Wonder where Black History Month originated? The Wabash YMCA in Bronzeville.
The Y had been a place for Black residents to temporarily stay after coming to Chicago during the Great Migration, getting education and job training. The surrounding neighborhood became densely populated at the same time. Dubbed the city’s “Black Metropolis,” a thriving cultural scene was born with prominent artists like poet Gwendolyn Brooks and author Richard Wright.
The Renaissance Collaborative, a social services group that has worked to restore and preserve the Wabash Y, shared spots to explore in the area.
Something to see: “Gallery Guichard is an art gallery on 47th Street that centers Black and brown curators.”
Something to eat: “Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles, opened in 2008, is a Black-owned restaurant in the heart of Bronzeville on 39th Street and King Drive.”
Something to do: The Renaissance Collaborative is hosting “These Walls Don’t Talk — People Do” on Feb. 28 at the historic Former Wabash Y. This free, open-house and storytelling event will explore the historic center’s legacy and invite everyone to contribute to the building’s living history with photos, documents, and audio or video interviews.
Check out historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas’ Bronzeville tour, too.
