Why we celebrate

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. 

Its origins are rooted in “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and what is now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and Frederick Douglass on Feb 14. 

President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1976.

The 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” examines the artists who have made an impact "in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.”

Information curated from multiple sources.

‌How we'll celebrate at UNI

• Feb. 1 - Black Student Union kickoff celebration
  Maucker Union 6-8 p.m.
   
• Feb. 4 - Soul Food Dinner
  Threehouse 2-4 p.m. 
   
• Feb. 6 - Movie "Poetic Justice"
  KAB 111 6:30 p.m.
   
• Feb. 14 - Candy Grams 
  Maucker Union 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
   
• Feb. 15 - African American Read-In
   
• Feb. 20 - Tunnel of Oppression
  Maucker Union 6-8 p.m.
   
• Feb. 21 - Lecture: Black Historical Consciousness & Teaching Iowa History
   
• Feb. 23 - Cook-off and Potluck at Threehouse
   
• Feb. 24 - Skate Party 
  WRC 6-9 p.m.
   
• Feb. 29 - Toast for Change
  Maucker Union ballroom 6-8 p.m.