Synopsis
Victory Gardens Theater is excited to bring you the 6th edition of the Black Beauty Festival, June 25-26, 2022! In partnership with the Black Women’s Expo and Black Owned Chicago, Black Beauty Festival: A Legacy of Pride is a free two-day event that uplifts Black-owned businesses while creating conversations around beauty, health, and wellness.
This year’s theme is A Legacy of Pride, recognizing the enormous impact the Black community has had on fashion over the past 60 years. The festival returns to VG’s home, the Biograph Theater, and include shopping from Black-owned businesses, free performances from The Black Monologues, a music and mimosa hour, a yoga healing hour, and two performances of the award-winning play cullud wattah by Erika Dickerson-Despenza, directed by Lili-Anne Brown.
Have questions about the festival? Contact us at blackbeautyfestival@
Schedule of Events
Shop Black-Owned Businesses & Visit the Fashion Display
12:00-6:00pm, Main Lobby, Rehearsal Room & Richard Christiansen Theater Lobby
Support local business owners and refresh your look with new clothes, jewelry, personal care items, and more! Add flair to your home with a unique piece of art, or find the perfect gift for your next occasion. Plus, check out the fashion display showcasing styles through the last 60 years.
No registration required, walk in anytime!
The Black Monologues
1:00-2:00pm in the Richard Christiansen Theater
Presented in partnership with Black Owned Chicago, The Black Monologues returns to Black Beauty Festival for its fifth annual performance. Created and produced by Tanikia “Nikki” Carpenter and under the direction of Jeff-Award winning actress Deanna Reed-Foster, The Black Monologues is a showcase of solo performances that capture the African American experience as it pertains to a specific theme.
No registration required, but space is limited. Seating opens at 12:30pm and is first-come, first-serve.
cullud wattah
3:00-5:30 pm, Začek-McVay Theater
Thanksgiving, 2016: Flint, Michigan has been without clean water for 936 days. Marion, a third-generation General Motors assembly line worker, worries over impending layoffs while struggling to fight the poison that floods her home–and her family’s bodies. When her sister, Ainee, seeks restitution for lead poisoning, secrets bubble to the surface, threatening to capsize not only their family, but all of Vehicle City. Penned by Susan Smith Blackburn award-winning playwright Erika Dickerson-Despenza, cullud wattah will be staged by Victory Gardens Resident Director Lili-Anne Brown (Lottery Day; School Girls: Or The African Mean Girls Play, Goodman Theatre).
Tickets required: inquire at the Box Office, or purchase here.
Shop Black-Owned Businesses & Visit the Fashion Display
12:00-6:00pm, Main Lobby, Rehearsal Room & Richard Christiansen Theater Lobby
Support local business owners and refresh your look with new clothes, jewelry, personal care items, and more! Add flair to your home with a unique piece of art, or find the perfect gift for your next occasion. Plus, check out the fashion display showcasing styles through the last 60 years.
No registration required, walk in anytime!
Music & Mimosas
1:00-2:00pm, Main Lobby
Enjoy complimentary mimosas and performances from local musicians to start your day!
No registration required.
Arts & Healing Yoga Workshop
2:00-2:45pm, Richard Christiansen Theater
Relax and heal in this 50-minute yoga session. All skill levels are welcome to attend. For the best experience, bring a yoga mat or large towel, water and a small towel for sweat.
Space is limited: register here.
cullud wattah
3:00-5:30 pm, Začek-McVay Theater
Thanksgiving, 2016: Flint, Michigan has been without clean water for 936 days. Marion, a third-generation General Motors assembly line worker, worries over impending layoffs while struggling to fight the poison that floods her home–and her family’s bodies. When her sister, Ainee, seeks restitution for lead poisoning, secrets bubble to the surface, threatening to capsize not only their family, but all of Vehicle City. Penned by Susan Smith Blackburn award-winning playwright Erika Dickerson-Despenza, cullud wattah will be staged by Victory Gardens Resident Director Lili-Anne Brown (Lottery Day; School Girls: Or The African Mean Girls Play, Goodman Theatre).
Tickets required: inquire at the Box Office, or purchase here.
Meet the Vendors
We are thrilled to feature over a dozen Black-owned businesses at this year’s festival. Whether you need clothing, jewelry, personal care products, or unique gifts, they’ve got you covered!
The Black Monologues Creative Team
The Black Monologues Cast
