MSI Celebrates 50th anniversary of Black Creativity at Gala
CHICAGO(January 28, 2020)—The Museum of Science and Industry(MSI)hosted its 37th annual Black Creativity black-tie gala on Saturday, January 25,2020. The Gala was attended by more than 600 guests who celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the Black Creativity program.
“It’s an honor to be able to continue the tradition of hosting this annual celebration of creativity and achievement,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. “The Black Creativity Gala encourages innovators to continue to follow their curiosity and supports the expression of exciting, new perspectives through the arts and sciences.”
The 37th annual Gala was co-chaired by Dr. Eric Whitaker, Founder and CEO of Zing Health Inc.,Dr. Cheryl R. Whitaker, Chairwoman and CEO of Next Level Health Partners, Inc., Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd and Cheryl Harris, senior vice president at Allstate Insurance Company. The evening began with guests enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the 50th annual Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, featuring more than 200 original works of art from African-American student and professional artists.
Black Creativity Innovator Chef Erik Williams 
Black Creativity Innovator Dr. Cheryl Whitaker
After cocktails, guests enjoyed food stations from Sodexo inside the Museum’s Rotunda. WGN meteorologist Demetrius Ivory emceed the evening’s presentation. Live musical entertainment from the Chicago Children’s Choir Englewood Neighborhood Choir, DJ Rae Chardonnay, Yanna Cello, Rockstar EV, and Manasseh was featured throughout the night. The Black Creativity Innovation Studio was also open, providing guests with a chance to get hands-on and create their own glowing badge.
In addition to the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the Innovation Studio, guests were able to explore other Museum exhibits throughout the evening, including the Black Creativity: 50 Years exhibit, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, Science Storms and The Great Train Story.
About the 2020 Black Creativity Program MSI is honoring 50 years of the Black Creativity program, which has showcased the achievements of African-Americans in art and innovation since 1970. The Museum is celebrating this milestone anniversary throughout Black History Month with a calendar full of experiences and events:
Juried Art Exhibition: The nation’s longest-running exhibition of African-American art features more than 200 adult and youth artworks. Open January 20 – March 1.
Brown Boy Take Over-Dylan Hunter 
The girl who holds the world-Matthew Tate 
Nipsey Blue-Arthur Roby 
Le Griot-Yemonja Smalls 
Flowing in the Steps of Our Ancestors-Krystal Grover-Webb 
London Gatewood Study-Richard Duarte Brown
Black Creativity: 50 Years: This new temporary exhibit, located on Lower Level 1, takes a look at significant moments in Black Creativity’s history and spotlights people whose work created new opportunities. Open January 20 – March 1.
Black Creativity Innovation Studio: This hands-on workshop space invites you to explore your inner superhero by creating your own invention. School and community groups can reserve sessions on weekdays, and Museum guests can participate in dropin sessions on weekends. Open January 20 – March 1.
Family Day: A free day for Illinois residents where Super Heroic CEO and co-founder, Jason Mayden, will lead kids in making their own superhero identity. Monday, January 20.
Career Showcase: We’re offering students and their families the chance to explore innovative careers by speaking with dozens of professionals in art, science and engineering. February 29, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Find more information on our website at www.msichicago.org/blackcreativity
Black Creativity season sponsors include The Allstate Insurance Company, ComEd, NextLevel Health and Zing Health.
The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI), one of the largest science museums in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else, to hands-on opportunities that make you the scientist—a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Welcome to Science Initiative, the Museum offers a variety of student, teacher and family educational programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to MSI’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, medicine and engineering. The Museum is exceptionally grateful for the support of its donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414. ###
