Every February, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center makes an intentional effort to highlight programs and events organized by student organizations, Rutgers-NB departments, faculty, alumni, and local community organizations that celebrate Black History Month (BHM); we do this by sharing an annual BHM calendar with the campus community. This year's national Black History Month theme is "Black Resistance". We encourage our university community members to create and submit programs that touch on this theme although not required; we also hope that everyone reflects deeply on how "Black Resistance" has shaped the world as we know it and how we have individually and as a society benefited from the positive outcomes. If you have questions about calendar submissions, please reach out to the PRCC via email at prccrutgers@echo.rutgers.edu. We look forward to you joining us throughout the month of February at the various programs and events hosted by our university community!
Why is Black History Month Celebrated in February?
Black History Month is an annual celebration and time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in US History. Black History Month grew out of Negro History Week, the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, which was established in 1926.
Black History Month Facts
1st – Langston Hughes’ & Rick James’ Birthday
2nd – 1897, Alfred L. Cralle received a patent for his invention, the ice cream scooper.
3rd – On this day in 1964, 464,000 Black and Puerto Rican students boycotted New York City public schools.
4th – Rosa Parks Birthday
5th – On this day in1962, A suit seeking to bar Englewood, N.J., from maintaining “racial segregated” elementary schools filed in U.S. District Court.
6th – Bob Marley’s Birthday
7th – Chris Rock’s Birthday
8th – On this day in 1968, the Orangeburg Massacre occurred. Officers killed three unarmed students during demonstration on the campus of South Carolina State. Students were protesting segregation at an Orangeburg bowling alley
9th – Alice Walker’s Birthday
10th – On this day in 1992, renowned author, biographer, and scriptwriter, Alex Haley, dies. He is known for his books, ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’ and ‘Roots: The Saga of an American Family.’
11th – On this day in 1990, Nelson Mandela, leader of the movement to end South African apartheid, is released from prison after 27 years.
12th – On this day in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.
13th – On this day in 1965, Malcolm X’s home in New York City was bombed. He and his family were not hurt, and he decided to keep his commitment to give a speech at Ford Auditorium, which was his last speech outside of New York.
14th – Possible birthday of Frederick Douglass; born into slavery, Douglass never saw any authentic record of his birth date or age.
15th – On this day in 1804, New Jersey passed a law providing for the “gradual emancipation of slaves.” New Jersey became the last Northern state to outlaw slavery.
16th – On this day in 1951, the New York City Council passed a bill prohibiting discrimination in city-assisted housing developments.
17th – Huey P. Newton’s Birthday
18th – Toni Morrison’s & Audre Lorde’s Birthday
19th – Smokey Robinson’s Birthday
20th – Sidney Poitier’s Birthday
21st – On this day in 1965, our beloved brother, Malcolm X was assassinated in the Audubon Ballroom.
22nd – On this day in 1989, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince win the first rap Grammy for the hit single “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”
23rd – W.E.B. Du Bois’ Birthday
24th – On this day in 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first Black woman to receive an M.D. degree.
25th – On this day in 1837, the nation’s first Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, was founded.
26th – On this day in 1869, Congress passed and sent to the states for ratification, the 15th amendment guaranteeing the right to vote for African American males.
27th – On this day in 1964, author, educator, and champion for the rights of Black women, Anna Julia Cooper dies at the age of 105.
28th – On this day in 1984, Michael Jackson wins 8 Grammy Awards at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards.
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Featured Events
Black History Month Opening Ceremony
Sponsor(s): Black Student Union & Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Sunday, January 29th, 2023, at 7:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room
Please join us for this year's Black History Month Opening Ceremony where we will honor the legacy and history of Black/African Diasporic people and their contributions to the U.S. and globally through performances, presentations, music, spoken word and much more! A light dinner will be served.
The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Legacy Series Keynote with Angela Rye
Sponsor(s): Cultural Center Collaborative, Division of Student Affairs & Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE)
Tuesday, January 31st, 2023, at 7:00 pm
Location: Douglass Student Center, Trayes Hall
This event is free and open to the public; Please RSVP here as space is limited. This particular keynote is a signature program and part of the 2023 MLK Legacy Series. Feel free to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Series website at http://culturalcollaborative.rutgers.edu/mlk-legacy-series/ for more information.
Black Faces in High Places: A Roadmap for Success
Sponsor(s): Rutgers University Edward J Bloustein School
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023, at 5:00 pm
Location: 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Join us with Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Rutgers - Newark as he discusses the book he co-authored with Randall Pinkett, "Black Faces in High Places: A Roadmap for Success" - A discussion of why Black leadership matters in all industries and tips to help Black professionals navigate the larger agenda of equity.
From Africa to its Diaspora - Celebrating Black History Month
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Sponsor(s): Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance, Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick Cultural Center
Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, at 5:30 pm
Location: Zimmerli Art Museum
Feeding Body & Soul
Gallery tour with renowned artist Alonzo Adams through the Gallery of the Americas.
Presentation on comfort food ranging through the African diaspora.
Drum, Dance, Song & Memory
African drum rhythms and dance from West Africa into the Caribbean, Latin America and the USA.
Free Hot Breakfast Thursdays
Sponsor(s): Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, at 9:00 am
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Join the Paul Robeson Cultural Center every Thursday during the month of February from 9:00am until supplies last for a free hot breakfast in homage to the Black Panther Party. In 1969 the Black Panther Party (BPP) started a community-based free breakfast program for Black children. The BPP fed thousands everyday nationwide. This program was the catalyst for the free lunch program in public schools launched by the federal government.
Silent Disco: Black History Month Edition
Sponsor(s): Rutgers University Programming Association (RUPA)
Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, at 8:00 pm
Location: Busch Student Center, Multipurpose Room
This would be an event showing appreciation to Black culture through music. There will be a variety of genres played where Black artists are prominent such as Hip Hop, R&B, Jersey Club Music, and Afrobeats.
General Body Meeting ft. Dr. Brittney Cooper
Sponsor(s): Council of Black Graduates
Friday, February 3rd, 2023, at 6:00 pm
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Main Gathering Room
This is an event for the Black graduate student population at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. During our general body meeting this month, we will welcome one of Rutgers' very own, Dr. Brittney Cooper, Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies. Dr. Cooper will be in conversation with two graduate students and CBG members, Ivana Onubogu and Ashley Codner. This intimate conversation will span a number of topics including life as a Black faculty member, Dr. Cooper's public-facing work and presence, and how to build and sustain community in difficult environments like the academy.
The Woman King: Myth, History, or Fantasy?
Sponsor(s): History/ Study Abroad to Benin, History Department, Study Abroad, RU Global
Friday, February 3rd, 2023, at 7:15 pm
Location: Rutgers New Humanities Building West, 6th floor
Did you miss out on seeing The Woman King? Did you see it but you are curious to know more about the history behind it, the Kingdom of Dahomey, or the country it took place in (what is now known as Benin)? We will watch the movie while enjoying some pizza and then discuss it together.
Harambe Leadership Training
Sponsor(s): Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Saturday, February 4th, 2023, at 10:00 am
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Calling all current Black student organization leaders! Please join us for our annual Harambee student leadership training. There will be food, professional development, and team building. We can't wait to see you there!
Art, Brunch, and Champagne Event
Sponsor(s): Mason Gross School of the Arts
Sunday, February 5th, 2023, at 11:00 am
Location: The Rutgers Club
Mason Gross School of the Arts invites you to a celebration of Black History Month featuring a special exhibition and presentations by student artists across the African and Black Diaspora: Jocelyn Dow, Belinda Julien, and Justyn Morris.
What Does it Mean?
Sponsor(s): West Indian Student Organization (WISO)
Monday, February 6th, 2023, at 9:00 pm
Location: Busch Student Center, Room 116 ABC
This is a part of a series about expressing and acknowledging what does it mean or what does it look like to be a Caribbean in day living.
Food Culture & Black Freedom Movements: ‘Cue and the Blues.
Sponsor(s): Rutgers University Honors College, University of Missouri, Department of Black Studies
Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, at 6:30 pm
Location: HC Seminar Room E-128 or Click here for Zoom Information
How did the evolution of two iconic Black American "institutions" -- barbecue and the Blues -- intersect over the twentieth century, and what does that tell us about our assigned concepts of authenticity and community identity as well as the transcendence of eating and listening beyond simple acts of behavior.
Black Family Functions
Sponsor(s): Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, at 7:00 pm
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Black Family Functions or "BFF" for short is a monthly community building program which features a signature dish, fun activities, and MORE! For Black History Month, we'll have unique self-care activities such as painting Africa Continent pins, jewelry, and other crafts and our signature dish for the evening will be oxtails. We hope you'll join us and meet a new BFF!
Replenish Food Bank Outreach Initiative
Sponsor(s): Council of Black Graduates
Monday, February 13th, 2023, at 9:00 am
Location: Replenish Food Bank
This is an event for the Black graduate student population at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Come join us in service at the Replenish Food Bank, an organization dedicated to helping achieve food security and providing access to nutritionally adequate food and basic necessities. Please only sign up if you are able to volunteer for at least an hour or more of the scheduled time slot as there are limited spots available. Every hand helps and we thank you! Sign up
An Evening with Leah Vernon
Sponsor(s): Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities, Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, at 6:00 pm
Location: Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Leah Vernon is a plus-size model and body positivity influencer. She is also the author of Unashamed: Musings of a Fat, Black Muslim.
Culture Shock
Sponsor(s): West Indian Student Organization
Friday, February 17th, 2023, at 10:00 pm
Location: Douglass Student Center, Trayes Hall
This is a social event that allows minority cultures to celebrate the inclusivity/unification of minority organizations within the Rutgers community through the appreciation of culture and music.
Student Success Forum
Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Undergraduate Education
Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, at 10:00 am
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room
The Access Week 2023 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. Following the equity data walk staff and faculty will have the opportunity to connect with fellow student support colleagues who serve similar populations and create cross-communication, networking, and community building amongst the groups.
Fireside Chat: A Half Century of Equity in Medicine
Sponsor(s): Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity, and Justice
Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, at 2:00 pm
Click here for Webinar Information
In honor of Black History Month, join a fireside chat between Louis W. Sullivan and Marybeth Gasman where they will discuss his latest book, We’ll Fight It Out Here. Prior to his becoming Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Louis W. Sullivan (along with Walter Bowie and Anthony Rachal) founded the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools (AMHPS). This webinar will share the need that bound together this small group of Black institutions and the hard-won influence AMHPS built in American politics and health care. This webinar will also feature a panel discussion about the book and the events it chronicles. Attendees will receive a 30% discount code for Sullivan's latest book.
James Dickson Carr Lecture
Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, at 5:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room
An annual public lecture named in honor of James Dickson Carr who was the first African American graduate of Rutgers University. Public intellectuals invited to campus to discuss pressing issues of diversity, access, and equity in an open dialogue with the Rutgers community. Dr. Weiston-Serdan will deliver the talk entitled "It's the Action Fa' Me".
Dinner with the Director: Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Sponsor(s): Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Rutgers University Alumni Association
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023, at 5:30 pm
Location: The Rutgers Club
Join us for dinner at the beautiful Rutgers Club while celebrating the impact of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center on students of the African diaspora. Jakora Thompson, Director of the PRCC will share successes from the past year and give a glimpse into plans for the PRCC’s future. Click here for more information.
Alumni Mixer with McNair Research Symposium
Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Office of Career Exploration and Success, and McNair Scholars Program
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023, at 6:00 pm
Location: Zimmerli Art Museum
Alumni and current students of RU-NB are invited to attend an evening event at the Zimmerli Museum with a keynote talk from young alumni speaker, Ryan Webb, about her journey as a student who persevered through the pandemic to finish strong and be successful post-graduation. Concurrently in the Connection Corner, we will offer light food fare and space for conversation, networking and the opportunity to explore the innovative research projects presented by our McNair Scholars at the McNair: Student Research.
Black History Month Paint & Sip
Sponsor(s): Council of Black Graduates
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023, at 7:00 pm
Location: Above Art Studios
This is an event for the Black graduate student population at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Take a load off, paint and enjoy light refreshments (courtesy of CBG). The cover per person is $35 until 2/17 (and $40 after 2/17), but the fun and memories are priceless! Click here to sign up.
Access Week: Equity Mindset Workshop
Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023, at 1:30 pm
Location: Red Lion Cafe
Attendees will learn best practices and gain skills in building an equity mindset in service of student success to facilitate retention and increase timely degree completion. Light refreshments will be served.
Thrive SSS: Empowerment Hour "Rescript Your Story"
Sponsor(s): DICE (Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, Diversity Inclusion and Community Engagement
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023, at 5:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room
The Thrive Student Support Services team is hosting a two hour interactive workshop focused around empowering students to rescript the narratives they tell themselves. Positive Psychology coach, speaker, educator, and author, Dr. Colleen Georges will facilitate this interactive workshop helping students work through how to change their internal dialogue to transform their lives. Click here for registration.
Empowerment Hour – “Rescript Your Story"
Sponsor(s): Thrive Student Support Services
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023, at 5:00 pm
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room
"Our Thrive Student Support Services team is hosting a two hour interactive workshop focused around empowering students to rescript the narratives they tell themselves. Positive Psychology coach, speaker, educator, and author, Dr. Colleen Georges will facilitate this interactive workshop helping students work through how to change their internal dialogue to transform their lives. Click here for registration.
Speaking Up: Bias Awareness & Intervention in the Workplace
Sponsor(s): Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
Friday, February 24th, 2023, at 9:00 am
Location: College Ave Student Center, Multipurpose Room
PowerPlay Interactive Development is a professional applied theatre company that utilizes applied theatre techniques to safely engage participants in challenging conversations around bias, harassments, communication, collaboration, and leadership. Dr. Stephanie Goodwin (Incluxion Works, Inc.)— a published DEI scholar and nationally recognized expert in bias intervention training
Virtual Jobs Showcase: Diverse Talent Recruitment
Sponsor(s): Office of Career Exploration and Success
Friday, February 24th, 2023, at 12:00 pm
Click here for Registration
Searching for a workplace that elevates equity, activates diversity and leads inclusively? We have sourced top leaders in the field. This event is part of the #Rutgersworks Free Tuition Challenge. By attending this event you will earn one stamp towards your Spring 2023 gameboard. Visit careers.rutgers.edu/challenge for more information. For accommodation needs or requests, please email careers@echo.rutgers.edu.
R U Ready for Graduate School?
Sponsor(s): Rutgers Graduate School of Education
Friday, February 24th, 2023, at 2:00 pm
Location: Zoom TBA
The Graduate School of Education hosts the RU Ready for Graduate School virtual discussion.
Black History Month Forum: Passing The Torch
Sponsor(s): GSAPP Black Graduate Student Association
Friday, February 24th, 2023, at 4:00 pm
Location: Gordon Road Building, Suite C, 41 Gordon Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
This will be an evening celebrating and highlighting the work and achievements of Black psychologists! We will be hosting a panel of Black psychologists to learn about their research/work and their journeys to becoming a psychologist. We hope that this event empowers the next generation of Black psychologists and informs non-Black attendees about the contributions Black psychologists have made to the field. Please RSVP by February 15th: Click here for registration.
Celebrating Black Joy
Sponsor(s): Rutgers University Honors College Student Inclusive Excellence Committee, Honors College Changemaking Mentors and Affinity Groups
Friday, February 24th, 2023, at 6:00 pm
Location: College Avenue, Honors College, Druskin Lounge
Join the Rutgers University Honors College on Friday, February 24th from 6-8PM to celebrate Black Joy during Black History Month. A panel of students and professionals will discuss viewing their identities in a positive light, contrary to depictions that are too often negative. We will follow the panel with a "This or That" game with prizes for the winners. Food will be provided!
Mr. & Ms. Ubuntu
Sponsor(s): Minority Engineering Educational Task
Sunday, February 26th, 2023, at 7:00 pm
Location: Douglass Student Center, Trayes Hall B
"We are excited to invite you to cosponsor our 1st Mr & Ms Ubuntu Pageant in celebration of Black History Month. The intent for the program is to empower our men and women in the minority community in hopes of changing the narrative surrounding young African American men and women. We aim to unify and uplift the minorities of Rutgers as a whole. The event will feature a pageant styled program and live dj. The pageant contestants will be asked questions during three segments of the pageant. At the end, the winners will be crowned Mr & Ms Ubuntu."
This Moment in Democracy Podcast Featuring Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
Sponsor(s): Eagleton Institute of Politics
Tuesday, February 28th, 2023, at 1:00 pm
Location: The Eagleton Podcast
Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson will be our guest on our newly launched podcast, This Moment in Democracy. The topics will center around race, gender, and politics in the NJ Legislature. The episode will be released on 2/27.
My Black Health is Beautiful Health Fair
Sponsor(s): Paul Robeson Cultural Center, RU Health & Rutgers Recreation
Tuesday, February 28th, 2023, at 6:00 pm
Location: College Avenue Gym Annex
Join us for a day of Black health, food, music, and more to celebrate you at your best. In recognition of Black History Month, the My Black Health is beautiful health fair will center health concerns in the Black Community and provide free health screenings, giveaways, and more!
Misogynoir and Digital Resistance: Q&A with Dr. Moya Bailey
Sponsor(s): Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (VPVA), Tyler Clementi Center (TCC), and Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC)
Saturday, March 1st, 2023, at 4:00 pm
Location: TBA
Dr. Moya Bailey will be providing a virtual roundtable for student leaders and a university-wide lecture on misogynoir and digital resistance.
