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Black History Month officially starts on Saturday. In celebration of the month, groups such as Syracuse University’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color Student Success program will host various events throughout the month, highlighting the experiences, cultures and histories of Black students.

In preparation of BHM, The Daily Orange has compiled a list of some major events coming to campus next month:

Jan. 31: Black History Month Kickoff

On Friday night, BHM festivities will begin with the Black History Month Kickoff, featuring an exploration of the traditions and culture of the Black Diaspora at SU. The tabled event in Schine Student Center will feature representatives from multiple registered student organizations and is scheduled to run from 7-9 p.m.

Feb. 1: Homage to Black Wall Street

The Community Folk Art Center will host the “Homage to Black Wall Street,” in honor of the historic Black Wall Street district to explore its legacy and impact. Attendees will learn about the resilience and creativity of Black entrepreneurs in the financial sector throughout American history. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m..

Feb. 3: Hair Me Out

Black business owners and vendors will gather in Schine’s Underground to display their products, including food, clothing and hair products. As part of the event, students will be able to buy the items presented and learn about the importance of supporting Black, locally owned businesses. Vendors will open their tables at 12 p.m.

Feb. 7: 21st Annual WellsLink Transitions Ceremony

Keynote speaker JaNeika James, a co-executive producer at HBO Max and author of “Living Double,” will headline the honoring of last year’s WellsLink Scholars. Scholars are first-year college students of color recognized for their academic excellence and leadership. The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m.

Feb. 11: Black History Trivia Night

CFAC will host a trivia night quizzing participants on the history of Black labor. The night will feature games and prizes celebrating the rich history and achievements of notable Black figures throughout American history. The games will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 12: The Journey of the Black Professionals in Health

The Barner-Mcduffie House will host a panel discussion featuring Black medical professionals who will discuss the importance of Black representation in healthcare. Panelists will talk about their experiences, why they chose their careers and the importance of representation and identity in the community. The discussion will begin at 4 p.m.

Feb. 19: Basketball Classic
The Barnes Center at The Arch will host its annual Basketball Classic. Student leaders, faculty and staff will play in a competitive basketball game with the goal of challenging the way society views Black athletes and culture. The game will tip off at 7 p.m.

Feb. 20: Black History Month Alumni Mixer

Schine will host a networking mixer featuring SU alumni of color looking to create spaces that allow students to build key relationships with city leaders. This event provides students with a space to discuss the realities of the professional world from the perspectives of people of color. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Feb. 22: Black Artists Collective Black History Month

The BAC will host its annual Black History Month Program featuring performances that explore, celebrate and chronicle the Black experience. The program will begin at 6 p.m.

Feb. 25: First Generation Mixed Tapes: A Space to Celebrate Intersectionality

The Barner-McDuffie House is hosting a conversation about the experiences of Black, first-generation college students. The gathering, which serves as SU’s First-Generation Programs’ monthly partnership with a SU office, begins at 4 p.m.

Feb. 26: Snaps & Taps Talk Back: Black Labor

Poet Randum will discuss the triumphs of Black labor in the United States. Panelists will include artists Cheeki Williams, Glenn Simmons, Sofia Gutierrez and Kofi Antwi. The panel will be at CFACs Black, Indigenous and People of Color Student Success and begin at 6 p.m.

Feb. 28: A Celebration of Black Icons in Dance

The Creative Arts Academy and CFAC-DanceLab are collaborating for an evening of performances and dance history that highlight the importance of Black Labor. The performance will be held at CFAC and begin at 6 p.m.

Mar. 2: Black History Month Closing Ceremony

SU’s Black History Month Committee will explore the cultures and traditions of the Black diaspora at SU through performance and discussion at Schine. The final event of the month will begin at 6 p.m.

Published on January 28, 2025 at 12:23 am

Contact Chloe: cfrinka@syr.edu