Black History Month 2025 Events and Programs | Paul Robeson Cultural Center - Division of Student Affairs

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

February 1 - 7

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

February 8 - 14

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.

February 15 - 21

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.

February 22 - 28

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 15^th 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 26^th Annual Grammy Awards.

Access Week: I Am College Bound College Fair & Youth Summit

Mon, Feb 17, 2025 8:00 am

Rutgers Women's Basketball Honoring Black Excellence Game

Mon, Feb 17, 2025 8:00 pm

Access Week: James Dickson Carr Lecture

Tue, Feb 18, 2025 12:00 pm

James Dickson Carr Lecture

Tue, Feb 18, 2025 6:00 pm

Access Week: Equity Applied Workshop

Thu, Feb 20, 2025 12:00 pm

Access Week: Alumni Mixer & McNair Research Symposium

Thu, Feb 20, 2025 6:00 pm

Culminating Service Event: Day of Engagement

Fri, Feb 21, 2025 10:00 am

Afrofit Fusion

Sat, Feb 22, 2025 11:30 am

Understanding Racial Trauma: A Conversation with the authors of Racial Trauma in Black Clients: Effective Practice for Clinicians

Thu, Feb 27, 2025 5:00 pm

Insurgent Intersections: Healing from Global Anti-Blackness Symposium

Fri, Feb 28, 2025 9:30 am

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