Black History Month

Listing of events

Organizers/sponsors vary by event. See event links below for details, and contact event organizers with inquiries about specific events.

Submit an event

HERITAGE MONTHS

Soul Food Sundays

February 2, 2025  |  3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center

[Register] Soul Food Sundays celebrates the rich history of soul food and the African and African American tradition of Sunday gatherings. It unites students, faculty, and staff from all identities through shared meals, music, dance, and conversation, highlighting the warmth and love within the Black community.
 

Taubman BHM Opening

February 3, 2025  |  11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
A. Alfred Taubman Wing Commons
Sponsored by Taubman College Black History Month Committee and Stamps School of Art & Design

Join the Taubman community for an inspiring opening celebrating the rich contributions of Black architects, designers, artists, and visionaries. This event will feature dynamic speakers, engaging performances, and a communal gathering to honor Black creativity and resilience in shaping the built environment. Together, we’ll reflect, celebrate, and set the tone for a month of learning, connection, and empowerment.
 

2025 Winter Job & Internship Fair

February 4-6, 2025  |  12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Michigan League., 2nd floor
Sponsored by University Career Center

[Register] We are going to be offering Career Fair Tour! - Feb 4th 1pm in partnership with the Black Business Undergraduate Society: Want to feel confident attending a fair? Unsure of where to go or what to say? Join our Career Fair Tour! A student representative from the Black Business Undergraduate Society, along with a UCC Staff member, will lead a tour through the event, answer questions, and share resources to help you make the most of your time at the fair! Students interested in joining can congregate outside of the Michigan League Ballroom at 12:55pm where the tour will begin. The Career Fair Tour is open to all students who have registered for the fair. 
 

How to Flourish: Building the Bag

February 4, 2025  |  5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center, Multipurpose Rooms 1-3
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center and SIBS

[Register] Explore inequities in financial wellness, how you can start cultivating generational wealth., and learn more about becoming financially astute. Help your future self build and give back to your communities through financial resources and tools.
 

Highlighting Black Voices

February 4, 2025  |  7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Palmer Commons, Great Lakes Room
Sponsored by Phi Eta Psi, Urban Wordsmith Society

Highlighting Black Voices Is a two part feature, both an established academic leader and artist will showcase their special talents through panel and performance, allowing the audience to learn from their lives as Black trailblazers and gain insight or advice into how their passions gave way to their success.
 

City and Neighborhood Design

February 5, 2025  |  6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
A. Alfred Taubman Wing Commons
Sponsored by Taubman College Black History Month Committee

A fireside chat exploring the intersections of art, design, and equity. Join esteemed Black creatives as they share their journeys, discuss the transformative power of their work, and reflect on the role of storytelling in shaping more inclusive spaces. This intimate conversation promises to inspire, challenge, and spark meaningful dialogue about fostering change through creativity.
 

We Must Tell More Complete Stories

February 6, 2025  |  4:00 p.m.
Weill Hall, Betty Ford Classroom (1110)
Sponsored by Ford School Center for Racial Justice

[Register] We Must Tell More Complete Stories is a Black Feminist filmmaking masterclass led by Center for Racial Justice Fellow Charlene A. Carruthers. Carruthers will offer her methods for crafting stories for filmmaking and beyond that embody Black feminist values and practices. A discussion will follow a screening of Carruthers' short film The Funnel.
 

QTBIPOC Kickbacks

February 7, 2025  |  5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center, Sankofa Lounge
Sponsored by Spectrum Center, Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, and Trotter Multicultural Center

Join us for a special Black History Month kickback as we create memorable connections around community and meals, centering Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Drop in, grab food, enjoy some tunes, play some games and hang out! Open to all U-M students.
 

A Letter to the West Side

February 8, 2025  |  6:00 p.m.
Michigan Theater
Sponsored by Ann Arbor Housing Commission and Breyko

Join us for "A Letter to the West Side", a heartfelt documentary exploring the rich history, resilience, and transformation of Ann Arbor’s historic Black community. The film highlights the Great Migration, vibrant local culture, systemic challenges, and the development of affordable housing like Dunbar Tower. Featuring a Q&A with the filmmakers and a community discussion, this event is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and inspire action.  Reserve your spot now—seating is limited!  
 

The Art Experience

February 8, 2025  |  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Taubman Commons
Sponsored by EnspiRED and The Dr's Laboratory

Come enjoy EnspiRED Runway’s annual Art Experience, co-hosted with The Dr’s Laboratory! We'll kick off the evening with a cocktail hour where you'll have the chance to chat with the artists, check out their work, and engage in some activities. Right after, sit and enjoy scheduled live performances and an open mic where you can take the stage with a song, dance, poem, anything - the sky's the limit! Last but not least, be sure to come dressed to impress because there’s a prize for the best-dressed guest at the end of the night. Let’s celebrate art, creativity, and community together! Light refreshments provided.
 

Soul Food Sundays

February 9, 2025  |  3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center

[Register] Soul Food Sundays celebrates the rich history of soul food and the African and African American tradition of Sunday gatherings. It unites students, faculty, and staff from all identities through shared meals, music, dance, and conversation, highlighting the warmth and love within the Black community.
 

Black in Business series

February 12, 2025  |  6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 
Location TBD
Sponsored by Black Business Undergraduate Society

Join us for the Black Speaker Series, highlighting the journey and achievements of remarkable Black leaders in business. Whether you're seeking inspiration or looking to connect with a trailblazer in the Black business community, this is an event you won't want to miss. Come prepared to be motivated and engaged!
 

Black Centered Education

February 12, 2025  |  6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
A. Alfred Taubman Wing Commons
Sponsored by Taubman College Black History Month Committee and Stamps School of Art & Design

This session encourages listeners –both Black and non-Black – to explore the complexities of race, identity, power, and justice in ways that are grounded in the lived experiences and intellectual contributions of Black people.
 

DEI Through the Lens of Black Psychology

February 12, 2025  |  7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Michigan Union, 2210 A&B
Sponsored by Black Undergraduate Psychological Association

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking event featuring Dr. Kevin Cokley, a distinguished researcher and professor whose work centers on Black Psychology. Dr. Cokley will lead a discussion on the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts on Black students, exploring the challenges and opportunities present during this pivotal time.
 

A Love Letter to Your Hair

February 13, 2025  |  6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center, Large Meeting Room
Sponsored by Urban Wordsmith Society, CurlTalk, and Trotter Multicultural Center 

Join UWS x CurlTalk for a celebration of self-love, culture, and curls! "A Love Letter to Your Hair" is an event dedicated to exploring the intimate, complex, and beautiful relationship we have with our hair. Through poetry, stories, and conversation, we'll honor the roots that shape us both literally and metaphorically. 
 

Douglass Day

February 14, 2025  |  11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hatcher Graduate Library Gallery, 1st floor
Sponsored by University Library

You're invited to a birthday party for Frederick Douglass. Although Douglass was born into bondage, and never knew his birthdate, he chose to celebrate every year on February 14th. Join us for a day of transcription, discussion, birthday cake, and celebration of Black History.
 

F.A.M. Fridays

February 14, 2025  |  2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center

[Register] Monthly series that celebrates culture through food, are, and music. 
 

Black Love

February 14, 2025  |  5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Pizza Cat Max, 640 Packard, Ann Arbor
Sponsored by Department of Afroamerican and African Studies

Join DAAS for pizza, karaoke, games, and lots of love!
 

Growing Hope Brunch

February 16, 2025  |  8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Growing Hope Urban Farm, 922 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti
Sponsored by SIBS and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

[Register] Volunteer and give back to people battling homelessness. At the Growing Hope Brunch event, we will prepare the venue space for attendees facing homelessness by setting up everything needed for a full restaurant-style breakfast. Further, we'll assist in preparing and serving food for the duration of the event. 
 

Soul Food Sundays

February 16, 2025  |  3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center

[Register] Soul Food Sundays celebrates the rich history of soul food and the African and African American tradition of Sunday gatherings. It unites students, faculty, and staff from all identities through shared meals, music, dance, and conversation, highlighting the warmth and love within the Black community.
 

Taubman BHM Film Night: Something the Lord Made

February 17, 2025  |  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Art & Architecture Building Auditorium, Room 1360 
Sponsored by Taubman College Black History Month Committee and Stamps School of Art & Design

Connect, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about the stories and experiences shaping our world. Whether you’re here to learn, honor, or enjoy a great movie, this event promises to be a night to remember. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Bring a friend and let’s celebrate Black history together!
 

Black Men's Health

February 18, 2025  |  12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Virtual
Sponsored by School of Nursing

[Register] Exploring how notions of manhood, trustworthiness, intersectionality, and individual tailoring can be incorporated into community-based and policy strategies to promote health and well-being.
 

Black Business Expo

February 19, 2025  |  Time TBA
Ross School of Business
Sponsored by Black Business Undergraduate Society

Join us for an unforgettable event celebrating local Black-owned businesses! Explore unique products, services, and talents from your favorite Black business owners! 
 

Designing Blackness

February 19, 2025  |  3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Rackham, 4th floor east conference room
Sponsored by Rackham PDE Workshops

[Register] Led by Kishonna Gray, professor in the U-M School of Information and expert in digital culture and DEI representation in gaming, this session will dive into how Blackness is in gaming spaces. Participants will explore how gaming can serve as both a platform for expression and a tool for advancing DEI, gaining insights into the power of representation and the opportunities to shape inclusive digital worlds.
 

The Arc of Activism: Bridging Intergenerational Legacies

February 19, 2025  |  7:00 p.m.
Rackham Auditorium
Sponsored by LSA Student Government

[Register] Join us for a powerful conversation featuring Angela Davis and Ta-Nehisi Coates. This cross-campus collaboration of student governments explores the evolution of activism through the lens of two iconic voices. Together, they will reflect on the struggles and triumphs of their respective eras, offering insights into how we can bridge legacies across generations to build a more equitable future. 
 

Class Closed Cypher

February 21, 2025  |  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center, Sankofa Lounge
Sponsored by The Dr's Laboratory

An open lab with DR's Laboratory, holding space to showcase any art that speaks to the semester that you've had. We accept art in all forms: music, word, visual, digital or physical; the list goes on. If you consider it art, then it is! We're opening this space to an audience as a vibrant celebration of your creativity and the artistic culture that culminated over this semester.
 

Stories in the Light

February 21, 2025  |  6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Michigan League, Kalamazoo Room
Sponsored by Urban Wordsmith Society

The Urban Wordsmith Society is a two-year-old organization dedicated to protecting creative space for people of color on campus and promoting outreach through philanthropy, community, and social activism. Through this open mic, Black wordsmith’s will be able to write and perform their own stories, bringing them to the light where they cannot be denied. 
 

The Soul of Movement

February 21, 2025  |  6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Couzens Hall, Multipurpose Room
Sponsored by Residence Halls Association 

The Residence Halls Association suggests that we use our halls to support our students. Therefore, let's celebrate black dance in 'em. Come enjoy a fun night of hustles, Divine 9 strolling, A Hip-Hop Dance Workshop and showcases from dance teams on campus. Food will be provided.
 

The True Essence of Black History

February 22, 2025  |  2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Michigan Union, Tappan Room
Sponsored by The Black Student Union

Come learn about the ways in which we are educated, and often miseducated about the history of Black peoples around the world. Unlearn common misconceptions about historical figures and explore the progression of Black political thought. Dinner will be provided. 
 

Ice Skating with SIBS

February 22, 2025  |  5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Yost Arena
Sponsored by SIBS

[Register] Come out to ice skating with SIBS! Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, we would love to see you there!
 

Building Power Conference

February 23, 2025  |  All day
School of Social Work Building
Sponsored by Black Radical Healing Pathway

[Register] The mission of Building Power is to center community knowledge in the fight against white extremism. Often in academic spaces, we do not learn from the activists, community leaders and organizers doing the work in our communities. We want to flip this narrative and provide a space for community leaders to be the teachers, and for students to engage in this type of learning in an accessible way.
 

Soul Food Sundays

February 23, 2025  |  3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center

[Register] Soul Food Sundays celebrates the rich history of soul food and the African and African American tradition of Sunday gatherings. It unites students, faculty, and staff from all identities through shared meals, music, dance, and conversation, highlighting the warmth and love within the Black community.
 

Journey through Africa

February 23, 2025  |  6:00 p.m.
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre
Sponsored by African Students Association

Join us for a cultural extravaganza featuring a wide display of art, music, dance and other performing arts that celebrate the beauty and the vibrance of African Culture. Tickets will be available on via @michiganafricans on Instagram on our linktree! 
 

Culture in the Courtyard

February 24, 2025  |  5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Michigan Union, Pendleton Room
Sponsored by Center for Campus Involvement

Join Center for Campus Involvement, MHousing Diversity Peer Educators, and Public Health Students of African Descent for a celebration of Black History Month on Campus. From 5-6pm, DPEs will be giving a presentation about the Black Action Movement on campus. From 6-7pm, PHSAD will be presenting an activity (more details to come, contact [email protected]). Enjoy free catering during theses activities and connect with the organizations and new friends!
 

Taubman BHM Film Night: Just Mercy

February 24, 2025  |  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Art & Architecture Building Auditorium, Room 1360 
Sponsored by Taubman College Black History Month Committee and Stamps School of Art & Design

Connect, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about the stories and experiences shaping our world. Whether you’re here to learn, honor, or enjoy a great movie, this event promises to be a night to remember. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Bring a friend and let’s celebrate Black history together!
 

Black Brilliance: Navigating Identity and Professional Excellence

February 25, 2025  |  2:30-6:30pm
LSA Atrium, Multiple locations
Sponsored by LSA Opportunity Hub, University Career Center, Office of Financial Aid, and SIBS

[Register] Explore the intersections of professional development and Black experiences. Highlighting Black voices and stories, the program empowers participants with resources for equity and representation. Engage with Black LSA and UCC alum mentors, peer-to-peer mentors, and career services staff from the LSA Opportunity Hub and the University Career Center. Learn how to access internship funding, financial literacy tools, and other professional development resources.
 

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II

February 25, 2025  |  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center

The Trotter Distinguished Leadership Series is a donor funded series for students to engage in healthy dialogue and discourse from both sides of the spectrum and be able to hear about all differing perspectives. Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist is a University of Michigan Alum and will be talking about what it took to persist and be excellent while attending the university, a predominately white institution, as a black man.  
 

Breaking Barriers: Thriving in Higher Education

February 26, 2025  |  5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center, Multipurpose Room
Sponsored by Public Health Students of African Descent

[Register] Be empowered and supported in navigating the complexities of higher education. Panelists will share valuable insights on overcoming systemic barriers, building supportive networks, and prioritizing mental and emotional well-being. This event offers practical strategies for success and provides a safe space for students to connect, share experiences, and gain the tools to thrive. 
 

Taubman BHM Closing Ceremony

February 26, 2025  |  6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
A. Alfred Taubman Wing Commons
Sponsored by Taubman College Black History Month Committee and Stamps School of Art & Design

The Taubman BHM Closing Ceremony celebrates the achievements, resilience, and cultural contributions of the Black community. This collaborative event features thought-provoking art, engaging discussions, and performances that honor the past while inspiring the future. Join us in closing out the month with reflection, unity, and empowerment.
 

Black on Wax

February 26, 2025  |  Time TBA
Michigan Union, Anderson Room ABC
Sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 

The Iota Psi Covergirl Chapter present Black On Wax with this year's theme: Ballots & Bosses, where we honor and celebrate the legacy of prominent Black political activists who have shaped history and continue to inspire change. Come join us in a night of educational storytelling, empowerment, and recognition of Black excellence in political advocacy. 
 

Undoing Racism Workgroup

February 27, 2025  |  2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Virtual
Sponsored by School of Social Work Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Undoing Racism is a community collective of students, staff and faculty in the School of Social Work dedicated to fighting white supremacy at individual, school and structural levels.