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.

• 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
• 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
  5 pm
• 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* 
  8 am
  Memphis, TN 
  Students are required to register. You may register at the front desk of the SMRC or contact dina.timmons@siu.edu.  We will be departing the Student Services Bldg at 8:15 am.
• Saturday, 21st Feb
  Live and in Color (free performance)
  Marion Kleinau Theatre
  7 pm
  Communications Building, 2nd Floor
• Sunday, 22nd
  FebBlack Alumni Musician Performance2 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
  7 pm
  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.