The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy is proud to host several events in honor of Black History Month. The events seek to facilitate meaningful conversations about the Black experience in the United States and around the globe, including social movements demanding equality and social justice, and to highlight the policy contributions made by Black policymakers, scholars, and activists. 

The series convenes prominent speakers, activists, practitioners, community members, and University of Chicago alumni, faculty, students, and staff.


Director Etant Dupain
Director, Etant Dupain

The Pearson Institute Presents: Madan Sara 

Documentary Screening

Thursday, February 16, 2023 | 5:00 PM — 8:00 PM

The Forum at The Keller Center | 1307 E 60th St. | Chicago, IL 60637

Join The Pearson Institute for the screening of the documentary film Madan Sara and a conversation with Director Etant Dupain, followed by a reception.

The Madan Sara documentary tells the stories of the women known as Madan Sara in Haiti who work at the margins to make Haiti’s economy run. Despite facing intense hardship and social stigma, the hard work of the Madan Sara puts their children through school, houses their families, and helps to ensure a better life for generations to come. This film amplifies the calls of the Madan Sara as they speak directly to society to share their dreams for a more just Haiti.


Register to attend the screening of Madan Sara


Harris After Hours: Black History Month

Thursday, February 23, 2023 | 5:00 PM —7:00 PM

The Forum at The Keller Center | 1307 E 60th St. | Chicago, IL 60637

In honor of Black History Month, the Student Engagement Team has partnered with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and BAPPS to uplift Black joy for the second Harris After Hours of the quarter. Please join us for a gallery night featuring local artists and food catered from local, Black-owned businesses.

If you have any questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this program such as ASL interpreting, captioned videos, Braille or electronic text, food options for individuals with dietary restrictions, etc. please contact the Student Engagement Team at harrisstudentengagement@uchicago.edu.

Register for Harris After Hours: Black History Month


John Rogers
John Rogers

Fireside Chat with John Rogers and Dean Katherine Baicker

Friday, February 24, 2023 | 3:15 PM — 5:00 PM

The Forum at The Keller Center | 1307 E 60th St. | Chicago, IL 60637

To cap off Black History Month celebrations at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public policy, founder of Ariel Investments and lifelong Chicagoan John W. Rogers will join Dean Katherine Baicker for a fireside chat.

The conversation will continue a month-long exploration of Black joy in Chicago, highlighting the themes of patience and resilience that Rogers attributes to his success, not only as an investor, but also as a public servant.

Rogers and Baicker will look to the ways that values-based investing impacts the public sphere and makes way for more successful, equitable communities.

Register to attend the discussion with John Rogers and Dean Katherine Baicker


Past Events

Toni Preckwinkle
Toni Preckwinkle

Fireside Chat with Toni Preckwinkle

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 6:00 PM — 8:00 PM

The Forum at The Keller Center |1307 E 60th St. | Chicago, IL 60637

Highlighting contributions made by Black policymakers, scholars, and activists is a cornerstone of the Harris Black History Month celebrations. This year we have invited President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners Toni Preckwinkle to join us for a conversation about Black joy, life on the South Side of Chicago, and the ordinary and extraordinary figures that we celebrate during Black History Month.

Register to attend the fireside chat with Toni Preckwinkle