A-State, Campus Community, Celebrate Black History Month
JONESBORO – In recognition of Black History Month, Arkansas State University will host several events to celebrate, commemorate and educate the campus community.
Serving as the theme for the Black History Month events on campus is "A Century of Black History Commemorations: Celebrate, Educate, Elevate." A series of tabling events will take place throughout Black History Month in the food court of Reng Student Union.
The Multicultural Center hosted a Black History Month kickoff on Tuesday, Feb. 3. This table featured information about upcoming events and highlighted the theme for this year. Later in the afternoon a Black History Month panel took place in the Auditorium of Reng Student Union.
Another tabling event will occur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4. It will highlight three focus areas: celebrating Black achievements and culture, educating on key histories and milestones, and elevating Black voices and futures.
Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter will host the Soul Food Dinner and Program at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, in Baptist Collegiate Ministry. It will include an evening of fellowship, flavor and reflection celebrating Black History Month through a soul food dinner and program. Rooted in tradition and resilience, soul food tells the story of Black history, community and creativity.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, the Black Student Association (BSA) will host Hot Topics. Students can expect fun, interactive discussions, real talk and trending topics rooted in Black culture.
BSA and the Kappa Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. presents the Black Business Expo at 5:30 pm. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, in Centennial Hall of Reng Student Union.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Theta Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will host a table at the same location as previous tabling events.
Later in the evening at 6 p.m. the Black Student Association will host a talent show in the Auditorium of Reng Student Union.
Black Student Association and Arise hosts worship night at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Auditorium of Reng Student Union.
The Black Student Association, Black Faculty and Staff Association and the Multicultural Center will host a block party at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, inside Centennial Hall of Reng Student Union.
Black Jeopardy will kick off at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, in the Multicultural Center of Reng Student Union. This interactive, game-show–style event invites students to test their knowledge of Black history, culture and contributions.
A tabling will occur from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the food court of Reng Student Union. This will offer information about Black History Month.
The A-State Museum will celebrate Black History Month’s origins beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the museum, room 156. The free event will include a speech by Dr. Gary Edwards, who will take attendees back in time 100 years to visit the origins of Black History Month.
Edwards will speak on the racial climate of the era and how African American communities in Arkansas reacted to this call to celebrate. Attendees are encouraged to stay until the end, as a discussion with Edwards will follow.
Night of the Arts will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23, inside Centennial Hall of Reng Student Union. Participants will celebrate the creativity and cultural legacy of the Harlem Renaissance through art and performance.
Beginning at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, will be a disability awareness event celebrating Black disabled authors in the food court of Reng Student Union.
From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, a final tabling event will take place at the food court of Reng Student Union.
The Black History Month events come to a close at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, for the eighth annual Living Legends Awards Gala. The ceremony honoring leaders and legends throughout the A-State community will occur in Centennial Hall inside Reng Student Union.
Living Legends will celebrate its eighth cohort and has recognized over 30 outstanding individuals, and four posthumous honorees through the distinguished Legacy Award. Each year, this program serves as a powerful reminder of the excellence, sacrifice and service that continue to shape our shared history.
All events are free and open to the A-State community and public.
