Beyond Belief
Religion and Social Change in 1960s Chicago
“Beyond Belief” explores how religion influenced struggles for justice and equity in 1960s Chicago and beyond. By highlighting the ways diverse faith traditions fueled or sometimes hindered social change movements, the initiative sparks conversations about the past that resonate with the challenges and opportunities of today.
Opening Event - April 18, 2026
An immersive day of music, history, conversation, and community exploring how faith helped transform Chicago in the 1960s
Featured Resource: Historical Timeline
Important moments range from the founding of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago to the Catholic Youth Organization, the Nation of Islam, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s first public appearance in Chicago.