and educational programs.

In addition, guests can learn about pioneering Chicagoans whose work pushed boundaries, including Charles Harrison, the designer of the View-Master, and Black Creativity founding collaborators Chicago Defender photographer Robert (Bobby) A. Sengstacke and artist Douglas A. Williams.

Black Creativity: 50 Years closed in 2020.