Member & Public events.
Oct. 11: Double-Dedication Ceremony, People's Law Office & Church of the Holy Covenant
Join us for the Double-Dedication Ceremony hosted by the People’s Law Office’s Flint Taylor, commemorating Sites 11 and Site 12 on the inaugural Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois. Hear from the People’s Law Office, Holy Covenant, and former members of the Black Panther Party and Rainbow Coalition. Learn more about this historic time and why both locations are important to our collective history.
Heritage Trail Open House, Save the Date!
On October 15, 2026, the 60th Anniversary of the BPP's founding in 1966, we will have a Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois Open House at the Chicago Cultural Center.
The 13-site inaugural heritage trail will be established by then.
More details coming soon!
Aug. 30: Illinois Chapter Black Panther Party Better Boys Foundation Dedication Ceremony
Join us on August 30, 2025, to landmark and commemorate the first Free Breakfast for Children Program location of the Illinois Chapter! Deputy Chairman Fred and Deputy Minister of Education Billy Ché Brooks started the program in partnership with Joseph Kellman. Come out to celebrate our heritage and Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton’s birthday.
Headquarters Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony
The City of Chicago has approved our first historical marker installation at 2350 W. Madison, the former location of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party headquarters. Join us for the Dedication Ceremony at 2350 W. Madison on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Come Early!
June 28 Dedication Ceremony for Mark Clark, Ward Chapel Historical Marker
Dedication Ceremony for Mark Clark, Ward Chapel Historical Marker
June 7 Final In-Person Community Charette for Mark Clark Memorial Park
June 7 Final In-Person Community Charette for Mark Clark Memorial Park
May 3 In-Person Community Charette for Mark Clark Memorial Park
May 3 In-Person Community Charette for Mark Clark Memorial Park
April 15 Online Presentation: Community Planning for Mark Clark Memorial Park
April 15 Online Presentation: Community Planning for the Mark Clark Memorial Park
April 1 Online Presentation: Peoria’s Historic Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church
April 1 Online Presentation: Black Panther Party Heritage Trail: Peoria's Historic Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church
March 18 Online Presentation: Unlocking Black Panther History in Illinois–Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark
March 18 Online Presentation: Unlocking Black Panther History in Illinois–Peoria Defense Captain Mark Clark
Library Series Part 3, Feb. 26: The Beat Goes On: Preserving the Heritage of the Black Panther Party, Operations of the Party in Illinois
The Historical Preservation Society hosts a three-part educational and cultural learning experience on the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party at three south suburban libraries: Glenwood-Lynwood, Dolton and Matteson. We hope you’ll join us! Register below!
Library Series Part 2, Feb. 13: Setting the Record Straight: A 50-Year Smear Campaign by Government, Police and Media
The Historical Preservation Society hosts a three-part educational and cultural learning experience on the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party at three south suburban libraries: Glenwood-Lynwood, Dolton and Matteson. We hope you’ll join us! Register below!
Library Series Part 1, Feb. 6: Right On! The Party's People, Politics and Programs
The Historical Preservation Society hosts a three-part educational and cultural learning experience on the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party at three south suburban libraries: Glenwood-Lynwood, Dolton and Matteson. We hope you’ll join us! Register below!
Film Screening: The Murder of Fred Hampton
The Murder of Fred Hampton at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Opening remarks by Flint Taylor, People’s Law Office. Tickets are $14.50.
Black Panther Party Heritage Festival
Official Launch of the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail
RSVP for Opening Reception: Exhibit at Epiphany Center for the Arts
RSVP for the opening reception
ILBPP Exhibit at Epiphany Center for the Arts
This exhibit captures the politics and programs of the Black Panther Party and is a testament to the chapter's enduring legacy.
June 22: Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois Bus Tour
First Tour on June 22! Take the first place-based learning experience and help develop the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail!
Join Us, Spring Membership Meeting!
Please join us for the Historical Preservation Society's Member Meeting on May 21st!
RSVP required!
Black Panther Party and Coalitions Teaching and Learning Day
Black Panther Party and Coalitions Teaching and Learning Day
This is a Free Event. Registration Required.
WTTW Community Conversation
Chicago Tonight co-anchor and Chicago Tonight: Black Voices host Brandis Friedman will moderate a conversation with business owner, journalist, and publisher of the Metropolis newspaper Leila Wills; Ms. Lonnie Hall, member of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panthers; and Loyola University Public History Program graduate students Mikey Spehn and Adam Yunis.
Online Celebration - Illinois Chapter Landmarking Achievement
This is a free event.
Join us for a special online celebration marking the successful landmarking initiative to commemorate the work and legacy of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party.
Part 2: Meet the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party
Register Today for this Free Event!
Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party at the Chicago History Museum
This event is sold out.
Family, Literacy, and Social Justice Speakers Series
History Coming Alive: The Black Panther Party Preservation Project
Join us on Tuesday, May 31st for this virtual event with the Oak Park Library and guest Leila Wills.
Black Panther Party Interview Series
ART OF THE REVOLUTION: EMORY DOUGLAS
What better way to start our Summer Interview Series than with the Minister of Culture?