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The Chicago Public Library is set to begin the Renaissance Project, supported by the Mellon Foundation, focusing on increasing access to Black history archival materials in the city. This program, running from April to June, will highlight lesser-known African American figures through workshops and performances.
Participants will engage in activities such as building Lego models honoring Dr. Leonidas Berry and crafting hairpieces in tribute to entrepreneur Marjorie Stewart Joyner. Events will incorporate brief introductions of the inspiring individuals or organizations using materials from the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at the Woodson Regional Library and Special Collections at the Harold Washington Library Center.
The "Musical Tribute to Chicago’s Black Classical Heritage" will feature piano performances and presentations examining Black classical music, highlighting the Chicago-based National Association of Negro Musicians and the Chicago Musical College. This event will take place at Blackstone on April 23 and Back of the Yards on May 13.
An "Advertising and Storytelling: A Photography Workshop" on historical ads from Ebony & Jet magazines, facilitated by photographer Arion Davis, will be held on April 24 at the Harold Washington Library Center.
A "Meet Dr. Leonidas Berry: Make a Plane Workshop" will take place on April 28 at Manning, allowing families to learn about Dr. Berry's contributions and assemble model planes.
The "Meet Charles C. Dawson: Diorama Workshop" will give participants the opportunity to create storytelling dioramas with provided materials. These sessions will be held from May 15 to May 31 at various locations.
A "Meet Marjorie Stewart Joyner: Hair Ornament Workshop" conducted by jeweler Joy Joshua will let attendees design hair ornaments. This workshop will occur between May 5 and June 1 at various Chicago Public Library branches.
These programs are made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation's support to the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Additionally, the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection and the Special Collections at Harold Washington Library Center offer extensive archival materials that inspired these programs. Select materials are also available through the library’s digital collections.
