Black History Month 2024 | Paul Robeson Cultural Center - Division of Student Affairs

The Paul Robeson Cultural Center is excited for an inspiring month filled with various events hosted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Black Student Organizations, and other Rutgers University Departments.

The 2024 National Black History Month theme is African Americans and the Arts.

“In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, Hip-Hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world” Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

As we reflect on this year's theme, we hope you can explore how art can bridge the chasms that divide us. Art can convey powerful messages across the barriers that so often divide us. Art, as a tool of activism, can challenge injustices, tackle sensitive issues, and bring forward social change. This year, our Black History Month banner features Black artists who have used their art and creative power to communicate and uplift Black people's struggles, experiences, and beauty.

Chuck D (1960 - ): Activist. Producer. Rapper. He is best known as the leader of Public Enemy, whose second album (It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back) featured the iconic song "Fight the Power" and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums in history. Their music helped create politically and socially conscious rap music.
Debbie Allen (1950 - ): Dancer. Choreographer. Director. Actress. Producer. Known for her role in the film and TV Series FAME she has went on to become a Kennedy Center Honoree and has been an artist in residence at the Center for over 15 years. She has served as a member of the President's Committee on Arts & Humanities. She founded theDebbie Allen Dance Academy. This nonprofit school offers a comprehensive dance curriculum for students aged 4 to 18, regardless of financial status.
Grace Jones (1948 - ): Jamaican Singer. Songwriter, Model. Actress. Disco Innovator. She is considered a Queer Icon; Grace Jones is known for using her image to celebrate Blackness and subvert gender norms. Grace Jones is known for her pioneering adoption of androgyny.
Sidney Poitier (1927 - 2022): Sidney was a Bahamian and American Actor. He was the first Black Actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor and is known as the first Black Leading man. In the early '50s, he was virtually the sole African-American film star. Poitier is known to have turned down acting roles, even when he needed the money, that robbed black characters of their dignity by portraying them as powerless victims.
Aretha Franklin (1942 - 2018): Singer. Songwriter. Pianist. Widely recognized as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin is known for bringing the fervor of gospel music to secular music, blending gospel with jazz, blues, and R&B. She was the definitive female soul singer of the '60s and one of the most influential voices in history. Ms.Franklin was also a fighter for civil and women's rights. She sometimes provided money for civil rights groups, covering payroll and performing at many benefits and protests. Aretha Franklin was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Toni Morrison (1931 - 2019): Novelist. Morrison is known for writing novels where the central theme was the Black American experience in an unjust society. She has widely said that she writes without considering the white gaze. She received the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for her novel "Beloved." In 1993, Morrison made history as the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. She is recognized as one of the most influential writers in American literary history.
Langston Hughes (1901-1967): Poet. Playwright. Novelist. Short story writer. Essayist. Political Commentator. Social activist. He was known for his portrayals of Black life in his writing. He was known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance and the earliest innovator of Jazz poetry. Hughes's influential work focused on a racial consciousness devoid of hate. In 1926, while a student at Lincoln University, he published his landmark essay, seen by many as a cornerstone document of the Harlem Renaissance, "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain."
Chadwick Boseman (1976 - 2020): Actor. He is known for his portrayal of legendary Black figures in his films, such as Jackie Robinson (42), James Brown (Get on Up), and Thurgood Marshall (Marshall). Boseman assumed the role of the first Black superhero on film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Black Panther, giving Black children everywhere a hero who looked like them to look up to.

If you have any Black History Month program that you'd like to include in our annual calendar but missed the chance to submit a program, please email us at prccrutgers@echo.rutgers.edu

Featured Events

Black History Month Opening Ceremony

Sponsor(s): The Black Student Union

Sunday, January 28th, 2024, at 6:00 pm
Location: Livingston Student Center, Multipurpose Room

The Black Student Union is an integral part of our campus community, dedicated to promoting awareness, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black students and professionals. Our Opening Ceremony Gala is a significant event that brings together students, faculty, staff, and the broader community to honor the accomplishments and aspirations of our Black student body.

SparkNight: Celebrating Black History Month

Sponsor(s): Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick Cultural Center, State Theatre New Jersey, Vulcan Pioneers of New Brunswick, Paul Robeson Cultural Center at Rutgers, Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities at Rutgers

Thursday, February 1st, 2024, at 5:00 pm
Location: Zimmerli Art Museum

SparkNight is the free art party at the museum, inviting everyone to explore art, engage their creativity, and have fun! Join us for an exciting night filled with music, art, and culture!

Discover culturally rich exhibitions featuring Alonzo Adams, Didier William, and Paul Gardère.
Experience the power of storytelling through captivating performances by Zone de Oriente, Sigma Lambda Gamma, and more.
Engage in an interactive art making workshop hosted by Louie Blaka.
Plus: We are providing raffle opportunities at the top and bottom of the hour.

Music by The IZM.

Free and open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments. Food available for purchase from Chef Deluxe Me food truck.

2024 Black History Month Annual Showcase

Sponsor(s): Rutgers African American Alumni Alliance

Friday, February 2nd, 2024, at 5:00 pm
Location: Rutgers Academic Building, 2225

Join the Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance (RAAA), Inc., along with campus and community partners, to celebrate Black History Month by marking the struggle for human rights encapsulated by the 220th anniversary of the declaration of Haitian Independence as well as the impact of Africans on Latin America wit a variety of cultural performances! The evening culminates in a talk and panel featuring Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark, NJ. The acknowledgement of Haiti's Declaration of Independence allows us to speak to a wider history of Africans transforming the cultural and political terrain of the Americas. Through the work of various artistic offerings this year's showcase will examine the impact Africans made on the histories and cultures of Latin America as well as the USA. Drawing on this history of claiming a space and leveraging the Black Arts Movement legacy of his father, mayor Ras Baraka will engage in a multigenerational conversation to ask what are members of the community seeking in the run up to a historic national election.

Important Black Figures in the History of Healthcare

Sponsor(s): Minority Association of Pre-Health Students

Monday, February 5th, 2024, at 9:15 pm
Location: TBA

Learn about the history of medicine and how important black figures contributed. We aim to recognize overlooked individuals who revolutionized healthcare as we know it!

Black History Month Spinning Class

Sponsor(s): Recreation

Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, at 6:00 pm
Location: Werblin Recreation Center

We are celebrating Black History Month through movement. Drop into Werblin Recreation for a Black History Month-themed spinning class with Ariel Leget, Ed.D, on Tuesday, February 6, and February 13. View the schedule at rec.rutgers.edu or the RURec2Go app.

Black History Month Paint N Sip

Sponsor(s): Alpha Phi Alpha

Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, at 9:00 pm
Location: Tillet Hall, 204

Join us in celebrating Black History Month at our paint and sip event! Unleash your creativity as we come together to paint vibrant and meaningful artworks, sip on delicious beverages, and honor the rich history and achievements of the Black community. It's a night of art, culture, and community building that you won't want to miss!

Navigating Police Encounters

Sponsor(s): Rutgers National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Hosted by our Juvenile Justice and Political Action Committees, joining guest speakers to discuss what to do and how to react when having encounters with police officers

Paint in Peace

Sponsor(s): Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Thursday, February 8th, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center

The PRCC's CAPS community based counselor, Kia, will guide participants in painting positive affirmations as well as share helpful meditations and visualizations. Please note that this program requires an RSVP and is only open to students inand the Paul Robeson Living Learning Community.

Co-sponsored by Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) & the Paul Robeson LLC.

Black History Month Spinning Class

Sponsor(s): Recreation

Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, at 6:00 pm
Location: Werblin Recreation Center

Unspoken Heroes of Black History with Omega Psi Phi

Sponsor(s): Rutgers National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Join Scarlet NAACP as we take time to highlight unspoken heroes that don't get as much attention during Black History Month

Being Black & Queer in Spaces

Sponsor(s): LLEGO

Thursday, February 15th, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Location: College Ave Campus

LLEGO will be hosting their second segment of "Being Black and Queer in Spaces", an informative and discussion about the intersection of the Black and LGBTQ+ identity.

Bob Marley: One Love

Sponsor(s): Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance, West Indian Student Organization

Thursday, February 15th, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Location: Rutgers Cinema

Please join the PRCC, RAAA, and WISO for a free movie night at Rutgers Cinema! This film celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. Discover how Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley overcame adversity to become the most famous reggae musician in the world.

Culture Shock

Sponsor(s): West Indian Student Organization

Saturday, February 17th, 2024, at 9:00 pm
Location: Trayes Hall

Culture shock is an annual event hosted by minority organizations under the PRCC umbrella. Each year,Twese,West Indian Student Organization (WISO) and Haitian Association of Rutgers University (HARU) and work together to diligently unify the different cultural communities of Rutgers University through dance and music. The program will be aimed at teaching students that despite our differences, we are one people.

Access Week 2024: I am College Bound Youth Summit

Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

Monday, February 19th, 2024, at 9:00 am
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room

The IamCollegebound: College Fair & Youth Summit, hosted for Pre-College Outreach and Upward Bound Math-Science high-school participants and friends, provides dynamic workshops, speakers, and trainings led by Rutgers undergraduates to aid in preparing students for college.

Access Week 2024 Student Success Forum

Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, at 12:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room

The Access Week 2024 Student Success forum will bring together faculty and staff from around RU-NB who engage in student support programming for an equity data walk illustrating the outcomes of first-generation, limited-income, and underrepresented student populations.

Thrive Student Support Services Empowerment Hour

Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, at 5:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room

Our Thrive Student Support Services team is hosting a one hour interactive workshop focused around empowering students identifying and showcasing how their everyday actions and participation in our TRIO programs is a form of advocacy. This special talk will echo the theme of how our sometimes overlooked acts performed everyday help to broaden impacts and shape how scholars are advocates to self and others.

James Dickson Carr Lecture

Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, at 3:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room

Attendees will learn best practices and student success strategies as well as provide insight to facilitate retention and increase timely degree completion. Dr. Micere Keels is an Associate Professor in Comparative Human Development at the University of Chicago. She focuses on understanding how race-ethnicity and poverty structure the supports and challenges that children and youth experience.

Highlighting Black Creatives & Their Impact on the Fashion World

Sponsor(s): Rutgers National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Join Scarlet NAACP to discuss African American influences in the fashion world.

Equity Mindset Workshop Series

Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, at 12:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room

A 1- hour workshop designed to enable faculty and staff to move toward an equity mindset approach in student learning and development. Dr. Brian Kurisky, Executive Director of the Collaborative Center for Community Engagement, will be giving a talk - "Best Practices in Community Engagement".

Access Week 2024 Alumni Mixer and McNair Research Symposium

Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, at 6:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room

The Access Week 2024 Alumni Mixer and McNair Research Symposium, co-sponsored by DICE, CES, and the McNair Program at the Zimmerli Museum, will start with a keynote by Devon Pinder, class of 2023, speaking to his experience of advocacy serving as an elected official and thriving post-graduation.

Dance Like Beyoncé with Amari Marshall

Sponsor(s): Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Location: College Avenue Gym

Have you ever wanted to dance like Beyoncé and her backup dancers ? Well now you can! Join the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and Rutgers Recreation for a night of fun with Beyoncé's co-dance captain, Amari Marshall! Amari Marshall, widely recognized for being a lead dancer in Beyoncé's latest tour, Renaissance, and for being in Beyoncé's Renaissance documentary, will guide participants through a dance rehearsal just like she does for Beyoncé at the College Ave Gym. Come ready to have a good time, learn some new dance moves, and hopefully Beyoncé will ask us to be in her next world tour!

Co-,sponsored by RU Recreation.

Joy in Liberation: Past, Present, and Future

Sponsor(s): Honors College Black Affinity Group

Friday, February 23rd, 2024, at 8:00 pm
Location: College Avenue Campus, 5 Seminary Place, Honors College Druskin Lounge

Join the Honors College Black Affinity Group for a presentation and discussion on Black liberation movements. In history, much of the emphasis has been on the struggles that led up to movements for independence in the African Diaspora. This event focuses on the joys during and following liberation, as well as positive ideas for liberation yet to come.

Black Women’s Voices: "Black Creative Collective"

Sponsor(s): Douglass Residential College

Monday, February 26th, 2024, at 6:30 pm
Location: Kathleen Ludwig Building
Event Page: https://rutgers.campuslabs.com/engage/event/9744205

Black Women’s Voices: "Black Creative Collective" – an inspiring event that celebrates the rich tapestry of creativity within the Black community. This event is a dynamic platform for students to engage in various art mediums, fostering a sense of connection, expression, and appreciation for the arts.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore their artistic talents through hands-on activities spanning diverse art forms. From painting to spoken word, dance, and more, "Black Creative Collective" is a celebration of the myriad ways Black Women have and continue to contribute to the world of art and culture.
In addition to the creative exploration, we will delve into the history of Black women artists who have left an indelible mark on the art world. Through discussions and presentations, we aim to highlight the achievements and contributions of Black women artists, both past and present.

Call for Performance Artists

Black Women's Voices: "Celebrating Innovation and Discovery through STEM"

Sponsor(s): Douglass Residential College

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, at 6:30 pm
Location: TBA
Event Page: https://rutgers.campuslabs.com/engage/event/9744150

Black Women's Voices: "Celebrating Innovation and Discovery through STEM" invites STEM enthusiasts to embark on a journey of exploration, experimentation, and celebration of Black excellence in the field of science.
Join us for an inspiring night filled with hands-on experiments, showcasing the brilliance and ingenuity of Black women in STEM. Students will lead interactive sessions, providing participants with the opportunity to engage in experiments that highlight their passion for discovery and innovation.
In addition to the interactive workshops, our event will feature a captivating exploration of Blackness in STEM fields. Through discussions and presentations, we aim to shed light on the contributions of Black scientists throughout history, acknowledging their groundbreaking work and paving the way for future generations.

Community Discussion on How We Move Forward

Sponsor(s): Rutgers National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center

Come join our conversation with an esteemed guest speaker to have an open forum discussion our progress as the Black community not only in this counter but at Rutgers.

Independent Filmmaking and Intersectional Pursuits: Artistry, Innovation, Society, and Capital

Sponsor(s): Honors College

Thursday, February 29th, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Location: AB (West) 2125

Mr. Isaac Davis, writer, director, and president of Icon Pictures, an independent filmmaking agency, will present clips of his recent documentaries while alternately discussing the intersectional lines of investigation that serve as the inspiration for storytelling, artistic decisions, and social impact.