Black Monument Ensemble “envisions an alternate universe of infinite possibility.”
– New York Times
“Locks’ project feels revelatory in its bridging of the past and future, its blend of old and new. This is uplifting activist jazz for tumultuous times.”
— Pitchfork
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,
providing a unique opportunity to reflect on the complex legacy of our country’s founding.
Illinois Humanities, in partnership with the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Chicago Park
District, Jane M. Saks/Project&, and Empty Bottle Presents, is proud to present Damon
Locks’ world-renowned Black Monument Ensemble as it returns to Garfield Park
Conservatory to deliver a timely and powerful performance that interweaves Black
histories and speculative futures, prompting us all to contemplate where we are today.
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Admission: Free with reservation
Ages: Adults age 18 and up. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
When you register for this workshop, you will be asked to provide any accommodations requests. If you have any questions or would like to request an additional accommodation, please contact [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the event start.
Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities
through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark
conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for
everyone in Illinois.
We envision an Illinois where the public humanities are central to making the state more
just, creative, and connected.
Originally conceived as a medium for Chicago-based multi-media artist/activist Damon
Locks’s sample-based sound collage work, Black Monument Ensemble (BME) has evolved
from a solo mission into a vibrant collective of artists, musicians, singers, and often
dancers making work with common goals of joy, compassion, and intention. Galvanized by
Locks’s conceptualizing, poeticizing, and guiding vision, the contributors represent the
richness and diversity of Black artistic excellence in Chicago. Together, they weave unique
perspectives and experiences into uplifting, anthemic, and highly animated musical
performances.