The Invisible Institute and South Side Weekly are hosting a series of three events with local partners in celebration of Dr. Margaret T.  Burroughs’ 110th birthday! Dr. Burroughs was a trailblazing artist, educator, and activist who co-founded the DuSable Museum of African American History and the South Side Community Art Center.

Dr. Burroughs dedicated her life to the health and well-being of Black people through arts and culture. A prolific writer and gifted visual artist, she used her artistry as a tool to explore the Black experience and to encourage others to do the same.

She led with an unwavering commitment to building and sustaining community, not as an abstract idea but as a lived practice, much like her art. Those who knew her from her time teaching writing at Pontiac and Statesville prisons affectionately called her “Our Girl Tuesday,” in recognition of her weekly visits and steady presence.

We honor her legacy by creating space for reflection and the practice of community-building, because we believe, as she did, that these are the essential building blocks of thriving communities and individuals.

Each event will bring together community members, artists, educators, and storytellers to celebrate her legacy through artmaking, performances, and conversations. Highlights include:

  • October 26: Hyde Park Art Center – art workshops and a community conversation

  • November 1: Walls Turned Sideways – birthday celebration and oral history gathering (Private event for formerly incarcerated people and their families)

  • November 2: Logan Center – performance showcase featuring Dr. Burroughs’ students and collaborators

Learn more about the events and register using the link below.

We’re currently seeking donations and sponsorships, including in-kind contributions, to make this event free and accessible to the community. Event details are listed below. We are accepting donations at every level, donors will be listed on the event website. Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,200 to $7,000, with benefits including recognition across event materials, social media, and at all three gatherings. We expect robust community participation, including families, students, and cultural leaders, and we’d love to have your support in making this celebration possible.

Please email Anwulika Anigbo at anwuli@invisibleinstitute.com if you have any questions.