Celebrating Black History Month in Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana – Black Innovation is the focus of the city’s Black History Month celebration this year, which strives to honor the historical accomplishments and creations of Black innovators. The month will be packed with numerous other events happening at IU or in the surrounding area, in addition to the month’s signature events, which include a market, essay contest, and gala.

Black Market: The Black Market will be held on February 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall, which is situated at 401 N. Morton St. Black-owned companies and black artists can sell their wares at the event in a welcoming environment.

The market pays homage to the original Black Market, a physical storefront opened by Black IU student Clarence Turner in the fall of 1968 to sell products made in Africa or by African Americans. After a man with KKK affiliations set fire to the store in December of that year, the city turned the empty site into People’s Park.

Essay Contest and Reception: The Black History Month Commission will present prizes to Fairview Elementary School’s high school, middle school, and elementary school essay contest winners on February 16 at a reception that starts at 6 p.m. and a presentation that starts at 6:30 p.m.

The essay invites students to discuss how Black innovators, creators, and change agents contributed to society in accordance with this month’s theme, Black Innovation. The submission date is Friday, February 6.

Black History Month Gala: The Black History Month Gala, which will feature cuisine, music, and dancing, will end the month on February 25 at the Woolery Mill, situated at 2250 W. Sunstone Dr. The event will start at 6 o’clock with a reception and silent auction before the program begins at 7 o’clock. The gala tickets cost $60 and are available at the Buskirk-Chumley Box Office.

Other occasions this month include Vinyl Friday, a Black Knowledge Bowl, and Neal-Marshall Night at the IU vs. Michigan women’s basketball game on February 16. The Black History Month schedule in Bloomington has additional activities and information.