Did You Know? Chicago and the Black Arts Movement

The Black Arts Movement took place from about 1965 to 1975 and grew alongside the Black Power movement, and Chicago became one of its strongest centers. Local artists created work that built Black pride, self-determination, and community power. Groups like Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) and AfriCOBRA turned neighborhoods into open-air galleries through murals, exhibits, and street art that celebrated Black history and everyday life. Leaders such as Margaret Burroughs, Jeff Donaldson, Wadsworth Jarrell, and Barbara Jones-Hogu used art to teach, organize, and inspire. Their work showed that art belongs to the people and can educate, resist injustice, and strengthen community.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Alumni Spotlight
2. Download and Use a Zoom Background
3. BHM Events

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Sylvia Peters

From Right to Left: Gloria McDaniel-Hall, Sylvia Peters, Carolyn Theard-Griggs

Sylvia Peters is an education and arts icon whose life’s work reflects deep commitment to community, mentorship and Black cultural legacy. Born and raised in Chicago in the 1940s and 1950s, Sylvia’s early experiences in the city’s vibrant cultural landscape shaped her lifelong passions.

Sylvia purchased her first artwork at a local art fair held at what is today the First Unitarian Church of Chicago on 57th and Woodlawn. From that point forward, Sylvia and her husband, Jan Peters, became devoted art collectors and supporters of Chicago’s artist community. In their home, they hosted Sunday salons that brought together artists and thinkers including Margaret Burroughs (a transformative figure in Chicago’s Black arts scene) to eat, drink, and engage in creative dialogue. Sylvia believes that “as collectors, we are keepers of our past and present, advocating for the future of Black Art in America” connects her personal practice of collecting with cultural stewardship and advocacy.

At National Louis University, Sylvia was a standout student and leader. She served as a Class Officer in 1957 and was crowned the first Black May Queen in 1958, milestones that reflect her early impact on campus life. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from NCE in 1959 and later a Master’s degree from Roosevelt University in 1973, she began her professional journey in education in Chicago Public Schools as a teacher and principal.

Sylvia’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. She became an award-winning principal and went on to serve as Dean of Student Teachers at the University of Southern California and later in the Rio Grande Valley for Teach for America. Her national reputation in education is marked by leadership in founding partnerships and initiatives such as the Edison Project and the Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C., where she also served as president. In those roles, she worked with legislators, organized White House conferences, and spoke across the country on education, community partnerships, and safe schools.

In addition to her educational leadership, Sylvia has appeared in films, television programs, and high-profile speaking platforms, sharing her expertise and voice with broad audiences.

Today, Sylvia remains an active member of the NLU community and the NCE Brain Trust, engaging with current students and alum networks and continuing to uplift the next generation of educators and leaders. Her work as an arts advocate and educator stands as a powerful example of how cultural engagement and academic excellence can shape meaningful, lasting impact.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! UPLOAD THE BHM ZOOM BACKGROUND

To help bring the celebration into your virtual spaces, we’re excited to share a custom Black History Month Zoom background. We encourage you to use these throughout February as a visible reminder of NLU’s commitment to representation, legacy, and celebration. Click on the image, then right-click to save to your device.

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