The historic Bronzeville district has long been a hub of flourishing businesses and culture, but its renaissance has enticed locals and visitors alike to start flocking to the community’s shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Since the early 20th century and the Great Migration, Bronzeville has been considered the historic center of African American culture in Chicago. Its cultural contributions are vast — it brought the world Pulitzer Prize-winner Gwendolyn Brooks, civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, legendary musician Louis Armstrong, and so many more.
Today, the area is embracing its legacy as a mecca for civil rights, jazz, blues, and gospel music. You will find an array of coffee shops, retailers, boutiques, bistros, galleries, libraries, monuments, and restaurants, alongside spectacular Victorian-era architecture, and 19th-century mansions.
This summer, the Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC) is bringing back Bronzeville Summer Nights to invite everyone to eat, play, shop, and “Fall In Love” with the neighborhood. After the need to go virtual in 2020, QCDC realized the value of hosting virtual events to help bring the joys of Bronzeville to those outside of the community.
This year’s Bronzeville Summer Nights will be a hybrid event happening August 13th and September 10th both virtually and in-person!
In August, there will be a small in-person dance party to accompany the live stream which will feature local artists and special guests. Head over to bronzevillesummernights.com to register for the live stream and see the event schedule.
In September, they’re asking for everyone to come out and enjoy the live celebration! The event will stretch along 4 blocks and will feature an in-person street party centered at 4400 S. Cottage Grove to celebrate the grand opening of seven new small businesses in that area.
Each Bronzeville Summer Night brings with it an amazing selection of local talent that will make the night worthwhile. Get all the details at bronzevillesummernights.com
Can’t attend one of these? That should not stop you from taking the trip to this historic area and visiting its shops, restaurants, personal care services, and taking in the rich history.
Visit shoplocalbronzeville.com to learn more about the area and check out the businesses, offers, and events happening now.
Written by: Maggie Kmiecik