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Honoring Black History
Campus events pay tribute to the significant roles of African Americans throughout U.S. history
University News | January 28, 2025
Each February, Black History Month serves as a time to honor and celebrate the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of African Americans throughout the nation’s history. This national annual observance highlights the resilience, innovation, and cultural impact of Black individuals who have helped shape the United States, from pioneers in civil rights and politics to trailblazers in arts, sciences, and beyond.
According to History.com, Black History Month traces its origins to 1926 when American historian Carter G. Woodson established “Negro History Week.” The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (February 14). This week-long observance continued until 1976, when it was officially expanded to a month as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations.
Since then, U.S. Presidents have proclaimed February as National African American (Black) History Month and promoted a specific theme. The 2025 Black History Month theme “African Americans and Labor,” highlights the diverse and significant ways that labor—whether free or forced, skilled or unskilled, professional or volunteer—has shaped the shared experiences of Black individuals throughout history.
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Throughout this special month, Virginia Wesleyan University will host numerous events and activities, in honor of Black History Month. Mark your calendars, Marlins!
VWU’s tribute to Black History Month begins February 4, with a night full of Karaoke hosted by the Black Student Union (BSU) in Blocker Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, February 5, the Black Student Union sponsors “Soul Food Night” in Boyd Dining Center from 4:45 – 7 p.m. The celebration includes music and prizes as well as special dishes to enjoy.
On Thursday, February 6 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Counseling Services will host "How Racism Impacts Mental Health" in Kramer Lounge. This tabling and educational event will provide an opportunity for students to connect with VWU mental health professionals to explore the effects of systemic and individual racism on well-being and learn about available resources for support.
On Tuesday, February 11, Off the Hook and the Black Student Union host “Name that Tune” featuring Black artists at 7:30 p.m. in Blocker Auditorium.
On Thursday, February 13, the Robert Nusbaum Center will host “White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy,” featuring Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, MDiv, at noon in Brock Commons. Wilson-Hartgrove, assistant director for partnerships and fellowships at Yale University’s Center for Public Theology and Public Policy, will explore the neglected issue of white poverty in America, challenging the perception that poverty is primarily a Black problem. Drawing on history, politics, and personal stories, he’ll examine how poor white families have been left with little more than their racial identity to cope in an economy of rising costs and stagnant wages.
On Tuesday, February 18, the Black Student Union hosts Black History Month Trivia at 7:30 p.m. in Blocker Auditorium.
On Thursday, February 20, test your knowledge and play Black History Month Bingo at 7 p.m. in Harbor Grill.
On Friday, February 21, connect with Black mental health professionals while exploring the importance of culturally-affirming care and the impact of representation in mental health from 2 - 4 p.m. in Kramer Lounge.
On Thursday, February 27, stop by Blocker Auditorium from 12 - 12:50 p.m. for an interview and reading by Author Shana Keller as she shares her passion for inspiring children through stories that address pivotal incidents in American history.