Black History Month 2025
In an effort to highlight the stories, culture, and contributions of Black people in America, historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized the entire month of February as Black History Month. Although the shortest month of the year, February was intentionally selected because of the birthdays of American President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12th) and American abolitionist Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14th).
The 2025 national theme for Black History Month is African Americans and the Labor. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the theme focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people, whose work has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora. We celebrate the influential impact of this work.
Black history is made every day. Let’s explore, teach, and celebrate Black history in February and beyond. Join the W.A. Franke Honors College at our signature Black History Month event, Black Culture and Movement on Tuesday, February 4th from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm in the Honors Village Courtyard. The celebratory event will include history, performances, music, and food. All are welcome to attend.
Dr. Cheree Meeks
Assistant Dean for Programs, Diversity, and Inclusion
February 4 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Honors Village Courtyard
Celebrate Black history, culture, and the arts with performances, activities, and food from D's Island Kitchen (Jamaica!). There will be a DJ and a Black history activities table to commemorate the month. All Are Welcome!
FEATURED CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS: W.A. Franke Honors College Black Excellence Scholars, African American Student Affairs, African American Museum of Southern Arizona, Blue Lotus Artists' Collective, African Americans in Life Sciences, Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII)
More Black Excellence, Innovation, & Events
Black Student Mixer
February 7 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Honors Village Room 1067
Mix and mingle with fellow Franke Honors students! Light refreshments will be provided.
Reel and Feast: A Black History Month Celebration of Food, Film, and Fun
February 7 | 6:00 PM | Kachina Lounge, Student Union Memorial Center
Meet the Department of Africana Studies at this celebration of African food, culture and film. Dr. Deanna Daniels will lead a talk and show Netflix's High on The Hog Episode 1. Enjoy free food, giveaways and games. Bring your friends and come get to know us!
Black History Month Movie Viewing
February 16 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Honors Village Rm 1067/68
Take some time out of your day to view The Six Triple Eight, the true story of the first all-Black, all-women battalion during WW2. We'll have snacks for anyone that would like to stop by. Come gather, view the movie, and meet some friends!
Africana Studies Hip Hop Roundtable
February 26 | 4:00 PM | Kiva Room, Student Union Memorial Center
The Hip Hop Roundtable will feature various College of Humanities faculty, including Dr. Alex Nava, Dr. DeAnna Daniels, Dr. Jerome Dotson, Dr. Brett Esaki and Dr. Tani Sanchez.
Plus, African American Student Affairs will be hosting events all month long!
