The University of Illinois Springfield will host several events to celebrate Black History Month (BHM) 2024 during February. The theme of this year's celebration is "BHM 2024 Roots and Rhythm."
* = Event is open to the public
Thursday, Feb. 1
Black History Month Candlelight Vigil *
11 a.m. in the Student Union Ballroom
The UIS Diversity Center uses this event to open Black History Month and begin the month-long celebration of Black/African culture. The event will feature performances and reflection on those who have paved the way during the candlelight vigil.
U of I System Kickoff *
6 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom
Students and campus members will have the chance to engage in an interactive art exhibit that demonstrates the arch/history of each campus center. You will be able to navigate through each area and see the foundations of the diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) work that exists within and between the different eras on each respective campus, learning about the progress, struggle, and continued advocacy/activism that each center endures. Finally, it will culminate in a panel discussion of former and current directors of each center.
Friday, Feb. 2
Feminist Friday
3 p.m. at the UIS Women's Center
This event will educate the UIS population about issues that people of color, specifically Black individuals, face. It will raise awareness regarding situations and provide ways to help.
Saturday, Feb. 3
Pink Goes Red
7:08 p.m. at TRAC
An event to promote Heart Disease Awareness through a physical field day.
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Aids Awareness & BHM Ribbon Tabling
Noon in the Student Union
Students can grab pamphlets and safe sex kits. At this tabling event, we will also pass out BHM ribbons and allow students to answer two questions about BHM.
African Dance and Drum ECCE
6 p.m. Brookens Auditorium
"Walking Proudly: Embodying Liberation Capital in Chicago's West African Dance and Drum Communities" grows out of Queen Meccasia Zabriskie’s research on dancers and their place in Black life in Chicago from the 1960s through the 2010s. In this presentation, Zabriskie will engage audiences in a movement-based presentation about “embodied liberation capital” drawing on her historical, ethnographic and performance-based research on West African Drum and Dance practices in Chicago.
Friday, Feb. 9
H.S. to College Mixer *
10 a.m. in the Student Union Ballroom
Our annual mixer invites high school students from Chicago and Springfield to visit UIS.
Celebrating Black Joy
7 p.m. in the LRH Greatroom
Come enjoy an open space for celebrating African American heritage! This event features games, trivia and conversations all surrounding the theme of Black History Month.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Black Excellence Expo *
Noon in the Student Union
This event aims to highlight aspiring black entrepreneur students/local businesses. It was inspired by the Black Student Union's “Black Star of the Week” Instagram posts.
Sunday, Feb. 11
Men of Color / Black Male Collegiate Society Induction Ceremony
4 p.m. in the Student Union
A night to celebrate the induction of new members into the Black Male Collegiate Society.
Monday, Feb. 12
FAFSA Workshop
6p.m. in the LRH Greatroom
FAFSA workshop with the Office of Financial Aid. Explaining what the FAFSA is, what it does, how to fill it out and what has changed since last year.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Rainbow Renaissance: The Erasure of Black Queer History
Noon in the Diversity Center
This presentation will educate others about the history of black queer people in the U.S., how they are a significant part of our history and to give recognition to those who were erased.
Pop Culture Debate
7 p.m. in the LRH Greatroom
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Black Military History
6 p.m. in the Studio Theatre
Viewing of Civil War movie "Glory." The movie tells the story of the about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the Union Army's earliest African-American regiments in the American Civil War.
Friday, Feb. 16
Feminist Friday
3 p.m. at the UIS Women's Center
This event will educate the UIS population about issues that people of color, specifically Black individuals, face. It will raise awareness regarding situations and provide ways to help.
We Are Family
6 p.m. at the Diversity Center
The goal of this event is to introduce to and build a collective community between the Black population on campus and the Black student organizations that run out of the Diversity Center.
Saturday, Feb. 17
Pham Phasion *
7 p.m. in the Student Union
Event to enhance the black community through fashion culture.
Monday, Feb. 19
Packaging Food with the Student Nurses Association
4 p.m. in the Student Union
Yes We Can! Trivia and Discussion
4 p.m. at the Diversity Center
This event for people to have fun while learning about the impacts of Obama’s presidency, specifically highlighting LGBTQIA+ topics.
Tuesday, Feb. 20
Shades
Noon at the Diversity Center
Shades is a discussion group for all UIS students. The goal of this group is to create a safe space through which we can explore topics of identity and bring together QTPOC (Queer & Trans* People of Color) students and allies on campus.
Sex Education
6 p.m. at the Diversity Center
Wednesday, Feb. 21
Family Feud
7 p.m. at the Student Union
Thursday, Feb. 22
Cuffin Season
7 p.m. in PAC 154
Friday, Feb. 23
Little Richard Film & Discussion
1 p.m. at the Diversity Center
Discuss the massive musical and cultural contributions of Little Richard, what the music meant at the time how he inspired other artists, and how these contributions may be underappreciated. Discuss intersectional identities of LGBT Black artists and other identities including religion, generation and region.
Spades Tournament
7 p.m. at the Student Union Grill
Saturday, Feb. 24
Ebony Ball *
7 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom
A time to celebrate diversity and those who are allies of diversity on campus.
Sunday, Feb. 25
Gospel Experience *
7 p.m. in the Student Union
Join UIS's Voices in Praise in their Church Hop as they perform various gospel songs!
Thursday, Feb. 29
Black History Month Closing Event
2 p.m. in the Diversity Center
A BHM Closing is a way to capstone the month and reflect on various experiences and triumphs throughout the month. This event is also to learn the ways we can improve how we celebrate culture, identity and lived experiences.