Why We Celebrate
Black History Month is a time to recognize the important contributions of the Black community throughout American history and society and resilience in the face of discrimination.
Throughout the month of February, Ohio University celebrates Black History Month. The national theme for 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts,” recognizing the contributions that Black Americans have made to the visual and performing arts, music and more. We use this month as a call to our OHIO community to study the history of Black Americans and help cultivate an environment where Black life can be sustained, protected and respected.
Join us for events, lectures and presentations to celebrate and discuss “African Americans and the Arts."
Black History Month Events
There are no events to show at this time.
Don't Miss these Featured Events!
-
Celebrate Music: Skilla Baby and Rob 49 perform with DJ Band CampThe SIBS Weekend Concert 2024 includes artists Skilla Baby and Rob49 and features DJ Bandcamp on Saturday, Feb. 3, in the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $15-$35.
-
Celebrate Theater: A presentation of the play, Free Man of ColorWho was John Newton Templeton, a formerly enslaved African American who graduated from OHIO 50 years before the end of slavery? See "Free Man of Color" by Distinguished Professor Emeritus Charles Smith—performed on the stage that bears Templeton's name.
-
Celebrate Art: Brian Stephens on Glenn Ligon's "Runaways"Dr. Brian Stephens' gallery talk probes "Blackness On the Run: Glenn Ligon's Runaway Series" as part of the Kennedy Museum of Art's exhibit "Centering Black Artists." Stephens recently joined OHIO's African American Studies Department.
-
Celebrate Service: the African American Studies Research and Service InstituteDr. Andrea Frohne celebrates the African American Research and Services Institute with a talk about her research delving into AARSI's archives. Frohne is Associate Professor of African art history at OHIO.
Being Black at OHIO
In celebration of Black History Month, we invited members of our OHIO community to share what "Being Black at OHIO" means to them. We hope to amplify our Black students, faculty and staff and discuss the truths and realities of Black Resistance.
Samba Bah, Doctoral Student
Christine Blay, Second-Year Student
Chelsea Tano, Third-Year Student
Alesha Davis, Third-Year Student
Arthur Bargainer, First-Year Student
Bose Maposa, Graduate Student
Black History in Athens
Black History at OHIO
Learn more about the important contributions of the Black community at OHIO.
Explore Black History
-
Ohio University Black History Pinterest Board
Peruse materials related to Black history & African-American student life at Ohio University from collections of University Archives, Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.
-
Black History Tour of Athens
This virtual tour focuses on achievements of African Americans in Athens, many of which emplaced the foundations for future successes of African Americans in and outside of our community.
-
Reading List from Alden Library
Alden Library offers a collection of general and subject-specific materials on anti-racism.
Black History Month Committee Members
The Division of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank Black History Month committee members for their contributions — including their time and energy — that ensure a successful month of celebration. The committee members are: