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Black History Month

Black History Month 2026


Fruits Of Our Labor: Showcasing Passions That Have Nurtured Our Culture


February 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, initiating a centennial celebration of African American impact, resilience, and progress. Founded in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson
The story of Black history is inseparable from the history of labor, yet it is the underlying passions that have truly cultivated the richness of Black culture. As we celebrate this centennial anniversary, this year, we move beyond the concept of "work" to showcase the creative devotion and expressions of care that sustain the Black experience. By highlighting these acts of love, imagination, we celebrate the passions that empower identity, foster generational connection, and drive the continued flourishing of the community.

We invite the entire campus and surrounding community—students, faculty, staff, alum,to join us for a series of events dedicated to these vibrant expressions of Black life. Whether through art, dialogue, or shared meals, let’s come together to honor the joy and creativity that fuel our collective history.

This year's Black History Month is sponsored by the Association of Pan African Unity (APAU) and the Office of Community and Belonging, in collaboration with various departments and student organizations, this year’s Black History Month will express Black Excellence through programs centering on the following themes:

Upcoming Events Past Events
Flyer for event with portraits of speakers dr. april l. graham-jackson and Roderick E. Jackson.

“Black Chicagoland Is…”

Wed, Feb 11, 2026 4:45pm to 6pm

The Department of Geology and Geography invites you to our annual geography lecture on Wednesday, February 11 at 4:45 pm in Dwight 101. This year dr. april l. graham-jackson '18 (University of...

Dwight Hall, Room 101

Gatherings & Meetings
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Black History Month: Fruits of our Labor, with purple, red and yellow floral accents.

Community Dinner: How We Find Poetic Justice While Living Your True Light

Thu, Feb 12, 2026 5pm to 6pm

Members of the Betty Shabazz student community are invited to a share dinner with Rev. Nicole Duncan Smith. Come nourish your body and your spirit as you form personal connection and community with...

Betty Shabazz Cultural Center

Gatherings & Meetings
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Flyer for event with tea leaf and chocolate imagery.

Love In Every Bite

Sat, Feb 14, 2026 3pm to 5pm

Come join The Betty Shabazz Cultural Center in collaboration with the Growing Vines Collective in intentionally making herbal chocolate treats and cards for your loved ones. This workshop features...

Betty Shabazz Cultural Center

Trainings & Workshops
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Newspaper style flyer for event with event details and historical photo.

"By Us, and About Us”

Mon, Feb 16, 2026 3pm to 6pm

Students will use The HistoryMakers digital archive to find a Black historical figure whose story speaks to them and then create a one-page slide about that person. Students who feel comfortable...

Betty Shabazz Cultural Center

Gatherings & Meetings
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Image of Mic Check

Mic Check

Thu, Feb 26, 2026 8:30pm to 9:30pm

Join APAU for our Third Annual Black History Month Karaoke Night in the Great Room! Come celebrate Black music, joy, and community, whether you’re taking the mic or singing along from your seat....

Gatherings & Meetings
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Image of Sweet Like Fruit: Black History Month Gala

Sweet Like Fruit: Black History Month Gala

Sat, Feb 28, 2026 5pm to 9pm

APAU invites you to celebrate the end of Black History Month with our annual gala. This year, we embrace our theme by proclaiming the celebration to be Sweet Like Fruit. To celebrate the passions...

Concerts & Performances
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