ONSTAGE FEB 13 - MAR 15

Black Cypress Bayou

by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff

On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.

What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.

Nikhaule Martin
Pour Into It Media

Pour Into It Media is a community-centered media and storytelling platform committed to learning, unlearning, and cultural reflection. At this pop-up, we’re offering a Build-Your-Own Book Box experience featuring curated books, tote bags, body care, wax melts, and stationery. Each box is designed to encourage rest, reflection, and intentional engagement with diverse voices.

LaSonda Carrizales
My Crown My Glory

Not all beauty products are created equal. My Crown My Glory is a wellness-driven beauty brand crafting avocado-based, 100% nut-free hair and skincare products, It’s Not Shea. It’s Avocado. Born from a personal healing journey, the brand blends care and intention to create gentle, effective rituals rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and self-expression, inviting everyone to honor their crown and their care.

Mia Gamble
Susie Q Scrubs LLC

Susie Q Scrubs is a small, woman owned-business that specializes in small batch production of handcrafted bath and body care products that are made with natural ingredients. Our product line includes body scrubs, lotion bars, body butter, shower steamers, bath bomb/fizzy and lip balms—each designed to promote wellness, self-care, and skin nourishment.

Indigo Barkley
Black Love Baby 

Black Love Baby is a curated baby gifting brand rooted in love, family, and culture, created to celebrate Black stories and ensure representation starts early. We offer thoughtfully designed Culture Boxes and individual baby items sourced from Black-owned brands, each chosen with intention to affirm identity, joy, and belonging. Every Black Love Baby gift is a meaningful way to nurture our children and the community that supports them. 

About the Definition Innovator

In partnership with Promise Holdings and 37 Oaks, The Definition Innovator, their entrepreneurial incubator, empowers Black and Brown entrepreneurs on Chicago’s South and West Sides by providing space, resources, educational commerce courses, one-on-one coaching, and access to capital.

ONSTAGE FEB 13 - MAR 15

Black Cypress Bayou

by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff

On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.

What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.

Nikhaule Martin
Pour Into It Media

Pour Into It Media is a community-centered media and storytelling platform committed to learning, unlearning, and cultural reflection. At this pop-up, we’re offering a Build-Your-Own Book Box experience featuring curated books, tote bags, body care, wax melts, and stationery. Each box is designed to encourage rest, reflection, and intentional engagement with diverse voices.

LaSonda Carrizales
My Crown My Glory

Not all beauty products are created equal. My Crown My Glory is a wellness-driven beauty brand crafting avocado-based, 100% nut-free hair and skincare products, It’s Not Shea. It’s Avocado. Born from a personal healing journey, the brand blends care and intention to create gentle, effective rituals rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and self-expression, inviting everyone to honor their crown and their care.

Mia Gamble
Susie Q Scrubs LLC

Susie Q Scrubs is a small, woman owned-business that specializes in small batch production of handcrafted bath and body care products that are made with natural ingredients. Our product line includes body scrubs, lotion bars, body butter, shower steamers, bath bomb/fizzy and lip balms—each designed to promote wellness, self-care, and skin nourishment.

Indigo Barkley
Black Love Baby 

Black Love Baby is a curated baby gifting brand rooted in love, family, and culture, created to celebrate Black stories and ensure representation starts early. We offer thoughtfully designed Culture Boxes and individual baby items sourced from Black-owned brands, each chosen with intention to affirm identity, joy, and belonging. Every Black Love Baby gift is a meaningful way to nurture our children and the community that supports them. 

About the Definition Innovator

In partnership with Promise Holdings and 37 Oaks, The Definition Innovator, their entrepreneurial incubator, empowers Black and Brown entrepreneurs on Chicago’s South and West Sides by providing space, resources, educational commerce courses, one-on-one coaching, and access to capital.

ONSTAGE FEB 13 - MAR 15

Black Cypress Bayou

by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff

On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.

What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.

ONSTAGE FEB 13 - MAR 15

Black Cypress Bayou

by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff

On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.

What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.

Kristi Dawson
Havana Harvest Coffee Toastery

Havana Harvest Coffee Roastery is a small batch craft roaster known for its rich, smooth, and carefully developed coffee profiles. The roastery focuses on ethically sourced beans, slow roasting, and bold, aromatic blends that highlight the best of global coffee traditions. 

Sunday, March 1 

Keyana Curry
Two Shea Body

Two Shea Body offers high-quality, homemade shea butter line featuring nourishing body butters and body oils in a variety of delicate, essential oil–infused scents that are healthy for your skin. Shea butter has been used for centuries to deeply moisturize, reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars, and help soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. We also offer interactive wellness classes to create your own customized body butter tailored to your unique skincare needs—all made daily with tender love and care.

Alicia Brown
The Wick and Wine Experience 

The candle shop at The Wick and Wine Experience features a curated collection of premium, small-batch candles in a variety of thoughtfully crafted scents, perfect for gifting or adding a cozy ambiance to your home. It’s part of a Black woman-owned brand that blends quality products with a focus on intentional living and connection.

Nikhaule Martin
Pour Into It Media

Pour Into It Media is a community-centered media and storytelling platform committed to learning, unlearning, and cultural reflection. At this pop-up, we’re offering a Build-Your-Own Book Box experience featuring curated books, tote bags, body care, wax melts, and stationery. Each box is designed to encourage rest, reflection, and intentional engagement with diverse voices.

LaSonda Carrizales
My Crown My Glory

Not all beauty products are created equal. My Crown My Glory is a wellness-driven beauty brand crafting avocado-based, 100% nut-free hair and skincare products, It’s Not Shea. It’s Avocado. Born from a personal healing journey, the brand blends care and intention to create gentle, effective rituals rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and self-expression, inviting everyone to honor their crown and their care.

Mia Gamble
Susie Q Scrubs LLC

Susie Q Scrubs is a small, woman owned-business that specializes in small batch production of handcrafted bath and body care products that are made with natural ingredients. Our product line includes body scrubs, lotion bars, body butter, shower steamers, bath bomb/fizzy and lip balms—each designed to promote wellness, self-care, and skin nourishment.

Indigo Barkley
Black Love Baby 

Black Love Baby is a curated baby gifting brand rooted in love, family, and culture, created to celebrate Black stories and ensure representation starts early. We offer thoughtfully designed Culture Boxes and individual baby items sourced from Black-owned brands, each chosen with intention to affirm identity, joy, and belonging. Every Black Love Baby gift is a meaningful way to nurture our children and the community that supports them. 

About the Definition Innovator

In partnership with Promise Holdings and 37 Oaks, The Definition Innovator, their entrepreneurial incubator, empowers Black and Brown entrepreneurs on Chicago’s South and West Sides by providing space, resources, educational commerce courses, one-on-one coaching, and access to capital.

ONSTAGE FEB 13 - MAR 15

Black Cypress Bayou

by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff

On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.

What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.

ONSTAGE FEB 13 - MAR 15

Black Cypress Bayou

by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff

On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.

What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.

ONSTAGE FEB 13 - MAR 15

Black Cypress Bayou

by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff

On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.

What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.

ONSTAGE FEB 13 - MAR 15

Black Cypress Bayou

by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff

On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.

What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

About BLK Chicago

Inspired by Black Culture & Black Creativity

BLK Chicago solves the challenge of Black Chicagoans and visitors finding things to do from a trusted, relatable source that authentically speaks to their culture and interests. While mainstream platforms often overlook the vibrant contributions of Black creators and communities, we provide a curated guide that highlights Black-owned businesses, local events, and cultural experiences. Learn more at blkchicago.com and @blkchicago_

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MAY 30 - JUNE 29

Black Bone

by Tina Fakhrid-Deen
directed by Carla Stillwell

A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of Black academics at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who discover that one among them is "passing" as Black. Chaos quickly unfolds—mutiny erupts, panic spreads, and the consequences turn deadly. In a desperate bid for survival, we are posed with the question of how is Blackness defined or performed—and who gets to decide who’s in and who's out?

ONSTAGE MARCH 14 - APRIL 13

Splash Hatch on the E Going Down

by Kia Corthron
Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce

In a cramped Harlem apartment, fifteen-year-old A-student Thyme faces the challenges of impending motherhood. Supported by her teenage husband and best friend, Thyme balances her intellectual curiosity with the harsh realities of her surrounding life.

ONSTAGE MARCH 14 - APRIL 13

Splash Hatch on the E Going Down

by Kia Corthron
Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce

In a cramped Harlem apartment, fifteen-year-old A-student Thyme faces the challenges of impending motherhood. Supported by her teenage husband and best friend, Thyme balances her intellectual curiosity with the harsh realities of her surrounding life.

ONSTAGE MARCH 14 - APRIL 13

Splash Hatch on the E Going Down

by Kia Corthron
Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce

In a cramped Harlem apartment, fifteen-year-old A-student Thyme faces the challenges of impending motherhood. Supported by her teenage husband and best friend, Thyme balances her intellectual curiosity with the harsh realities of her surrounding life.