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VWU Pays Tribute to Black History
Campus events celebrate the significant roles of African Americans throughout U.S. history
University News | January 30, 2024
The annual observance of Black History Month, also known as African American History Month across the United States each February, pays tribute to generations of African Americans and the significant roles they have played in shaping our nation’s history and society.
According to History.com, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week (then called “Negro History Week”) nearly a century ago. The event was first celebrated during the second week of February 1926, selected because it coincides with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist/writer Frederick Douglass (February 14). That week would continue to be set aside for the event until 1976 when, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, it was expanded to a month.
Since then, U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African American (Black) History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The 2024 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression."
Throughout this special month, Virginia Wesleyan will host numerous events and activities, in honor of Black History Month. Mark your calendars, Marlins!
The Office of Student Engagement opens the month with a Black History Periodic Table just outside the Office of Campus Life in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. All month long, the campus community can visit the display and scan QR codes to learn more about Black historical figures and their important contributions to history and society.
Throughout February, Hofheimer Library is hosting book displays that celebrate "African-Americans in American Arts and Life."
The Black Student Union will sponsor “Soul Food Night” in Boyd Dining Center on Tuesday, February 6, from 4:45 – 7 p.m. Join in the celebration with music and prizes, and enjoy special dishes such as smothered pork chops, braised collards, cornbread, banana pudding, sweet potato pie and more!
On Wednesday, February 7, Off the Hook will host “Legends: Black History Month Canvases” from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the Harbor Grille. Attendees are invited to select paint-by-number canvases of noteworthy African Americans to paint and create.
On February 9 from 2- 3:30 p.m. in Harbor Grille, the Marlin Wellness Council will host “Local Legends.” Come and learn about local stand-outs by participating in games and activities.
On Thursday, February 15, from 7 – 8 p.m. in Brock Commons, the Robert Nusbaum Center will host “A Jew, a Christian, and Spiritual Audacity: The Leadership of Allies during the Civil Rights Era,” featuring speaker Rabbi Michael Panitz, Ph.D., an adjunct professor at VWU.
On February 23, students are invited to join the Office of Counseling Services for “How Racism Impacts Mental Health.” This talk & paint activity will be in Kramer Lounge from 2 – 4 p.m. There will be opportunities for small group discussions about feelings and experiences with this topic.