From Oprah to Obama: Visiting Landmark Black History Sites in Chicago

Start by exploring historic black churches and homes in the Bronzeville neighborhood on the city's South Side and viewing exhibits at the DuSable Museum of African-American History. Then take a drive past contemporary landmarks like the site of Oprah Winfrey's former Harpo Studios and President Barack Obama's former home on the South Side.

People of African descent helped create and build the Windy City, and there are a number of fascinating educational sites that tell the story. At the same time, kick up your heels while savoring black culture in historic jazz and blues clubs, and enjoy some regional "soul food" in notable diners and restaurants. Don't miss your chance to celebrate and learn about the black experience in the nation's third largest city.

Black History in Chicago

Black history in Chicago begins with Jean-Baptiste-Point DuSable, a black trader from Hispaniola (now Haiti) who founded the settlement that later became the city of Chicago. Be sure to take a selfie with the bronze bust of DuSable located in Pioneer Court on North Michigan Avenue. The DuSable Bridge over the Chicago River also bears his name. For a broad overview of the city's black history, the best place to go is the DuSable Museum, which has ongoing exhibits and artifacts.

One chapter in that history is the story of Chicago's role in the Underground Railroad, a chain of hidden locations used to provide refuge and food to escaped slaves from the South. Tour Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook, a former gristmill where Frederick Graue hid slaves in the basement. Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal on South Wabash Avenue is another place where abolitionists aided the runaways.

Creating Bronzeville

Hundreds of thousands of black residents who migrated from the South in the last century helped create the vibrant Bronzeville community on the city's South Side. The area is home to many historic churches, schools, homes, and other points of interest.

The Black Metropolis area within Bronzeville has several buildings designated in the National Register of Historic Places, including the former home of the Chicago Defender newspaper that published authors like Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks. A good place to start is the Bronzeville Information Center.

Oprah and Obama

The Windy City's most famous black residents include Oprah Winfrey, the iconic talk show host, and Barack and Michelle Obama, the former U.S. President and First Lady. Winfrey produced the world-famous "The Oprah Winfrey Show" at her studio on the Near West Side for more than 25 years. The 100 block of Carpenter Street where her studio was located has been renamed Oprah Winfrey Way. Although her current studio is in Hollywood, you can still view Water Tower Place downtown, where she lived, and grab her favorite macaroni and cheese at Blue Door Restaurant and Bar, operated by Oprah's former personal chef.

The Obama's former home is at 5046 S. Greenwood Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Additionally, former boxer Muhammad Ali lived at 4944 S. Woodlawn Avenue in the nearby Kenwood area.

Music and Meals

After a day of touring, enjoy another aspect of black heritage by tucking into a hearty meal at one of the city's soul food restaurants. The longstanding MacArthur's Restaurant, which is family-owned, is a popular choice along with Pearl's Place, located in Bronzeville.

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For an after-dinner cocktail, take a drive to the historic Green Mill jazz club on the North side to experience musical stylings that have been popular around the globe since the 1920s. Numerous other music venues highlight the jazz, blues, gospel, and rap music traditions originated by black artists.

Exploring Chicago black history offers an in-depth and inspiring view of African American heritage. We would love to see your photos and hear your impressions of some of the best black history sites in Chicago. Share it all with us on Instagram!