The Illinois Prison Project’s Associate Board presents Voices of Freedom: An IPP Art Showcase. This event is a Juneteenth-inspired, family-friendly community event that centers the creativity, resilience, and lived experiences of individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Through visual art, spoken word, and other expressive mediums, we intend to provide attendees the opportunity to engage with powerful storytelling while supporting IPP's advocacy and litigation efforts. 

An evening of open mic performances featuring Young Prodigy. Presented by Top Pop Productions + DJ Simmy in collaboration with The.BlkRoom.

Signup begins at 7:00pm at the door. Any performative piece, 5 minutes or less! Performing to a track/linked video? Email us your files/links to TopPopProductions@gmail.com; please include 'Top Pop Open Mic' in the subjectline. Be sure we have access.

This event is the culmination of a day long Songwriting Camp, Top Pop Workshop, in collaboration with DJ Simmy + The.BlkRoom.

YOUNG PRODIGY is a young yet experienced rapper and recording artist meticulously planning his industry takeover. Follow him on IG: (@ybk.oskii) to tap in and lock in! His talent is immeasurable and we're so excited for him to hit the stage!

TOP POP PRODUCTIONS is a family run production company currently in collaboration with THE.BLKROOM, a community focused co-creation space in Chicago's very own Garfield Park.​

Alysha Monique, thrilling vocals, high vibrations, LIVE. Presented by Top Pop Productions in collaboration with The.BlkRoom

ALYSHA MONIQUE is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Chicago. She is the founder of Vocal Shed, a platform for vocalists to explore and develop their instruments and empower their practice. Her debut album '"6776" an Alysha Monique Prelude' is available on all music streaming platforms! She's about to rock the house!!

TOP POP PRODUCTIONS is a family run production company currently in collaboration with THE.BLKROOM, a community focused co-creation space in Chicago's very own Garfield Park.

Lyndsey X Ieshia, buttery tones, dynamic duo, LIVE. Presented by Top Pop Productions in collaboration with The.BlkRoom

LYNDSEY x IESHIA are a dynamic duo from the Chicago Southland. Both possess a vocal talent that is as innate as it is enigmatic. They perform everything from oldies, to pop hits and r&b favorites. You're in for a treat! We'll save you a seat!!

TOP POP PRODUCTIONS is a family run production company currently in collaboration with THE.BLKROOM, a community focused co-creation space in Chicago's very own Garfield Park.

Africlassical Futures is proud to present Theresa May and her moniker Dizygotic Energy

Theresa J. May is a versatile trumpeter, educator, and an advocate for equity and inclusion. Theresa co-founded the Chromatic Brass Collective, which champions diversity in the brass community. Her dedication has earned her accolades such as the 2022

"Room in the House" Fellowship from Karamu House, supporting the production and self-release of her debut album, Renewed, under her artistic moniker, Di-zy.got ic Energy.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 3rd at 4pm at The.BlkRoom

The.BlkRoom Now Presents Cafe Noir! The first-ever late-night Co-working and Vinyl Set Session on the West Side!

We invite our audience to come through to our space every third Thursday of the Month from 5pm - 8pm for Late-night co-working, treats, and LOFI Vinyl Set! Come and bring your laptop and enjoy good vibes and an organic way to connect with other artists and creatives in the community.

All Donation-based RSVPS go to The.BlkRooms Necessary Operations to keep our doors and programs open!

This sessions vinyl set will be presented by DJ John West!

PARKING/ENTRANCE

Free parking is located behind the building. You will see signs for the Chicago Tool Library (located in the same building as The.BlkRoom). They also share a lot. Park your car in the lot and enter through the blue door with the yellow sign. Someone from the TBR should be there to greet you upon arrival, but if not hang right toward the door just past the tool library and follow the signs for TBR. You walk up the stairs to suite 204.

The Vocal Shed was born from a vision between two Black women - Alysha Monique and my manager @manithemanager - who believed in the power of creating a space where artists could connect, collaborate, and educate the community through music.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, I'm reflecting on the very few Vocal Sheds that honored this moment and the intention behind it. What started as a vision has grown into a community of singers, musicians, and creatives supporting each other in real time.

Fonce’s Small Group Workshop

TBR Member Tiana Marshaé and her business, Fonce, will host a workshop twice a month. Foncé will host group DIY themed sewing classes where we create small projects. Patterns will be provided as these classes are beginner-friendly.

Join us in collaboration with exprsn studios and Ashley Mia Studios, for an afternoon of connection, recharging, and creativity. 

• When: Sunday, April 26th from 12 - 4 PM. 

• What: Please bring a creative or personal project to work on, your favorite snack, and come ready to mingle. Water will be provided.

• Portrait power Hour: From 2 to 3 PM, Ashley Mia will host a Portrait Power Hour where she will create one signature digital portrait for participants.

• Where: The BlkRoom - 4015 W. Carroll Avenue, Chicago, IL Second floor, Unit 204

• Parking: Free parking - Parking Instructions

Can’t wait to see you there! RSVP and tell a friend.

Artists Bios + Social/Websites:

Kristian James, Founder of exprsn studios (all lowercase)

• Website: Website is coming soon, learn more about me at kristianjames.xyz 

• Social Media: exprsn.studios on Instagram 

• Email: hi@exprsnstudios.com

• Bio: Kristian James is the founder of, exprsn studios, where she operates as a creative partner in producing creative, impact-driven projects and building community through intentional programming. With over 7 years of experience across a range of disciplines, she prioritizes supporting artists, creatives, and businesses to develop and turn visions into impact by telling meaningful stories and creating impactful experiences – with a holistic, inside-out approach.

Ashley Mia, Founder of Ashley Mia Studios 

• Website: ashleymia.com

• Social Media: byashleymia on Instagram 

• Email: info@ashleymia.com

• Bio: Ashley Mia is an interdisciplinary artist primarily focusing on the mediums of photography, painting and directing. within her photography work, she focuses on the beauty of portraits. Creating warmth and bringing the natural essence of a person into the frame is her goal. this carries over into her art and creative directing where she aims to create visual storytelling pieces that feel warm, vibrant and have a sense of connection.

Shantina Lynet', soulful vocals, peak musicality, LIVE. Presented by Top Pop Productions in collaboration with The.BlkRoom.

SHANTINA LYNET' is a vocalist and songwriter who's worked with several big names in the music industry. She's set to release her 3rd studio album this year! Get ready for some deep cuts and brand new tunes sure to both soothe and ignite the soul.

TOP POP PRODUCTIONS is a family run production company currently in collaboration with THE.BLKROOM, a community focused co-creation space in Chicago's very own Garfield Park.

Fonce’s Small Group Workshop

TBR Member Tiana Marshaé and her business, Fonce, will host a workshop twice a month. Foncé will host group DIY themed sewing classes where we create small projects. Patterns will be provided as these classes are beginner-friendly.

Me'Lo The Generation Hero, heavy bars, live. Presented by Top Pop Productions in collaboration with The.BlkRoom.

ME'LO THE GENERATION HERO is a rapper unlike any other. Her kinetic flows meld consciousness with street sensibility and boundless inspiration for her listeners. Her live performances provide an electric and often eclectic experience with live instrumentalists and other frequent collaborators. Community is her game and the stage is her home. Come see her do her thing!

TOP POP PRODUCTIONS is a family run production company currently in collaboration with THE.BLKROOM, a community focused co-creation space in Chicago's very own Garfield Park.

You're invited to the Indie Headshot Party - Quarter Il.

SATURDAY APRIL 18TH 11AM -2PM

Join us at The Blk Room for an afternoon dedicated to creativity, connection, and capturing your best self.

Hosted by resident curator SharmonJarmon!, this edition features guest photographer @elixbarnes, whose work is currently on view in the Corridor Gallery photographer exhibition curated by @kindrednoir.

Photographer Jayla will take professional headshots.

In partnership with@the.blkroom, we welcome artists, creatives, and professionals to experience a thoughtfully curated space designed to elevate your visual presence.

Just(Us) Dinner: Rooted: Gardening Workshop 

Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM CDT

The BLK Room 

Growth takes intention. Growth takes tending. Growth takes time.
This April, Just(Us) Dinner invites you into an evening of planting — both in soil and in spirit.
At Seeds + Stories, each guest will receive a seed to plant and take home. As our hands press into soil, we’ll share stories about growth:
What has helped us grow?
What tried to uproot us?
What does tending to ourselves and our communities truly require?
Planting is never passive. It is an act of belief. A declaration that something is worth nurturing.
Over a shared meal from Inspiration Kitchen, we’ll reflect on the parallels between gardens and our lives — the patience, the setbacks, the unseen work beneath the surface, and the quiet miracles that come from consistent care.
You’ll leave with:
🌿 A planted seed to grow at home
🌿 New connections
🌿 Stories rooted in resilience and possibility
Because what we water, grows.
Seats are limited. Join us at the table.

There is a $15 deposit for your reservation that is returned upon your participation in the event!(please note that we understand $15 can be a significant impact, if this is your case, please email Janelle Martin at janelle@kcachicago.org to received registration code)

Event Overview & Invitation:

Join us for (Board and Brunch), TBR’s inaugural collaborative brunch designed to strengthen our community and support the ongoing growth and sustainability of The.BlkRoom. This special gathering is an opportunity to connect with passionate community members, learn about our innovative initiatives, and discover how you can become an active participant in shaping our future.

Your involvement will help expand our capacity, sustain existing programs, and develop new projects that uplift and serve our community. Whether you're an artist, a creative enthusiast, or a community advocate, your voice and participation are vital to our collective success.

Agenda & Schedule:

• Networking & Connect | 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Kick off the day by mingling with fellow attendees, building relationships, and sharing ideas.

• Welcome & Introduction | 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Hear from TBR leadership about our mission, vision, and the purpose of this event.

• Project Descriptions & Event Overview | 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Discover the vibrant initiatives that drive The.BlkRoom’s community engagement and cultural growth.

• Interactive Breakout Sessions | 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Engage in meaningful conversations about our projects, share your insights, and explore ways to get involved.

• Group Sharing & Wrap-Up | 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Reflect on ideas, discuss next steps, and inspire collective action.

• Networking & Community Building | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Conclude the event with additional opportunities to connect, collaborate, and forge lasting relationships.

About Our Projects:

At TBR, we create diverse programming to support and showcase BIPOC artists and creatives. Our initiatives include artist residencies, curated exhibitions, a radio show, and outdoor projects—all designed to foster collaboration, visibility, and a deep connection to nature.

• The Bloom Residency for Black Women: A transformative program empowering Black women artists through access to TBR’s creative space, mentorship, and community. Curated by Angel Bat Dawid, this residency encourages artists to explore Black womanhood, identity, and creative expression.

• The Corridor Gallery: In partnership with Kindred Noir, this gallery transforms an exterior corridor into a vibrant space for emerging and mid-career BIPOC artists to showcase their work, engage audiences, and participate in community programming.

• The TBR Radio Show: Hosted by Sharmon Jarmon, this podcast highlights community leaders, artists, and visionaries shaping Chicago’s arts scene. It offers cultural insights, member highlights, and opportunities in media, PR, and marketing workshops.

• The TBR Library: Curated by Silk Press Ink, this circulating library features literature, vinyl, archival pieces, and more by Black and Brown artists. It promotes community engagement through book clubs, archival events, and cultural preservation initiatives.

Join us at (Board and Brunch) to learn more about these impactful projects and discover how you can contribute to the vibrant future of The.BlkRoom. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community that celebrates and elevates Black and Brown artistry.

Fonce’s Small Group Workshop

TBR Member Tiana Marshaé and her business, Fonce, will host a workshop twice a month. Foncé will host group DIY themed sewing classes where we create small projects. Patterns will be provided as these classes are beginner-friendly.

Overview

Experience the opening of Somewhere on the Way to Freedom, a photography exhibition by Elijah Barnes at The.BlkRoom Corridor Gallery.

Join us for the opening of Somewhere on the Way to Freedom, a photography exhibition by Chicago-based photographer Elijah Barnes. Curated by Kindred Noir and presented in partnership with The.BlkRoom, the exhibition will take place in the Corridor Gallery Space.

Barnes’ work captures the poetry of contemporary life through a dreamlike, ethereal visual language. Known for his evocative conceptual portraits, his photographs reimagine Black culture while exploring themes of beauty, identity, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom. Through layered imagery and symbolic storytelling, Somewhere on the Way to Freedomreflects on the spaces between memory, movement, and possibility—inviting viewers to consider how the past, present, and imagined futures shape Black life.

The evening will include an artist-led walkthrough of the exhibition and a moderated artist talk, offering deeper insight into Barnes’ creative process and the themes behind the work.

Program Highlights

• Exhibition Opening

• Artist-Led Walkthrough

• Moderated Artist Talk

• Refreshments by Candied x Cured

• Sounds

The.BlkRoom Now Presents Cafe Noir! The first-ever late-night Co-working and Vinyl Set Session on the West Side!

We invite our audience to come through to our space every third Thursday of the Month from 5pm - 8pm for Late-night co-working, treats, and LOFI Vinyl Set! Come and bring your laptop and enjoy good vibes and an organic way to connect with other artists and creatives in the community.

All Donation-based RSVPS go to The.BlkRooms Necessary Operations to keep our doors and programs open!

This sessions vinyl set will be presented by DJ John West!

PARKING/ENTRANCE

Free parking is located behind the building. You will see signs for the Chicago Tool Library (located in the same building as The.BlkRoom). They also share a lot. Park your car in the lot and enter through the blue door with the yellow sign. Someone from the TBR should be there to greet you upon arrival, but if not hang right toward the door just past the tool library and follow the signs for TBR. You walk up the stairs to suite 204.

Vocal Shed Presented by Alysha Monique - More info Coming Soon

Fonce’s Small Group Workshop

TBR Member Tiana Marshaé and her business, Fonce, will host a workshop twice a month. Foncé will host group DIY themed sewing classes where we create small projects. Patterns will be provided as these classes are beginner-friendly.

MARCH 18TH! Just(Us) Dinners invites

us into the power of song as a tool of resistance, remembrance, and collective strength. Fight Another Day centers the music that carried movements forward

-songs that held grief, hope, courage, and unwavering belief in freedom. (Link in bio)

Featuring live performance by Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, this gathering will explore how fight songs have historically united communities, sustained organizers, and given voice to the emotional and spiritual realities of the Civil Rights Movement. Through performance, shared reflection, and conversation over dinner, we will consider how music continues to shape the ways we gather, protest, heal, and imagine liberation today.

Hosted@the.blkroom, this evening will hold space for the long lineage of musical resistance.

We'll also be continuing our Heal TogetHER Peer Support Program, with monthly support available proceeding Just(Us) Dinners! Learn more + Sign up for these sessions (link in bio.)

There is a $15 deposit for your reservation that is returned upon your check-in at the event!

Fonce’s Small Group Workshop

TBR Member Tiana Marshaé and her business, Fonce, will host a workshop twice a month. Foncé will host group DIY themed sewing classes where we create small projects. Patterns will be provided as these classes are beginner-friendly.

The Salt Circle: Restorative Yoga + Guided Healing

REST AS RESISTANCE + PROTECTION OF THE SACRED WOMXN

Sunday, Mar 8, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT

The BlkRoom

Join us for a nourishing restorative yoga sequence + guided healing sesh. We'll start with a gentle, floor-based stretch, then enjoy a sound bath, meditating on themes of Rest as Resistance + Protection of the Sacred Womxn. (FREE with RSVP, $10 at the door)

Bring your partner or friend, your mat, and an open mind!
A water bottle and jacket or small throw blanket for resting pose is optional.

All genders are welcome and encouraged! Learning techniques to ground ourselves through patterns of self-nourishment is not exclusively feminine, and protecting womxn is a community responsibility we celebrate everyday, especially during March-- Women's History Month.

LGBTQ+ friendly | All ages session | Minors must be accompanied by an adult

Supported readings:
Black Liturgies - Cole Arthur Riley
Rest is Resistence - Tricia Hersey (The Nap Bishop)

Featured Yoga Instructor:

Kenya Butts, LCSW, Birth / Postpartum Doula, Reiki Practitionaer
Insta: @kenabuwellness

Kenya began practicing yoga in 2006, and by 2009 she decided that she wanted to spread her love of yoga to others. Kenya believes that when life gets hectic she can always get on her mat and everything will begin to make sense. As a licensed social worker and doula, her work centers maternal mental health, sharing helpful tools that can benefit womxn of all ages, and men looking for techniques to ground into patterns of self-nourishment.

Fonce’s Small Group Workshop

TBR Member Tiana Marshaé and her business, Fonce, will host a workshop twice a month. Foncé will host group DIY themed sewing classes where we create small projects. Patterns will be provided as these classes are beginner-friendly.

Fonce’s Small Group Workshop

TBR Member Tiana Marshaé and her business, Fonce, will host a workshop twice a month. Foncé will host group DIY themed sewing classes where we create small projects. Patterns will be provided as these classes are beginner-friendly.

The.BlkRoom Now Presents Cafe Noir! The first-ever late-night Co-working and Vinyl Set Session on the West Side!

We invite our audience to come through to our space every third Thursday of the Month from 5pm - 8pm for Late-night co-working, treats, and LOFI Vinyl Set! Come and bring your laptop and enjoy good vibes and an organic way to connect with other artists and creatives in the community.

All Donation-based RSVPS go to The.BlkRooms Necessary Operations to keep our doors and programs open!

This sessions vinyl set will be presented by DJ John West!

PARKING/ENTRANCE

Free parking is located behind the building. You will see signs for the Chicago Tool Library (located in the same building as The.BlkRoom). They also share a lot. Park your car in the lot and enter through the blue door with the yellow sign. Someone from the TBR should be there to greet you upon arrival, but if not hang right toward the door just past the tool library and follow the signs for TBR. You walk up the stairs to suite 204.

Fonce’s Small Group Workshop

TBR Member Tiana Marshaé and her business, Fonce, will host a workshop twice a month. Foncé will host group DIY themed sewing classes where we create small projects. Patterns will be provided as these classes are beginner-friendly.

This event is a shared space for creativity, connection, and intention. We’re coming together to learn, exchange ideas, and build community in a way that feels honest and welcoming. Expect thoughtful conversations, creative expression, and a relaxed atmosphere where curiosity is encouraged and everyone belongs. Come as you are, bring an open mind, and be ready to connect with people, stories, and ideas that matter.