Black History Month
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual February observance, celebrating past and present achievements of African Americans. In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, proposed the establishment of "Negro History Week" to honor the history and contributions of African Americans to American life. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History," chose the second week of February because it commemorates birthdays of two men who greatly affected the African American community: Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14). Negro History Week became Black History Week in the early 1970s. In 1976, the week-long observance was expanded to a month in honor of the nation's bicentennial.
We continue to celebrate this month every year knowing that our history is a reminder of our past and honoring to our bright and well ancestors.
All events with an (*) are part of the ADEI Leadership Certificate Program.
Please pre-register if you would like virtual link to join an event if you are not able to attend in person.
2026 Events
Monday, 2nd Feb
Kickoff*
4:30 pm
Student Center Ball Room B
Wednesday, 4th Feb
Racial Bias In Medicine*
12:00 pm
Guyon Auditorium - Morris Library
Thursday, 5th Feb
McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon
12:00 pm
Morris University Center - Edwardsville Campus
Thursday, 5th Feb
Soul, A Journey Through A Decade*
7:00 pm
Marion Kleinau Theater -Communications Building
Friday, 6th Feb
Voices of Impact Awards Lunch - Cost: $25
11:30 am
Student Center Ball Room B
Friday, 6th Feb
Living Legends Ceremony - Mike Glenn
6:00 pm
Banterra Center
Saturday, 7th Feb
Dr. Melvin Terrell Special Collection
2 pm
Hall of Presidents, Morris Library & Terrell Atrium in Faner Hall
Monday, 9th Feb
Financial Impact*
SSB 150/160
Tuesday, 10th Feb
Commemorating the Success of Black Women Over The Last 100 Years - Panel*
5 pm
Guyon Auditorium - Morris Library
Thursday, 12th Feb
Black Togetherness Meet & Greet/Informational Session
5:30 pm
Grinnell Hall
Friday, 13th Feb
Heart 2 Heart - Navigating Relationships & Mental Health During & After College*
12 pm
SSB 150/160
Saturday, 14th Feb
Black Business Expo*
9 am
Carbondale City Hall
Monday, 16th Feb
Film Showing: Never Been A Time*
3 pm
Guyon Auditorium - Morris Library
Tuesday, 17th Feb
Commemorating the Success of Black Men Over The Last 100 Years - Panel*
5 pm
Guyon Auditorium - Morris Library
Thursday, 19th Feb
National Civil Rights Museum Visit*
2-4 pm
Student Services Bldg Rm 150/160
Wednesday, 19th Feb
Mental Health Access, Treatment,
and Success Rates Amongst The
Black Community
8 pm
Memphis, TN
Sunday, 22nd Feb
Black Alumni Musician Performance
2 pm
First United Methodist Church
Sunday, 22nd Feb
Variety Show*
5 pm
Ballroom D
Monday, 23rd Feb
Black History Scholar Bowl*
6 pm Old Main
Wednesday, 25th Feb
The Black Intern Experience
5 pm
Old Main
Tuesday, 27th Feb
Blacks In Government*
12 pm
Guyon Auditorium - Morris Library
Saturday, 28th Feb
Ebony Ball
7pm
Student Center Ballrooms
Note: Events marked with * qualify for the ADEI credit.
The Black Resource Center will be collaborating with the City of Carbondale for a food drive. We ask that anyone who attends any BHM event bring a can good or dry food item. Food items will be donated to our Heros Program and local pantries.