The Forum (Chicago)

The Forum is a historic venue located in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, built in 1897 by alderman William Kent and his father. Designed by architect Samuel Atwater Treat, it features a Late Classical Revival style. Initially a social and political meeting hall, it became a hub for civil rights organizations during the Great Migration, hosting significant events and rallies. The Forum also served as a prominent jazz venue, featuring performances by famous musicians like Nat King Cole. In the 1940s, it became the headquarters for a black fraternal organization. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019, making it a notable site for tourists and researchers interested in African American history and culture.