Today marks the first day of Black History Month, and Kent State University has a roster of programmed events to celebrate Black excellence. This goes together with this year’s theme: Black excellence in every aspect, shade and expression, or ÀSE, a Yoruba term that represents the power that produces change.
This theme recognizes the power that produces change through culture, arts, talent, business, innovation or by just overcoming challenges. The E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center named this theme to celebrate the achievements and adversity throughout the Black community and all the diverse identities and unique expressions.
Kent State has a wide variety of events that aim to encompass and ignite the month with recognition and celebration, and more events will be added as the month continues, so be sure to check often.
Black History Month Cuisine Celebrations
Friday, Feb. 2 – Wednesday, Feb. 28
In the Design Innovation Hub and Eastway Center from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, there will be a celebration of foods inspired by Black History Month. Check Kent State Dining Services for menu updates.
Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story - Public Screening
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Join the Anti-Racism and Equity Institute in the Kent Student Center Ballroom Balcony for a conversation with Jazmin Long called “Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story” from 3:30-7 p.m.
Black United Students Mass Meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Join Black United Students for their monthly meeting to kick off Black History Month in Oscar Ritchie Hall, room 250 from 6-8 p.m.
Kuumba Night (Open Mic)
Thursday, Feb. 8
Bring your voice or an instrument for Kuumba (open mic) night in Oscar Ritchie Theatre from 7-9 p.m.
Movie Night with BUS
Friday, Feb. 16
In the Theatre in Oscar Ritchie Hall from 7:30-10 p.m., join Black United Students for a screening of “Judas and the Black Messiah."
Black Identity Unveiled: Victoria Talks
Monday, Feb. 19
Join Victoria Alexander for “Black Identity Unveiled: Victoria Talks” in the KIVA from 5:30- 7 p.m.
Shades of Reality: Navigating Blackness in America
Wednesday, Feb. 21
Black United Students asks that you join them for a community discussion called “Shades of Reality: navigating Blackness in America” in Oscar Ritchie Hall room 250 from 7-9 p.m.
Beat Shazam! with BUS
Thursday, Feb. 29
Music Buffs, hone your knowledge of Black musicians’ classic songs in a game of Shazam with Black United Students in Oscar Ritchie Hall room 250 from 6-9 p.m.
If you are holding an event for Black History Month, please submit your events to the University Events Calendar under “Help People Connect” select the category “Signature Programs,” and select Black History Month.
Stay up to date with Black History Month events calendar