Register to attend an ecumenical Black History Month Celebration! This year the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) and Catholic Theological Union (CTU) have partnered to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black Americans throughout history. 2026 marks the 100th year Commemoration of Black History: 50 years of Negro History Week and 50 Years of Black History Month. We are honored to be able to celebrate a century of Black History Month commemorations. In 1978, African American poet and activist Maya Angelou published the poem “And Still I Rise.”

“You may write me down in history, With your bitter, twisted lies. You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”

This poem not only represents the 100 years prior, but it also provides a beacon of hope for the years ahead. For despite the chains and shackles, despite the hate and terror, as a people, Black Americans continue to rise. Hence, the theme for this 100th year commemoration of Black History is “Still We Rise!”

This year we highlight Praise and Worship as we give thanks for the journey, all that we have experienced and the lessons learned. The program includes three dynamic Black preachers who will share their vision and hopes for the future as we celebrate the past.

This year’s Celebration will kick off Wednesday, February 4th at 11:30 am with Opening Worship led by Rev. Dr. Reggie Williams, Pastor of First Baptist Church of University Park. An Opening reception will follow worship.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11th, worship will be led by Rev. Ciera Bates Chamberlain, Director of Live Free Illinois, and a fierce advocate for moving people into the future with dignity and freedom.

Ash Wednesday Worship, February 18th, will host guest preacher Rev. Dr. Ebony Only, Executive Pastor, First Baptist Church of University Park, and Interim Publisher Chicago Reporter newspaper. Worship Service will be followed by a Global Fashion Extravaganza, at 2:00 pm, highlighting fashions from around the globe including India, Africa, Indonesia and Myanmar. Light refreshments will be served before the fashion show.

The Global Fashion Extravaganza, co-sponsored by Djenne Collection African Fashions, is an African Clothing store located in Chicago’s Beverly Hills neighborhood. Their collection will showcase clothing from Africa, modelled by our international student community, staff and faculty.

Register to attend. For in person attendees, complimentary parking will be available in the parking garage adjacent to the building. You don’t want to miss these exciting events!

If attending virtually, please join using the following Zoom link: https://lstc-edu.zoom.us/my/lstc.chapel.

For questions related to this event, please contact Marvis Hardy, marvis.hardy@LSTC.EDU.

This event is sponsored by the Pero Center for Intersectionality Studies at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in partnership with Catholic Theological Union.

Black History Month 2026 Event Schedule

Wednesday, February 4

Wednesday, February 11

Wednesday, February 18

Speaker Bios

Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain 

Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain is the founder and executive director of Live Free Chicago – Live Free Illinois, an organization that mobilizes Black churches to improve public safety and transform the criminal justice system. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, she has dedicated herself to advancing safety and economic opportunity by building the power and leadership of faith communities and clergy. In her work, she has convened statewide coalitions of clergy and nonprofits dedicated to peace and justice, developed violence reduction strategies, and designed innovative programs related to gun violence reduction and incarceration.

Rev. Dr. Ebony Only

Reverend Dr. Ebony D. Only is a distinguished preacher, pastoral counselor, coach, and healer who serves as the first African American woman ordained as clergy and Executive Pastor at First Baptist Church of University Park in University Park, Illinois. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Chicago State University, a Master of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership, and a Doctor in Ministry from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology. Dr. Only is an adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary and The Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology. A Chicago native, she is also currently the interim publisher of the Chicago Reporter newspaper.

Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Williams, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Williams Jr. is the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of University Park, IL, where he has served since 2008. A proud HBCU graduate of Florida A & M University (cum laude), Dr. Williams earned his juris doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School and also attended the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University where he earned his Master of Divinity (2002), and Doctor of Ministry (2017). Upon the completion of his M. Div Rev. Williams, received his first call at Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., At TUCC, he was appointed Associate Pastor for Justice Ministries.

Dr. Williams has been awarded numerous honors and commendations for his commitment to progress and justice. He currently serves as adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary, and Chicago Theological Seminary teaching in the areas of Social Justice Ministry in the local Church, and Prophetic Preaching. Dr. Williams is a sought-after speaker and lecturer, in addition to being a visionary, prophetic pastor who seeks to lead through a spiritually centered.

About the Global Fashion Extravaganza

Featuring students’, staff, and faculty modeling international attire. Clothing provided by the Djenne Collection Clothing Store, Chicago, IL