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.

View Black History Month Schedule

2024 Events

All Black History Month

SIU Faculty Friends Program with the BSFC
The Black Staff Faculty Council (BSFC) encourages students to invite a staff, faculty, or administrator to a meal at Lentz or Trueblood this month. We hope to create space to connect and build the unity within our community by simply being together to share our unique experiences at SIU. To sign up students must click the link below and invite the chosen SIU employee. Be sure to talk with them first. We hope to connect soon.
Sign up here!
Event Host: Black Staff Faculty Council
Any time during the month

Thursday, 1st February

*Black History Month Kick Off
At this event we will welcome Peter Alexander, Professor of Law as our keynote speaker. Professor Alexander will share how his connection to his elders and ancestors support him on his path. After, we will participate in an engaging activity of learning about our names, a bit about epigenetics, and how simply knowing what our name means can help us on our healing journeys. This is to align with the BRC chosen theme of “Ancestral Healing.”
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: The Black Resource Center
12:00-2:00 PM • Guyon Auditorium, 1st Floor Morris Library

National Racial Healing Day Film Viewing: Daughters of the Dust
This event is rescheduled from Jan 16th the National Racial Healing Day. "This event is to provide space to learn from elders and ancestors through the expression of art created by Ms. Julie Dash. Her 1991 independent film "Daughters of the Dust” premiered at Sundance during a time when depictions of Black women were inaccurate and few. Ms. Dash wrote, directed, and produced the film and went on to win the Sundance Award for Best Cinematography. This led Ms. Dash to become the first African American woman to have a wide theatrical release. This movie allows us to step into a portal to learn from parts of our culture that have been forgotten and misplaced. Remembering and recalling the truth is racial healing 101 which supports us in connecting with our Ancestors.
4:00-6:30 PM • Guyon Auditorium, 1st Floor Morris Library

Friday, 2nd February

Ebony Ball Premiere: A Blissful Glimpse - Cancelled
Join the Black Affairs Council at the Ebony Ball Premiere: A Blissful Glimpse, as we kick off the countdown to the much-anticipated Ebony Ball on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024.
Event Host: The Black Affairs Council
6:00-8:00 PM • Student Center Auditorium, 2nd Floor

Saturday, 3rd February

SIU Women's Basketball vs. Missouri State
4:00 PM • Banterra Center

Sunday, 4th February

Church Service With The Feds
Join the Women of Action of NACWC, Inc. for service at Hopewell
If you can't join in-person, you can virtually join on the Facebook livestream.
10:00 AM • Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church 400 E. Main St. Carbondale

Monday, 5th February

International Festival: Parade of Flags
This event is part of the Annual SIU International Festival. The theme for this year’s festival is “Promoting Diversity Through Unity.” Please join the Center of International Education and their sponsors for the annual “Parade of Flags” to open one of Saluki’s nation’s favorite festivals. The parade will begin at Woody Hall. Departing at 10:00 AM.
Event Host: Center for International Education (CIE)
Parade Departs at 10:00 AM • Woody Hall

International Festival: Proclamation
Event Host: Center for International Education (CIE)
10:30 AM • Student Center Internal Lounge

Tuesday, 6th February

Information / Q&A McNair Scholars Program
Come learn how to get involved in this program and prepare for both graduate school & life beyond college!
12:30-1:00 PM • Student Services Building, Room 307

Safe Zone Training Sessions
Safe Zone training sessions educate the SIU Carbondale Community about LGBTQ+ communities and individuals. Participation as an ally in the SIU Safe Zone program helps to create a campus that is inclusive and affirming.
For more information please visit: https://smrc.siu.edu/lgbtq/safezone/.
Event Host: LGBTQ Resource Center
2:00-4:00 PM • Student Services Building, Room 307

Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the key to understanding and managing our own emotions while navigating interpersonal relationships. Join us to learn, assess, and enhance your knowledge on the topic through an interactive Kahoot game!
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Phi Rho Eta Fraternity Inc., Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
5:00-7:00 PM • Guyon Auditorium, 1st Floor Morris Library

Wednesday, 7th February

International Food Festival
International Food Festival Tickets are on sale in the Student Center Ballrooms from 30th January - 8th February 2024.
Event Host: Center for International Education (CIE)
11:00 AM-1:30 PM • Student Center Ballrooms

*Beginnings Of Black American Studies At SIU
This presentation will intimate how Black Studies was formed at SIU; the surrounding environment and circumstances under which it was formed and the sacrifices that were made to bring about its fruition. It will also include organizational documents of instructional staff.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Eric Frazier of the SIU Sages
4:00-5:30 PM • Student Services Building, Room 170

Movie Night: The Al Jenkins Story
This film viewing will be dedicated to publicly recognizing and honoring the now-retired legal legend Alfred "Al" Jenkins. Attorney Jenkins is a former Los Angeles prosecutor who has actively tutored thousands of Black law school graduates since 1976 from the kitchen table of his home. Al continues to passionately care about increasing the number of Black attorneys and still works with and helps prepare Black law school graduates for the Bar Exam - even well into his eighties. Light refreshments will be served.
Event Host: Black Law Students Association
6:00 PM • Room 102, Law School

Thursday, 8th February

*Addressing, Unpacking, And Healing "Misogynoir"
According to the Oxford Dictionary, “Misogynoir” is a dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against Black women.” This event is a discussion to help bring awareness to the ideology, to provide space to address experiences, and to offer tools for healing.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Event Host: The Black Resource Center
4:30-6:00 PM • Guyon Auditorium, 1st Floor Morris Library

*T.I.P. Presents: Black 'N Queer Roundtable Aids: Then & Now
For our roundtable, we will be discussing how the AIDS epidemic left an impact on Black lives and what we can do to heal from wounds from the past and today.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: The Intersectionality Project
5:00 PM • Mississippi Room, 2nd Floor Student Center

Friday, 9th February

Vision Board and Paint Night
This event is to set goals and intentions for yourself for the new year and semester. To create space to come to peace with your past and set motion forward toward your future accomplishments that you each seek.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: The Black Resource Center, Hispanic/Latinx Resource Center, LGBTQ Resource Center
5:00-6:30 PM • Student Services Building (SSB), Rooms 150/160

Cultural Show
Event Host: Center for International Education (CIE)
6:30 PM • Student Center Ballrooms

Saturday, 10th February

3rd Annual Black Expo 2024 "Soaring to New Heights"
Event Host: The Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois
10:00 AM-3:00 PM • Carbondale Civic Center

Sunday, 11th February

SIU Women's Basketball vs. Belmont
6:00 PM • Banterra Center

Monday, 12th February

Queer Cinema Presents - Brother, Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin
Free popcorn, candy, giveaways, trivia, and a post-film discussion!
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: LGBTQ Resource Center, The Black Resource Center
3:00 PM • Sharp Museum Auditorium, Faner Hall

Tuesday, 13th February

Employer Informational: US Air Guard
This event will host presentations by US Air Guard about the job opportunities for SIU students. No matter the major STEM, Finance, Social Services, and more there are opportunities for you. This event can be viewed as an opportunity to build your skills of speaking with employers ahead of the SIU Spring Job Fair on Tuesday, February 20th.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Black Resource Center, Career Development Center, US Air Guard
12:00-2:00 PM • Student Services Building, Room 150/160.

*Breaking Curses and Finding Peace
As pre-health students we are learning more about how the mind and mental health are vital no matter what part of the medical field we take on. Breaking curses and finding peace is an event that will allow us to discuss generational curses and provide tools to help break them to support in healing ourselves for and with our ancestors and future generations.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Melanin in Medicine, Black Resource Center
4:00-6:00 PM • Student Services Building, Room 150/160

"Sankofa: Let the Songs of the Ancestors Teach Us to Fly" Interspersed with dance presented by Dominique Atwood
This talk is part of the University Honors Glassman Distinguished Speaker Series. During this talk Father Joseph Brown S.J., Ph.D. (Professor of Africana Studies), will discuss the cosmos in the Black spiritual tradition and so also very appropriate for the eclipse and the inclusion of dance, mythology, and narrative is in line with the national theme of Black resistance.
Event Host: University Honors Program
5:00-7:30 PM • Moe Auditorium, Communications Building, SIU

Wednesday, 14th February

*All Faiths Discussion and Prayer Circle
This space is for students to gather to discuss any topic in their heart and pray for each other and our community. Our ancestors gather continuously to tap into the well spring of support in times of hardship, struggle, and adversity. This is a space to honor and continue that tradition no matter where our faith has led us. This space is closed to those that register in advance to provide a safe, brave, and healing space for those in attendance.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Event Host: The Black Resource Center
12:00 PM • Mississippi Room, 2nd Floor Student Center

*Healing from Systems of Oppression Lecture and Discussion Series 1.0
This is a three-part series led by international graduate student Adjoa Adu Poku or AJ. AJ is a Ghanaian Native who will guide those in attendance through the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade and its impact on her home country and continent. She hopes to fill the gaps of misinformation that many US Citizens have been taught with the hopes of cultivating a greater sense of unity, clarity, and healing for all participants.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Event Host: Adjoa Adu Poku, The Black Resource Center
3:00-4:45 PM • Student Services Building, Room 170

*Health and Healing Mind Sets and Skill Sets
An overview of practices and tools that support optimal health, including Qigong and Tai Chi, energy management, time management, and resilience.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Paul Purnell of the SIU Sages
5:00-7:00 PM • Roman Room, 1st Floor Student Center

Thursday, 15th February

*My Ancestors Wildest Dreams: Black and an Officer in the US Space Force
This event will be a keynote speech with Captain Lydell L. Scott about his process from enlisted Airman to Officer in the US Space Force. Captain Scott will share about his path and how his passion for family, his nation, and STEM led him to where he is today. We will also take time to acknowledge and honor SIU Alum US Air Force Lt. Colonel Harvey Welch Jr.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Event Host: Air Force ROTC, The Black Resource Center, Veterans Office
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
5:30-7:00 PM • Guyon Auditorium, 1st Floor Morris Library

Friday, 16th February

BWTF and Naturalistas Presents: Fall in Love with Yourself
This event will be a night where Black Women will be invited to take time and appreciate themselves. We will offer a variety of activities from painting self-portraits to vision boards.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Black Women's Task Force, Naturalistas
6:00-8:00 PM • Mississippi Room, 2nd Floor Student Center

Sunday, 18th February

Black Magic Variety Show
This event features a gallery of artwork and products from local vendors and businesses, performances of music, poetry, dancing, and various talent that shines a light on black history.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., Essence Fashion Fair Models, Old School Gospel Jamboree (OGJC) Community Choir
4:00 PM • Ballrooms & Corker Lounge, 2nd Floor Student Center

Monday, 19th February

TRIO Information Table
Event Host: TRIO
11:00 AM-1:00 PM • 1st Floor Student Center

Tuesday, 20th February

TRIO Giveback: Children's Book Drive
Event Host: TRIO
All Day • Drop-Off Locations: Woody Hall 214 & SMRC Student Services Building, Suite 140

SIU Spring Job Fair
The Job and Internship Fair is a great way to network with over 100 employers on-campus. Admission is free to all SIU students, you must be dressed professionally for this event for entry. The Career Development Center offers the “Professional Clothing Closet” to all students for a full professional outfit for your wardrobe permanently -stop by before the event.
Click here to join the event on Handshake and view all the employers coming to the event.
Event Host: The Career Development Center
10:00 AM-2:00 PM • Student Center Ballrooms

Oratorical Competition
This is a competition held by the members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Students will share speeches based on the Black History Month theme in front of a small panel of judges for prizes. Refreshments will be provided.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
6:00-7:00 PM • Guyon Auditorium, 1st Floor Morris Library

Wednesday, 21th February

*Healing from Systems of Oppression Lecture and Discussion Series 2.0
This is a three-part series led by international graduate student Adjoa Adu Poku or AJ. AJ is a Ghanaian Native who will guide those in attendance through the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade and its impact on her home country and continent. She hopes to fill the gaps of misinformation that many US Citizens have been taught with the hopes of cultivating a greater sense of unity, clarity, and healing for all participants.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Event Host: Adjoa Adu Poku, The Black Resource Center
3:00-4:45 PM • Student Services Building, Room 170

TRIO Takeover: SIU Men's Basketball Game
SIU vs Murray State
Event Host: TRIO
7:00 PM • Banterra Center

Thursday, 22th February

*"Healing the Divide between Black and Brown Communities"
A closed discussion group for Black and Brown students. We will discuss the mindset, ideas, and misunderstandings that can keep Black and Brown communities from connecting and unifying. This space is closed to provide a safe, brave, and healing space for students.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is mandatory.
This discussion will be led by: Mildred Williams (Program Coordinator of the Black Resource Center) and Alexander Rodriguez (Program Coordinator of the Hispanic/Latino Resource Center)
2:00-4:30 PM • Mississippi Room, 2nd Floor Student Center

Black Women in Leadership Discussion Series
This event is to highlight the different obstacles that Black Women face in careers that are dominated by white male counterparts. We will acknowledge such careers, highlight advancements made & troubleshoot ways to encourage more Black women to join the workforce in fields where they may seemingly be pushed out.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: Black Women's Club
4:30-5:00 PM • Student Center, Kaskaskia/Missouri Rooms

Optimal Mental Health: Strategies for Building Resistance
Event Host: TRIO
5:00 PM • 7th Floor Morris Library, Room 753/754

Friday, 23rd February

Day Trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN - Rescheduled!
Enjoy a day in Memphis at the National Civil Rights Museum. This will be a time of learning, reflecting, and connecting to the ancestors that paved a way for healing for our nation and world. This event will only be open to students that attend at least three (3) Black History Month events.
Please check back on the SMRC Home Page for updates!
Event Host: Student Multicultural Resource Center, TRIO Programs
Start 8:00 AM • Memphis, TN

Saturday, 24th February

NABJ Media Day
This event will provide a space for the SIU Black Community to learn more about journalism and connect with Black professionals in the field.
Reserve your free ticket here.
Event Host: National Association of Black Journalists, Black Togetherness Organization
10:30 AM-3:00 PM • Communications Building

Share the Bread's 2nd Annual Met Gala: The Great Gatsby
The purpose of the Met Gala is to provide SIU students with the opportunity to present knowledge to their peers, staff, and community about different causes and charities individually important to them. After showcasing their selected cause and charity, audience members will then be given the opportunity to donate to the contestant's presented charity. The goal is to give our contestants the opportunity to raise money to give back to organizations that hold a special place in their hearts. We encourage all in attendance to dress along with The Great Gatsby's theme of the Roaring 20's!
Reserve your free ticket here.
Event Host: Share the Bread
5:00-8:00 PM • International Lounge, Student Center

*The 2nd Black As Hell Showcase
We are proud to bring back our variety show. The showcase will contribute material written by the members of Africana Theater Lab with surprises along the way. We hope everyone can make it and be entertained!
Purchase tickets here.
Event Host: Africana Theater Lab, School of Communications
8:00 PM • Communications Building

Monday, 26th February

Tribute to Richard Roundtree
Event Host: History Department, School of Theater and Dance
6:00 PM • Guyon Auditorium, 1st Floor Morris Library

Tuesday, 27th February

Student Support Services Student Jam
Event Host: TRIO
5:00 PM • 7th Floor Morris Library, Room 752/754

FedQuest: Journey Through Black History - A Trivia Game Celebrating African American Heritage
Join the Women of Action of NACWC, Inc. for a night of community, fun, and ancestral remembrance as they test your knowledge on Black History and Heritage from SIU history to National History and more.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: NACWC, Inc., The Black Resource Center
5:00-7:00 PM • Guyon Auditorium, 1st Floor Morris Library

Wednesday, 28th February

Alumni Speaks Featuring Dr. Renada Greer
This event provides an inspiring platform for alumni to share their experiences, insights, and achievements, offering guidance and motivation to current students seeking to excel both academically and personally. Dr. Greer will be interviewed by Makenzie Gaines, a junior studying Public Relations, a member of the Women of Action Chapter, National Association of Colored Women’s Club, and SMRC Student Employee.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is not mandatory.
Event Host: The Black Resource Center
12:30-2:30 PM • Guyon Auditorium, Morris Library

*Healing from Systems of Oppression Lecture and Discussion Series 3.0
This is a three-part series led by international graduate student Adjoa Adu Poku or AJ. AJ is a Ghanaian Native who will guide those in attendance through the history of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade and its impact on her home country and continent. She hopes to fill the gaps of misinformation that many US Citizens have been taught with the hopes of cultivating a greater sense of unity, clarity, and healing for all participants.
Please click here to register for the event. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Event Host: Adjoa Adu Poku, The Black Resource Center
3:00-4:45 PM • Student Services Building, Room 170

Thursday, 29th February

Inaugural "BRC Alumni Reception" - "Alumni Connects"
This is a space where the Black Resource Center provides an opportunity for alumni to connect with current students and cultivate conversation around past experiences, current climate, and hopes for the future.
Update: Originally, we wanted to host an in-person meet-up but due to time conflicts we will host a virtual meeting where students and alumni will connect or “Alumni Connects.” This will be the first of monthly virtual meetings held on the last Thursday of every month unless otherwise noted.
Please click here to RSVP for the event.
Event Host: The Black Resource Center
3:30 PM-5:00 PM • Virtual link will be sent only to those who RSVP.
Note: We will still host an in-person meet-up or Inaugural “BRC Alumni Reception” during homecoming week starting this Fall 2024. Homecoming week will be held October 7th -12th 2024. Mark your calendars and check back for updates closer to time.

Inaugural "BRC Awards Ceremony" - Rescheduled to April 24th!
This will be our concluding ceremony. A time to formally acknowledge and celebrate our campus, local, and alumni community.
Event Host: The Black Resource Center
3:00-5:00 PM • Hall of Presidents, First Floor Morris Library

Black History Month