Looking for Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Oak Park?
We have outlined some ideas to learn more about the 100-year history of the Black residents who helped build our village and the legacy they left.
Go See a Piece of Black History on Display in Downtown Oak Park
This plaque is displayed outside Target on Westgate and is dedicated to the Mount Carmel Church of Oak Park to commemorate the first community of Black residents who helped build Downtown Oak Park.
“This plaque commemorates the early Black residents of Oak Park who overcame great odds to build community in a town that did not always welcome them. We thank them, we honor them, and this plaque will stand forever in their memory.”
Go See Photos of Mt. Carmel Church on Exhibit
The images featured below are of Mt. Carmel Church and the Black Community that built the church and worshiped there. These photos are courtesy of The Oak Park River Forest Museum and are currently on display in the exhibition “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing.”
Learn More About the 100-year History of the Black Community in Oak Park
For more information on Mt. Carmel and the history of the Black community in Oak Park, you can pick up a copy of “Suburban Promised Land: The Emerging Black Community in Oak Park, Illinois, 1880-1980,” written by Stan West, Peggy Tuck Sinko, Frank Lipo, and Yves Hughes Jr., on sale at the museum’s book store.
Listen to an Interview with a Local Historian
Recently, we interviewed Frank Lipo, the Executive Director of the Historical Society, about Mt. Carmel Church and the growth of the Black community in Oak Park during the early 1900s.
Plan Your Next Visit to the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest
129 Lake Street
Museum Hours
Wednesday through Saturday- 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday- Closed
Monday and Tuesday- By Appointment
Plan your visit here.