February is a time of reflection and celebration at Indiana University as we honor Black History Month. This annual observance includes events and programming designed to honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans in the nation’s history.
“Black History Month is a vital time for our community to reflect on the resilience, achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history,” said Rashad Nelms, interim vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “It’s also an opportunity to engage in conversations that inspire action and create a deeper understanding of the work still needed to build a truly equitable future. I encourage everyone to participate in the events and programs across our campuses this month to start those conversations, act and grow together.”
The origins of Black History Month began with noted historian Carter G. Woodson, who conceived the idea alongside other prominent African Americans. Born in Virginia in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents, Woodson overcame countless obstacles in his pursuit of education. Largely self-taught, he began high school at 20 and completed his degree in less than two years. Woodson worked as a teacher and a school principal before obtaining a bachelor's degree in literature from Berea College in Kentucky. In addition to earning a master’s degree from the University of Chicago, he became the second Black American, after W.E.B. Du Bois, to obtain a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He later became a professor at Howard University.
In 1926, Woodson launched the first Black History Week in the second week of February to coincide with the births of former President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Both men played a significant role in helping to end slavery. Woodson’s initial concept was eventually expanded into Black History Month. And, since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
IU’s Black History Month celebration includes a variety of special programming, discussion panels, lectures, musical performances, film screenings and other activities on each of its campuses. Most of these events are free and open to the entire IU community.
Check out the IU Calendar for listings of events you can attend, or visit OVPDEI’s Black History Month webpage for more information.