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Explore African American heritage tourism
The Motor Row, Record Row, Route 66, and Great Migration stories are legendary. Find new experiences in the South Side!
Background & Mission
We are an international African American heritage tourism destination. Explore our vibrant businesses, theatres, and thriving communities.
The National Heritage Area stretches from Chicago's South Loop to Woodlawn (18th St. to the north, 71st St. to the south,
Lake Michigan to the east, Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area, and Canal St. to the west.
Our seven eighborhoods include: Douglas, Grand Boulevard, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland,
Washington Park, Woodlawn, and portions of the Near South Side.
As a destination marketing organization (DMO), the mission of the Black Metropolis Convention & Tourism Council is to facilitate the development of African American heritage tourism districts throughout the State of Illinois. We aim to preserve the unique character of the neighborhoods in which they reside, improve the socio-economic & physical conditions of these communities, build resident pride, and enhance race relations.
We focus on three core areas to accomplish this mission:
- Historic Preservation - which involves safeguarding the rich legacy of African American history and architecture in Bronzeville
- Heritage Tourism - which draws local, national, and international visitors to experience Black culture and history in Chicago
- Information Technology - where we utilize digital platforms to share information and bridge the digital divide within the community
For more information, visit Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area (BBMNHA).
SPONSOR OR PARTNER WITH US
We are Expanding our Initiatives
Align your foundations, companies & nonprofits with our communities.
We are also looking for:
- Volunteers (Respond here)
- Travel-related Content Creators & Influencers
- Speakers & Presenters for our events (Respond here)
- Speaking Opportunities for our executives (Respond here)
- Tabling Event Opportunities as participants
A downloadable list of businesses in our gateway is coming soon.
Event calendar
Discover
Experience
Experience
Experience
Experience
Experience
8/7 - 97th Annual Bud Billiken Parade Don’t miss the opportunity to see the floats, watch the dancers, and hear the performers & marching bands. Kids love it!
Engage
Experience
Engage
9/7 - Labor Day
9/11 - 10/12 - National Drive Electric Month
9/12 - Chicago Football Classic
9/17 - White Sox Heritage Game
9/25 - Bronzeville International Summit 16
9/26 - 27 - Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Learn
Celebrate the Holidays
Engage
10/8 - Chicago Moves Electric
10/11 - 48th Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Through 10/12 - National Drive Electric Month
10/31 - Route 66 Centennial Celebration
Get Together
Celebrate the Holidays
Celebrate the Holidays
11/26 - Thanksgiving Day
Celebrate the Holidays
Celebrate the Holidays
Celebrate the Holidays
12/1 - Giving Tuesday
12/25 - Christmas
12/26 - 1/1 - Kwanzaa