Griffin MSI Gala a celebration of Black creativity

On Feb. 15, 2025, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry welcomed many of Chicago’s most prestigious individuals for the 55th annual Black Creativity Gala. The atmosphere was festive as the museum was transformed into a space of celebration, all for the purpose of supporting Black creatives and their art. The Black Creatives Juried Art Exhibition is the longest-running event of its kind, acknowledging and celebrating the work of Black artists. It is an opportunity to recognize the valuable and significant contributions of Black creators, innovators and artists, who bring their talents and vision to science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM).

Dr. Chevy Humphrey, CEO of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, spoke about the museum’s goal to make it accessible to everyone at no cost “I need everybody’s attention because I really want to talk about this incredible moment. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, ‘We have come a long, long way, but we have a long, long way to go.’ Our museum has taken many steps toward making this a place for everyone, but this is only the beginning. To succeed in our mission, to foster the inventive genius in everyone, we need to be accessible for all—where everyone from every community sees Griffin MSI as ‘my museum.’ And I know all of you remember coming here as little kids, walking in the front door when it was free. Remember that? We have to set a goal to make this institution free again, because our young people need the same thing you all experienced. So, this is the beginning. The beginning of change. We have so many exciting things to share with you as we approach our centennial.”

The Black Creatives Juried Art Exhibition stands as a space for Black expression and access. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has embraced this vision and continues to allocate funds and resources to communities in and around the Chicagoland area. This years gala raised over $700,000 for targeted and culturally relevant STEAM education programming.

Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke about the contributions of Black creatives and the work being done under Dr. Humphrey’s leadership “I want to take a moment to acknowledge Dr. Humphrey’s dedication to leadership at Griffin MSI and the amazing work you are doing. From our earliest days, it’s important to remember that Black residents have made enormous contributions to science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

For 55 years, Black Creativity at Griffin MSI has highlighted excellence through outreach and thoughtful exhibitions that inspire and empower us. This Gala is not just a celebration of Black Creativity—our story—it’s not just a celebration of our incredible history, but it’s truly an investment in tomorrow. As a former public school teacher, I know how critical it is for our young Black students to have access to these opportunities to learn and to build upon the achievements of the past.”

The 55th annual Black Creativity Gala shined a spotlight on the vital role of Black ingenuity, giving voice and visibility to creators whose work uplifts communities across Chicagoland. Check out a few pictures from the Gala below.