The Paul Robeson Cultural Center is excited for an inspiring month with various events hosted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Black Student Organizations, and other Rutgers University Departments.
2026 Theme: Celebrating 100 Years: Black History, Black Presence, and Black Futures
2026 marks a historic centennial—100 years of nationally commemorating Black history. In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson and fellow scholars founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH), institutionalizing the teaching, study, and celebration of Black history. A decade later, in 1925, Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week, which evolved into the Black History Month observance that has become an integral part of American culture and the global community.
As we commemorate this centennial, the founders' vision inspires us to examine the profound impact of Black history and life on the modern world. Our theme—Celebrating 100 Years: Black History, Black Presence, and Black Futures—invites our campus community to reflect on a century of resistance, resilience, and renaissance while envisioning the futures we continue to build together.
Black History Month 2026 Call for Proposals
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center is preparing for Black History Month 2026 and invites campus partners across the university—including student organizations, academic departments, and administrative units—to submit their events for inclusion on our campus-wide Black History Month calendar.
Featured Events
Upcoming Events
Anthony Benezet: Quaker, Abolitionist, Anti-Racist
Wednesday, Feb. 4th - 1:00-2:00 PM
Join our webinar, led by Brandeis University Research Scholar David Chanoff, as we explore the life and impact of a visionary Anthony Benezet, who helped ignite American abolitionism, challenged the Atlantic slave trade, and shaped our national conversation on racial equality. Based on Chanoff's book Anthony Benezet: Quaker, Abolitionist, Anti-Racist, this talk reveals how Benezet fused radical Christianity with revolutionary democracy ideals to transform lives and institutions. Register here.
Free Hot Breakfast Wednesdays
Wednesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25th - 9:30 AM
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Join the Paul Robeson Cultural Center for their free hot breakfast program every #BlackWednesday of the month. Different campus departments and staff will drop by to share opportunities and resources you may be interested in. This is an opportunity for students to utilize the resources at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC), de-stress, meet other students, organize themselves for the semester, or simply relax at the PRCC. Please note breakfast starts at 9:30am and will end when all the food is gone which is typically between 11am-12pm.
Black Voices from the Ivory Tower
Thursday, Feb. 5th - 1:00-2:00 PM
Join the Proctor Institute for a virtual screening of the dynamic documentary Black Voices from the Ivory Tower, by Khalid White. The film explores the experiences of today’s higher education scholar-practitioners.
Stay afterward for a live Q&A with the director, moderated by Marybeth Gasman. Link here.
Annual Alice and Stephen Evangelides Lecture
Thursday, Feb. 5th - 8:00 PM
Prof. Milton Heumann & The Department of Political Science present the annual Alice and Stephen Evangelides Lecture focused on public law topics. This year's topic, Opiniated, But Who Am I to Judge? will be presented by Julien X. Neals, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey.
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Nominated by Joseph R. Biden on April 19, 2021, to a seat vacated by William J. Martini. Confirmed by the Senate on June 8, 2021, and received commission on June 22, 2021.
Education:
Morehouse College, B.A., 1986
Emory University School of Law, J.D., 1991
Professional Career:
Law clerk, Hon. Seymour Margulies, Superior Court of New Jersey, 1991-1992
Private practice, Secaucus, New Jersey, 1993-2006, 2014-2015
Chief judge, Newark Municipal Court, 2006-2008
City of Newark, New Jersey, 2008-2014; corporation counsel, 2008-2010; business administrator, 2010-2014
Bergen County, New Jersey, 2015-2021; county counsel, 2015-2021; acting county administrator, 2016-2021
Black & Balanced: A Cultural Wellness Series
Tuesday, Feb. 10th - 4:30 PM
Black & Balanced is a 3-part cultural wellness series that centers rest, creativity, and holistic care for students through affirming, community-centered experiences. Yoga & Sound Healing launches the series, setting the tone for rest, grounding, and intentional care. This session blends gentle yoga with immersive sound healing to support stress relief, mindfulness, and reconnection with self. Designed for all experience levels, come breathe, release, and restore with us.
Queer Culture and Queer Language, Labels: Influence of AAVE and Ebonics in our Queer Language
Wednesday, Feb. 11th - 7:00 PM
Join us for a Black History Month discussion on queer language and the foundational role of Black queer communities in shaping LGBTQ+ slang through AAVE and Ebonics. We’ll explore the cultural and historical roots of commonly used terms, how language moves across communities, and why honoring Black queer linguistic contributions matters. This meeting centers Black queer identity, respect, and the power of language as history, resistance, and community.
Black Women Resilience, Roots, and Rest
Wednesday, Feb. 11th - 5:00-7:00 PM
Join us for an interactive event that centers Black women's stories through student-led dialogue, creative activities, and intentional moments of rest and affirmation. This event offers a welcoming space for students to connect, reflect, and share experiences while engaging in meaningful conversations and hands-on activities that promote self-expression, community, and empowerment.
Black History Month Spin/Cycle Class
Thursday, Feb. 12th - 6:00 PM
We are celebrating Black History Month through movement! No experience needed. Feel free to bring your flag, wear you colors (Greek and otherwise), and represent Black history while getting your sweat on! Please arrive early to claim your bike. Dress comfortably and bring a water bottle. Sonny Werblin Recreation Center on Busch Campus, Spin/Cycle room. If there is a song or artist you would like to see used in class, use this link to share your requests.
Culture of Success: Leadership & Career Conference + ERG Employer Fair
Sunday, Feb. 18th - 11:00 AM
Culture of Success: Leadership & Career Conference + ERG Fair is a dynamic event designed to support students in developing culturally grounded, values-driven approaches to leadership and professional success. This year’s theme, Leadership as a Lifestyle, features engaging speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and affirming conversations that explore communication, networking, wellness, and authenticity in professional spaces. The conference centers leadership as an everyday practice shaped by culture, community, and purpose—not just position or title. Attendees will leave with practical tools, deeper self-awareness, and meaningful connections to support their academic and career journeys. Registration strongly encouraged.
Black Declarations of Independence: Before and After 1776
Thursday, February 19th: 3:00PM - 7:30PM
This free, public two-day conference explores how Black people have articulated, enacted, and reimagined freedom across time. Amid Philadelphia’s 250th-anniversary commemorations, this gathering insists that any reckoning with 1776 must also attend to the multiple, ongoing declarations of freedom that mark the presence and persistence of Black life within, and beyond, American history. More information here.
Black Declarations of Independence: Before and After 1776
Friday, February 20th: 9:00AM - 6:30PM
This free, public two-day conference explores how Black people have articulated, enacted, and reimagined freedom across time. Amid Philadelphia’s 250th-anniversary commemorations, this gathering insists that any reckoning with 1776 must also attend to the multiple, ongoing declarations of freedom that mark the presence and persistence of Black life within, and beyond, American history. More information here.
Black History Month Centennial Gala
Thursday, Feb. 26th - 6:30 PM
2026 marks a historic centennial—100 years of nationally commemorating Black history. In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson and fellow scholars founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH), institutionalizing the teaching, study, and celebration of Black history. A decade later, in 1925, Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week, which evolved into the Black History Month observance that has become an integral part of American culture and the global community.
As we commemorate this centennial, the founders' vision inspires us to examine the profound impact of Black history and life on the modern world. Our theme—Celebrating 100 Years: Black History, Black Presence, and Black Futures—invites our campus community to reflect on a century of resistance, resilience, and renaissance while envisioning the futures we continue to build together.
Black History Month Spin/Cycle Class
Thursday, Feb. 26th - 6:00 PM
We are celebrating Black History Month through movement! No experience needed. Feel free to bring your flag, wear you colors (Greek and otherwise), and represent Black history while getting your sweat on! Please arrive early to claim your bike. Dress comfortably and bring a water bottle. Sonny Werblin Recreation Center on Busch Campus, Spin/Cycle room. If there is a song or artist you would like to see used in class, use this link to share your requests.
