The Universe, Black Chicago Aviators and Astronauts

This multi-media presentation uses an Afrofuturistic lens to explore space travel in Black music and Chicago’s history as the center of Black aviation in America, arguing that this legacy helped produce some of the nation’s first Black astronauts and pilots. Part of the 2026 One Book, One Chicago season (this year’s book is *Orbital* by Samantha Harvey), the talk takes place Thursday, October 8, from 6 to 7 PM at the Daley, Richard M.-W Humboldt branch. Registration is active; sign language interpretation and other accessibility accommodations are available with 14 business days' notice.