January 23, 2026 | By Nick Pfost
The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA), Trotter Multicultural Center, SIBS, and Black Student Union (BSU) are excited to share a great calendar of events as the University of Michigan comes together to honor and celebrate Black histories and heritage. Events are organized by student organizations and units across the Ann Arbor campus.
Inspired by "Gold in Our Melanin, Greatness in Our Histories," this year's Black History Month celebrates the richness, innovation, and resilience woven through Black communities and the global diaspora. Throughout February, programming will uplift stories and creative expressions that honor both heritage and forward-looking movements like Afrofuturism. (Find a full theme description on MESA's Black History Month page.)
The month begins with a February 2 opening ceremony. The kickoff will invite reflection on Black innovation and generational experiences through storytelling and creative arts, setting the tone for the month ahead.
Campus will host gatherings throughout the month, including film screenings, panel discussions, creative workshops, art and music showcases, relationship-building activities, and community mixers. Events include Melodies of Our Legacy (a tiny desk-style concert), The Hate U Give movie night and discussion, Oil is Gold: A Coloring Conversation, Build-A-Bangle jewelry-making, and the Bridging Intergenerational Social Justice Wisdom panel and mixer. Find even more opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate by exploring the campus-wide Black History Month calendar, with links to details and registrations (where required).
Black History Month is an annual observance honoring and commemorating the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of Black people 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.
U-M's celebrations of Black History Month and other heritage months are led by MESA, in partnership with planning committees, student organizations, and campus units. Stay up to date on MESA events by joining our mailing list and following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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