EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO
Welcome to the Woodlawn & South Lakefront Tourism Center
Presented by Blacks in Green®, these guided experiences during the Juneteenth weekend introduce visitors to the culture, history, ecology, and entrepreneurship shaping Chicago’s South Side. Explore the Sustainable Square Mile™ through three unique tours that celebrate community leadership, environmental stewardship, and local businesses. We also offer four evenings of wine & cheese fellowship with friends and neighbors as we celebrate Juneteenth, the South Side, and the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
PURCHASE YOUR TOUR TICKETS TODAY
#1 - Great Migration Legacy Walking Tour – “The Sustainable Square Mile Rises”
Explore with host Blacks in Green [BIG] the possibility of Black communities as beautiful, prosperous, comfortable, and joyous! Join an immersive Sustainable Square Mile experience: the convergence of heritage preservation and horticulture, classic architecture and clean energy, wealth-building and community resilience.
#2 - Freedom & Sustainability Bike Tour – “All Roads Lead to TILL”
Bike the heart of the Obama Presidential District – where history was made in architecture and horticulture, sociology and politics, commerce and the arts...and one Great Migration family with 14 year old Emmett Till at its center changed the course of that history. Join our seasoned Ride Marshall as we travel the boulevards, side streets, and parks with continuous storytelling…
#3 - Culinary & Wellness Tour – “Delicious South Side”
Get on the bus tour and experience something hot, something cold, something savory, and something sweet while exploring the dynamic legacy of America’s Great Migration – South Side style in Chicago’s Obama Presidential District. The flavors of traditional southern cooking and Chitown global infusions are represented in our evolving “Guide To Black Chicago Eats”
In addition to the Wooden Quilt rare art auction on Friday, BIG offers two additional evenings of boutique vineyard wines + hors d'oeuvres with verve by Chef Gwen + stories from the street by the local luminaries you love. There will be fun and excitement all three evenings. Attend one or all of these intimate affairs. More info below. The events are open to all. Your generous donations are welcome.
WINE & CHEESE & STORIES PLEASE!
SPECIAL EVENT on Friday June 19th. Open to all. Donations welcome.
Artist Jean Marcel St. Jacques will be on hand to present two rare Wooden Quilts made from materials reclaimed from the boyhood home of Emmett Till. These exquisite priceless works will be auctioned to help raise additional funds to support the ongoing work of Blacks in Green. Sit & Sip & an own a rare piece of heritage. Discover more about the powerful story behind Wooden Quilts: https://www.woodenquilts.com/
Friday June 19th - 6pm to 8pm
Artist Jean Marcel St. Jacques will be on hand to present two rare WOODEN QUILTS made from materials reclaimed from the boyhood home of Emmett Till. These exquisite priceless works will be auctioned to support the ongoing work of Blacks in Green. Sit & Sip an own a rare piece of history and heritage. Till relatives will share reflections of their beloved "Bobo."
Saturday June 20th - 6pm to 8pm
World renown vocalist Bruce Henry presents his Evolution of African American Music. A journey of love you don't want to miss.
Gardens & The Environment
Sunday June 21st
Jill Koski, PresidenUCEO, The Morton Arboretum and Douglas A. Williams, Landscape Architect PhD. ASLA, LAF Fellow share their deep knowledge about the importance of gardens to the environment.
2026
Woodlawn USA
Come and experience the True South Side of Chicago →
“I’ve lived here all my life and I’m still finding out exciting new history made on these very streets.”
Former Customer