Before BACA, there was the Black Theatre Alliance — founded in 1977 by a group of Chicago artists with one purpose: bring exposure and visibility to Black creatives whose skills and talent the industry consistently overlooked. That mission carried into the 1997 founding of the African American Arts Alliance, which became BACA.

This Black to Black Series installment brings that legacy full circle. Moderated by E. Faye Butler, join founders, elders, and leaders — including Ron OJ Parson, Chuck Smith, and Enneressa Lanette (with more voices possibly joining) — for a conversation on the birth, growth, and future of Chicago's Black arts organizations. BACA will honor the 40+ organizations across our Alliance, open the floor for Q&A, and send you off with trivia, treats, and a few surprises.

This event is hosted by the Black Arts and Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA) and supported by Arts + Public Life through our Community Cultural Arts Partnership program.