Black History Month
Black History Month was created to celebrate and honor the many achievements and contributions made by African-Americans to the economic, cultural, spiritual and political development of the U.S.
Beginning in 1926, events were held the second week of February because of their proximity to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two individuals who dramatically affected the lives black Americans.
Black History Month 2022 Events
Dates: Feb. 4 - Exhibit Opens; Feb. 15 - Opening Reception
Time: Exhibit open Library hours; Opening Reception is at noon
Location: First Floor of the U of I Library
About:
The inaugural Black History at U of I exhibit opened in physical and digital forms on Feb. 4, to celebrate 50 years of the Black Student Union and Cultural Center. Both exhibits feature historical images and documents examining the history of Black students at U of I, including features on the first Black graduate, Jennie Eva Hughes, and All-American Football Star Ray McDonald. The physical exhibit is on the first floor of the Library; an opening reception is at noon, Tuesday, Feb. 15. The exhibit is part of a collaboration between the Black History Research Lab and the University of Idaho Library, and is directed by Dr. Sydney Freeman Jr.
Dates: Feb.8, 2022
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Vandal Ballroom, Bruce Pitman Center
About:
Join the Black Student Union for a mental health night. Dr. Jaimie Derrick, Professor of Psychology and Certified Mindfulness Teacher, will speak at the event. Activities include DIY sugar scrubs, face masks, coloring, meditation, snacks, and an opportunity to write a letter to your future self.
RSVP is required, click here to register.
Dates: Feb.14, 2022
Time: Noon - 4 p.m.
Location: ISUB, Level Two
About:
Stop by the Black Student Union’s table to learn more about their organization and how to get involved!
Date: Feb. 15, 2022
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: First Floor of the U of I Library
About:
The UI Africana Studies Program is collaborating with the UI Library to sponsor an African American Read-In. The U of I Read-In’s honorary first reader is Mario Pile, director of the U of I’s new Black Student Center. Everyone is welcome to attend and to participate as time allows. Participants can sign up to read or recite for 3-5 minutes. To reserve a spot email janson@uidaho.edu or sign up at the event itself. The African American Read-In follows the noon opening of the inaugural Black History at the University of Idaho exhibit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Black Student Union and Cultural Center.
Dates: Feb.15, 2022
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Vandal Ballroom, Bruce Pitman Center
About:
Join the University of Idaho Black Student Union for a night of music, friends, and other talents!
Dates: Feb.16, 2022
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Zoom Webinar
About:
Dr. Ron Ferguson, Co-Founder of the Minnesota Group and Professor of Sociology at Ridgewater College, will deliver his talk, "Black Activism, Black Anger: The Politics of Black Emotion."
Sponsored by Africana Studies Program, Black History Research Lab, Certificate in Equity and Justice, College of Letters Arts and Social Sciences, Office of Multicultural Events, and Women's Center.
Dates: Feb.25, 2022
Time: Noon - 2 p.m.
Location: Women's Center, Memorial Gym 109
About:
Join the Women’s Center and Black Student Union for a relaxing afternoon of crafts in honor of Black History Month!
For more information, please contact Mario Pile, Black Cultural Center, at 208-885-0203 or mpile@uidaho.edu.