With the Platinum Anniversary Celebration drawing closer, VGHS takes a look back at some of our past programs. There's more to us than our expansive archival collections, microfilm room, rare documents reading center, art gallery space, and photo gallery space. We host plenty of events throughout the year to raise awareness and celebrate African American history and culture.

VGHS has hosted quite a few notable speakers. The Timuel D. Black Fellowship Lecture & Dinner has brought in some of our most interesting events. Last year, we brought Dr. Wanda Hendricks to the archives to speak on her latest book. Entitled Fannie Barrier Williams: Crossing The Borders of Region and Race, Dr. Hendricks’ work focuses on the efforts and activism of its title figure. Fannie Barrier Williams was inspired to improve educational opportunities for the African American community. In 2012, Dr. Darlene Hine was hosted by the VGHS at the annual Timuel D. Black Fellowship Lecture & Dinner to provide a lecture on the Chicago Renaissance. This topic was so popular Richard Courage, Brian Dolinar, Michelle Gordon, and Sonja Williams provided a panel the next year to allow VGHS members and community attendees to ask questions about such an important piece of Chicago and black history. Other notable speakers and guests of honor in the recent past include Lerone Bennett, Jr., Dr. John Hope Franklin, Dr. Jacqueline Goldsby, Dr. Samella Lewis, James D. Montgomery, Dr. Christopher R. Reed, and Robert Sengstacke.

Every year, VGHS also hosts a Black Music Month celebration. We have honored up-and-coming artists like Ranosha Caisha Hall, as well as more well-known musicians like Billy Branch and Julian DeShazier. Uncommon Man and Uncommon Woman awards are handed out to outstanding musicians and community members to promote the musical achievements of African Americans throughout the US and those who do good work off the stage. Black Music Month is one of the ways VGHS invests in the future of African American culture. While the archives help us connect with the past, continued support of those making history in the present and future has been a huge part of our work in the past twenty years. We hope to continue it.

Film screenings for works like Storming the Gates add to our usual programming. By highlighting movies and books being produced right now, we remind people of the struggles of the past and what everyone can do to keep improving. We would love to see you at one of our upcoming events!