Throughout February, Indiana University campuses embrace and honor Black History Month with events, speakers, and programming recognizing African American achievements and celebrating Black history, culture, art, and leadership.
A celebration that grew out of initiatives at college campuses, a brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson, African American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher, as well as other prominent African Americans, Black History Month officially became a nationwide recognition in 1976. Ever since, IU has taken time in February to honor the achievements of African Americans and examine the historical and contemporary dimensions of the Black experience.
"Black History Month is a time for us to honor and reflect on the contributions and legacy of African Americans,” said James Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership. “The many activities planned on IU’s campuses are designed to educate and honor the past and present as we prepare for the future.”
Below are a few Black History Month events across the IU system. Visit the IU calendar for a complete list.
IU Bloomington’s Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center hosts the Black Knowledge Bowl on Wednesday, February 22, at 6:30 p.m., in the Neal-Marshall Black Center Grand Hall. This 40+ year tradition at the center is an opportunity for students to test their knowledge of Black history and culture.
IUPUI Chancellor’s Diversity Speaker Series hosts Cheralyn & Stacey Stevenson at IUPUI on Tuesday, February 7, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), in the Madam Walker Legacy Center Ballroom. The presenters are family equality advocates at the intersection of the Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
IU East presents “Honoring African American History Month: Social Work’s Role to Halt Racial Colonialism” on Tuesday, February 14, from 6 to 7 p.m., online. Prof. Wazir Mohamed brings his academic and advocacy experience to engage in conversation on the history of racial colonialism, the enforcement of racial colonialism by predominately Western states, and how social workers can understand and mitigate racial colonialism.
IU Kokomo presents “Marsha P. Johnson and the Black LGBTQ+ Impact” on Thursday, February 9, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., at the IU Kokomo Multicultural Center. This event, part of the LGBTQ+ Center’s ongoing Discussion Series, will highlight the work of Marsha P. Johnson and intersectional identities.
IU Northwest presents “The Signal: A Doo Wop Rhapsody” on Friday, February 3, at 7 p.m., in the Arts & Sciences Building Theater. Enjoy a 21-minute musical celebrating the legacy of Gary’s own Vivian Carter, the first Black female owner of a record label, Vee-Jay Records.
IU South Bend hosts Celebrating Malcolm X 2023 on Tuesday, February 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Civil Rights Heritage Center and Zoom. Join Prof. Darryl Heller and Verge “Brother Sage” Gillam as they share some of Malcolm’s words and discuss how his legacy inspires us today.
IU Southeast’s Black Student Union, Library, and the Multicultural Student Center show “Wakanda Forever” on Thursday, February 23, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., in University Center 127.
Learn more about Black History Month at IU by visiting diversity.iu.edu.