Black History Month
Black History Month began 55 years ago on the campus of Kent State University. In officially designating it six years later, President Gerald Ford urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
We are proud of the black and African-American students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who have called JU home, and we look forward to sharing some of their accomplishments this month. This year's national theme is "African Americans and Labor."
Schedule of Events
February 2025
Black History Month Celebration
11:00 a.m. | City Hall
City of Jacksonville Presents: Join Mayor Donna Deegan at City Hall on Monday, Feb. 3, for a powerful Black History
Month celebration, recognizing the achievements, resilience, and contributions of
the Black community through inspiring speakers, performances, and reflections.
Celebrating Black History Through Fine Arts Concert
7:00 p.m. | Terry Concert Hall
Fine Arts and Humanities Presents: Join us Tuesday, Feb. 4, as we honor the accomplishments and artistry of the Black
student community at Jacksonville University at the fourth annual Celebrating Black
History Through Fine Arts Concert.
Black Student Union Rendezvous
6:00 p.m. | Reid Auditorium
Black Student Union Presents: Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 5, for Black Student Union Rendezvous, a vibrant kickoff
event that brings students together for an evening of fellowship, cultural celebration,
and community building.
8th Annual Walter Visiting Writer Series
6:00 p.m. | Philips Fine Arts Lobby and Studio North
Fine Arts and Humanities Presents: Join us Thursday, Feb. 6, for a reading by this year’s Walter Visiting Writer, Mat
Johnson. The event will begin with a catered reception in the Stein Lobby, followed
by a reading, Q&A session and book signing in Studio North.
R&B Bingo
6:00 p.m. | Kinne Center/Snickers Lounge
Black Student Union Presents: Enjoy a fun twist on classic bingo with an R&B theme on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Akeelah and the Bee Spelling Bee
6:00 p.m. | Reid Auditorium
Black Student Union Presents: Test your spelling skills and celebrate Black excellence at the Akeelah and the Bee
Spelling Bee on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Black Hollywood Art Gallery
6:30 p.m. | Gooding Auditorium
Black Student Union Presents: Experience the impact of Black cinema at Black Hollywood Art Gallery on Wednesday,
Feb. 19.
Women’s Basketball Black History Month Night
6:30 p.m. | Jacksonville University
Athletics Presents: Join us for Women’s Basketball Black History Month Night on Thursday, Feb. 20, to
see your JU Dolphins take on Bellarmine.
Rhythm + Flow: A Spoken Word Experience
5:00 p.m. | Kinne Plaza
Student Inclusion Presents: Join us on Monday, Feb. 24, for “Rhythm + Flow: A Spoken Word Experience.” This intimate
Black History Month event celebrates the power of expression through spoken word,
featuring artists, rappers, poets, monologues, and performers.
Men’s Basketball Black History Month Night
7:00 p.m. | Jacksonville University
Athletics Presents: Join us for Men’s Basketball Black History Month Night on Monday, Feb. 24, to see
your JU Dolphins take on Eastern Kentucky.
A Black Joy Exhibition
2:15 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Alexander Brest Gallery
Fine Arts and Humanities Presents: Join us Tuesday, Feb. 25, for “A Conversation between Classes: A Black Joy Exhibition”
through Black jazz traditions and the poetry of Kendrick Lamar, led by professors
Jeremiah Carter, Candace Perry, and Casanna Jackson.
Her Health Matters: A Black Women’s Wellness Workshop
5:00 p.m. | Gooding Auditorium
Advocates for Women’s Empowerment Presents: Join AWE for “Her Health Matters: A Black Women’s Wellness Workshop” on mental health
awareness and support, reproductive health and rights, health disparities and advocacy
on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
BSU Day of Play
5:00 p.m. | Dolphin Green
Black Student Union Presents: Join us on Thursday, Feb. 27, as we celebrate unity and wellness at the BSU Day of
Play, an interactive outdoor event.
March 2025
3rd Annual BSU Gala
6:00 p.m. | Moran Center
Black Student Union Presents: Step into the spotlight on Saturday, March 1, at the Black Hollywood-themed 3rd Annual BSU Gala, a black-tie affair where elegance, excellence, and Black culture take center stage
in a night of glamour, recognition, and celebration.