IU's Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs supports Black History Month initiatives across all IU campuses. The theme of IU Bloomington's Black History Month celebration is "Black and Free," which symbolizes not only the historical achievements of African-Americans but also the transformative power to unlock one's potential.
Many of the Black History Month events on the IU Bloomington campus are hosted by the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, an Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs program, including:
- Black History Month Sankofa Ceremony and Opening Dinner -- The Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center celebrates its unique history with a dinner and storytelling tour focusing on some of the African-American people, institutions and organizations who have made an impact on the IU Bloomington campus, at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center's Grand Hall.
- IU Bloomington 16th Annual "African American Read-In" -- This popular staple of IU's Black History Month celebration, organized by the School of Education, brings together students to read African-American poetry, book passages and their own work, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Neal-Marshall Grand Hall.
- "Hair Politics: Ode to the Black Barber/Beauty Shops and the Dialogue They Foster" -- Local Bloomington barbers and hairstylists share their insights about two institutions in the African-American community: black barber shops and beauty salons. The event, co-sponsored by the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center and the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, takes place at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Neal-Marshall Grand Hall.