Welcome to Black History Month (BHM) 2023! This year, BHM is an intentional partnership between The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) and student organizations, Support for Incoming Black Students (S.I.B.S.) and the Black Student Union (BSU). Together, we are working together with a committee of 11 to make Black History Month a memorable experience for students, staff and faculty at the University of Michigan. Please stay tuned for updates and details.
If you have questions or further inquiries, contact Braini McKenzie, braini@umich.edu and/or blackhistorymonth@umich.edu.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CALENDAR 2023
Black History Month, Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, January 25th | 6:00 – 8:00 PM EST | Register HERE
Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom, 530 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Join us for a keynote address from U-M School of Education Faculty and Racial Equity Researcher, Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III followed by dinner and a range of student performances including poetry, ensembles and step-shows. Official BHM Merch will also be distributed to attendees.
Performers include: Tyae Grant, Angelique Taylor, Sarah Oguntomilade, Maia Jackson, Therron Montgomery, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Hosted by: Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, Support for Incoming Black Students (S.I.B.S.) and The Black Student Union (B.S.U.)
Environmental Racism: A Look into the Flint Water Crisis
Wednesday, February 1st | 7:20 - 9:20 PM EST
Trotter Multipurpose Room, 428 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Join us in watching and discussing a documentary about the Flint Water crisis, how it is a form of environmental racism and how it has impacted black health and wellness.There will be movie snacks and refreshments provided!
Contact: Rayven Brantley, rfbrantl@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Black History Month: Diaspora Conversations
Friday, February 3rd | 5:00 - 6:30 PM EST
Trotter Multipurpose Room, 428 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Join the Caribbean Students Association and La Casa students for games, dinner and a lively moderated panel event as they discuss trending discourse in pop culture and the social issues students face at predominantly white institutions. The conversation will be moderated by MESA Program Manager, Braini McKenzie.
Catering from Jamaican Jerk Pit will be provided along with CSA Merch!
Hosted by: Caribbean Students Association, La Casa, and Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs.
Black History Month: Recession Prep. Workshop
Tuesday, February 7th | 7:00 - 8:15 PM EST | Register: LINK
Strategize through the upcoming recession with Licensed Financial Representative and former MESA Program Manager, Andrew Ward. You’ll leave this session with resources and tips such as (personal strategies, knowledge, tools, and a network) to help manage personal finances in addition to focusing on the Black experience in America regarding generating wealth, tackling debt and investing. Join this session as we lay out how to face your fears about the economy, beat inflation, and create breathing room to build amazing wealth
Hosted by: Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs
I Gotta Put Me First: Prioritizing Wellness on Your Academic JourneyTuesday, February 7th | TBA
Join Black Undergraduate Medical Association (BUMA) and Black Undergraduate Kinesiology Association (BUKA) to talk about balancing a stressful academic journey with overall well-being. Hear from a guest speaker about maintaining mental health while navigating a challenging but rewarding career path.
Contact: Rakira Urquhart, rakiralu@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Black Undergraduate Medical Association and Black Undergraduate Kinesiology Association
DSI Lecture Series | The Black Menaces: Social Media, Race, and Activism on College Campuses
Wednesday, February 8th | 4:00 - 5:30 PM EST | RSVP Here
Location: To Be Announced
Join the Digital Studies Institute for a panel conversation with the Black Menaces leadership team Nate Byrd, Kennethia Dorsey, Kylee Shepherd, Sebastian Stewart-Johnson, Rachel Weaver with Professor Apryl Williams to learn about the creation of the Black Menaces movement and to discuss the use of social media as a tool for activism on college campuses. Learn more about the Black Menaces at www.theblackmenaces.org.
CART will be provided. If you anticipate needing accommodations to participate, please email the Digital Studies Institute at dsi-administration@umich.edu.
Hosted by: Digital Studies Institute and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs
A Conversation with Nikki Giovanni | RSVP HERE
Wednesday, February 8th | 6:00 - 7:30 PM EST
Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington St. , Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Join us for a lively moderated conversation with Grammy-nominated and award-winning poet, filmmaker and professor, Nikki Giovanni. The conversation will be moderated by the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies faculty, Dr. Saraellen Strongman, Michigan Medicine Special Programs Manager and DEI Practitioner, Blaire Tinker, M.Ed. and Kayla Tate, UMich Senior and Black Student Union Speaker. Submit Q&A questions HERE.
Hosted by: Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, Support for Incoming Black Students & Black Student Union
Co-Sponsored by: Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, Rackham Graduate School, The Residential College, The Spectrum Center, Diversity & Inclusion Housing, Diversity Peer Educators, Central Student Government, LSA Student Government, Rackham Student Government, Department of English & Department of American Culture.
We’ve Been Here All Along: Finding Belonging and Purpose Through Connecting with Cultural/Community Ancestors
Thursday, February 9th | 6:00 - 8:30 PM EST | Register HERE
Vandenberg Room, Michigan League, 911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Join us for a film screening and discussion of “My Name is Pauli Murray,” a portrait of the life and impact of a non-binary Black luminary: lawyer, activist, poet, and priest who transformed our world towards a more just and equitable future. After the showing, please join us for a discussion with Dolores Chandler (they/them), a facilitator, trainer, performer, and writer. They will explore the painful impact of institutional erasure, what can be learned from Murray’s legacy and our activist ancestors, as well as consider Murray as a model for changing the world through living authentically as our full, undivided selves.
Hosted by: The Spectrum Center and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs
Panel of the Black Disability Community
Friday, February 10th | 12:00 - 1:30 PM EST | RSVP HERE
Trotter Sankofa Lounge, 428 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Join us for lunch and an expert panel Q&A on the Black disability community! Black disabled folx have spearheaded so many aspects of disability rights and this event is meant to raise awareness and celebrate Black disabled folx and discuss how disability is viewed within the wider Black community.
Please reach out to Wynter Douglas, wynterd@umich.edu if you require accommodations.
Hosted by: Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs and The Program on Intergroup Relations
Kappa Week
Sunday, February 12th - Saturday, February 18th
Join the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for their annual Kappa Week in celebration of our Founder’s Day. They will have a wide range of events throughout the week for people from all cultures and backgrounds to come participate and be a part of. See the Kappa’s social media for more information.
Contact: Nicholos Daniels, ngkd@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
BHM x Detroit Dance Loft
Monday, February 13th | 6:00 - 7:30 PM EST
Trotter Multipurpose Room, 428 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Are you ready to dance? Join us for an evening of light-hearted fun as we take a dance class with the incredible, Detroit Dance Loft! You won’t want to miss this!
Hosted by: Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, Support for Incoming Black Students (S.I.B.S.) and The Black Student Union (B.S.U.)
Black in Business: A Fireside Chat Series
Monday, February 13th - Thursday, February 16th | 6:00 - 8:00 PM EST
Ross School of Business, 701 Tappan Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
During the week of February 13-16th, the Black Business Undergraduate will be hosting fireside chats with prominent figures in business for the purpose of helping our members develop professionally. During these talks, members will have the opportunity to hear the stories of successful Black people in business across different sectors, ask questions that are helpful to their own trajectory, and network with our guest speakers. Snacks and refreshments will be provided during each event and we hope that you join us!
Contact: Hailey Love, hailove@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Black Business Undergraduate Society (BBUS)
Black Studies Matter
Thursday, February 16th | 6:00 - 8:00 PM EST
Trotter Sankofa Lounge, 428 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
For over 50 years, the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies has produced an array of graduates whose classes opened their minds and expanded their perspectives. Come hear an illustrious panel of alumni whose studies focused on the African Diaspora as they return to campus to share their stories of becoming empowered to follow a variety of career paths. Listen to their experiences and discover how a degree in Afroamerican and African Studies can change your world for good!
Discussion and reception to follow.
Hosted by: Department of Afroamerican and African Studies
Black Excellence Gala: Closing Ceremony
Friday, February 17th | 6:00 - 7:30 PM EST
University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
The university community is invited to formally celebrate Black History Month (BHM) at a gala-themed event. With the theme, “Rooting for Everybody Black,” Support for Incoming Black Students (S.I.B.S.) and the BHM Planning Committee seek to uplift and honor all of the incredible contributions of folx within the community through an evening of recognition, dinner and entertainment.
Hosted by: Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, Support for Incoming Black Students (S.I.B.S.) and the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA).
Author Conversation: Nazera Wright
Friday, February 17th
Synopsis: Author of “Black Girlhood in the Nineteenth Century”, Associate Professor of English and African American and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky, and long time researcher Dr. Nazera Wright is working on her second book titled “African American Women Writers and their Libraries”. Wright explores Frances E. W. Harper, who extended her private library to other African American Women to grant them access to literature and research that they wouldn’t have otherwise had access to. Wright's new book uncovers the radical and transgressive practices that black women writers engaged in to gain access to research libraries at the end of the nineteenth century. Wright will be discussing her research and discovery in this month's #52 Clements Bookworm.
Contact: Kayla Robinson, kaylaro@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Clements Library
Grad. Game Night
Friday, February 17th | TBA
Show off your skills in Spades, Uno, Monopoly and more during game night with SCOR. Come to relax and enjoy some friendly competition and snacks.
Contact: Shana Littleton, lshana@med.umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Students of Color of Rackham (SCOR)
Exploration of African-American Cuisine
Friday, February 17th | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
LSA 1040, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Join us in tasting various African American cuisine and learn more about the origins and history of such foods.
Contact: Rayven Brantley, rfbrantl@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Organizational Studies Department
Essence of Michigan: The 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Ball
Saturday, February 18th | 8:00 - 11:00 PM EST
Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom, 530 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Combining the Black perspective of Mardi Gras celebrations as well as the influence of Essence magazine, the Essence of Michigan: The 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Ball is an event that will merge these influences through food and fashion. We also plan to have performances to highlight Black art. Ticket proceeds will be donated to Covenant House, which aims to tackle youth homelessness and human trafficking.
Contact: Taylor Scott, krewebleu.chair@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Krewe Bleu
Grad. Brunch
Sunday, February 19th | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST
The Circ. Bar, 210 S. 1st St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
We're back at The Circ Bar for brunch! Celebrate BHM with great food, good vibes, and your SCOR fam!
Contact: Shana Littleton, lshana@med.umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Students of Color of Rackham (SCOR).
CurlTalk & EnspiRED Runway Collaboration
Tuesday, February 21st | TBA
At this event, we will openly discuss how the fashion industry is influenced by natural hair and its beauty. The focus is on how we can cultivate a positive hair experience during the annual EnspiRED Runway show for our models.
Contact: Erin Davis, erindav@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: EnspiRED Runway and CurlTalk
Ujima: Collective Action & the Power of Protest
Wednesday, February 22nd | 6:00 - 7:30 PM EST
Trotter Sankofa Lounge, 428 S. State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Presented by the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies in conjunction with the Black Student Union
Can those seeking social justice affect real change within large institutions? What methods have been utilized to mobilize and raise attention to Black voices at a predominantly white institution like the University of Michigan? How are movements successfully sustained over time?
Please join members of the Black Student Union in conversation with Elizabeth James, DAAS Program Associate, who will be discussing Black student activism at the University of Michigan from the 19th century up to the present day.
Hosted by: Department of Afroamerican and African Studies in conjunction with the Black Student Union
Sylvia Rivera Memorial Drag Extravaganza
Wednesday, February 23rd | TBA
Please join us in celebrating the contributions of Sylvia Rivera to the LGBTQ+ Movement at the Sylvia Rivera Memorial Drag Extravaganza. The night will start by learning more about who Sylvia Rivera was and her importance to LGBTQ+ Liberation, alongside the history of how other Black and Latine trans people and drag performers revolutionized the movement. This will then be followed by performances by BIPOC drag performers to celebrate the art form.
Contact: Juan Carlos Garcia, jordygar@umich.edu for additional details on event specifics.
Hosted by: Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Planning Committee Members
- Braini McKenzie, Black History Month & MESA Program Manager
- Sienna Crawford, Black History Month Student Coordinator
- Kierstyn Worthem, MESA Graduate Representative
- Neika White, MESA Staff Representative
- Tyae Grant, S.I.B.S. Representative on Planning Committee
- Maia Jackson, S.I.B.S. Representative on Planning Committee
- Kayla Tate, BSU Representative on Planning Committee
- Princess-J’Maria Mboup, BSU Representative on Planning Committee
Committee Members
- Ajane Smith, First Year Student
- Bryce Zampty-Hicks, First Year Student
- Justin Fleurimont, First Year Student
- Maria Fields, Junior
- Wynter Douglas, Graduate Student
- Vivian Nguyen, Graduate Student
Graphic Artist(s)
- Priya Ganji, Junior - pganji@umich.edu
- Adrianna Farmer, Senior - farmera@umich.edu
Photographer
- Victoria Wilson | Almatic Pulse, @almaticpulse on Instagram
Social Media Specialist
- Tamariah Davis, Junior - tamarida@umich.edu