ASU events celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month is the annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. This year’s theme, established each year by the Association for The Study of African American Life and History, is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” While former President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, Carter G. Woodson is the true founder. Woodson began his efforts to create a new tradition for the public celebration of the achievements of Black Americans by founding Negro History Week in 1926, which was expanded to Black History Month as enthusiasm grew to celebrate Black history over time.
“Woodson’s life’s work and the mission of ASALH since its founding in 1915 represent a living testimony to the year-round and year-after-year study of African American history,” said Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, 2021 ASALH National President.
ASU marks this occasion every February by honoring the culture and history of Black Americans through a variety of events and programs. With over 35 virtual and in-person events ranging from lectures, movie screenings and art galleries, participants will have the opportunity to learn black culture in every form of expression.
Click here to see the full list of events. All times listed are Mountain Standard Time. Everyone is welcome to join in on the celebration!
Event Highlights:
The History of Gospel Music
Thursday, February 4, 2021
3:00pm to 4:00pm
Virtual Event Location: https://asu.zoom.us/j/82681764575
Music is a phenomenal way to express your faith and can even be a spiritual experience of its own. In partnership with the Herberger Institute of Design and in conjunction with Interfaith Harmony Week, come learn about the origins of Gospel music and how it integrated into black culture! Hosted by Student Engagement Downtown and Herberger Institute of Design.
Making Black Lives Matter: A Conversation with Elaine Brown
Friday, February 12, 2021
7:00pm to 8:30pm
Virtual Event Location: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVSzMzrFe3gSWppMgeuBFtg
Join us for a conversation with Elaine Brown, former chairwoman of the Black Panther Party. Featuring a lecture followed by a Q&A to discuss racism and Black activism in the United States. Hosted by the Black Graduate Student Association, National Council of Negro Women, and African American Men at ASU.
"The Socialization of Blacks and Whites in America" Speaker Presentation
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
5:00pm to 6:00pm
Virtual Event Location: https://asu.zoom.us/j/84553971062
In celebration of Black History Month, the Department of Diversity & Inclusion has invited Attorney's Michael A. Jefferson and Bob Pellegrino to explore the Black and White perspectives on race with students in a Zoom speaker presentation. Hosted by the OSG Department of Diversity & Inclusion. For more information, contact diversityinclusion.osg.asu@gmail.com.