January 18, 2024 | By Nick Pfost
The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs' Black History Month planning committee, in partnership with Supporting Incoming Black Students (SIBS) and Black Student Union (BSU), are excited to share a rich and timely slate of programming at the University of Michigan in February and early March to honor and celebrate Black histories and heritage. Events are planned and organized by student organizations and units across campus.
Inspired by the theme, "Empowering Generations: Past, Present, and Future," the focus of this year's U-M Black History Month programming is empowering and uplifting the rich culture, creativity, and impactful contributions of Black folks across the diaspora.
Black History Month is an annual observance dedicated to honoring and commemorating the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of Black individuals and communities throughout history. Black History Month started as “Negro History Week,” an idea of distinguished historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since U-M alum and then-President Gerald R. Ford in 1976, every U.S. president has also officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Together, campus will host dozens of unique performances and screenings, public talks and seminars, teach-ins, an expo, community gatherings, and more. Events include the month's opening ceremony (with remarks by SMTD lecturer Deidre D.S.SENSE Smith), a panel of Black professionals highlighting their experiences and insights across industries, a seminar on Black expression with Dr. Wilson Okello, and more.
We hope you will join us for these special events happening at the University of Michigan this February. Please visit our Black History Month calendar for an up-to-date listing of these events and links to their full details and registrations (where required). You can stay up to date on MESA events by joining our mailing list and following us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.