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.

SparkNight: Celebrating Black History Month

Thu, Feb 06, 2025 5:00 pm

Spinning class to celebrate BHM

Thu, Feb 06, 2025 6:00 pm

Harambee Student Leadership Retreat

Fri, Feb 07, 2025 8:00 am

Afrofit Fusion

Sat, Feb 08, 2025 11:30 am

BHM Paint n Sip

Mon, Feb 10, 2025 9:00 pm

Owning Your Power, Finding Your "Why"

Tue, Feb 11, 2025 11:30 am

Black Wednesday Breakfast

Wed, Feb 12, 2025 9:30 am

Building Your Power: From Campus to Community Organizing Workshop

Wed, Feb 12, 2025 3:30 pm

Crowning Glory: Honoring Natural Hair & Self-Care

Wed, Feb 12, 2025 6:00 pm

Rutgers Men's Basketball Honoring Black Excellence Game

Wed, Feb 12, 2025 6:30 pm

Open Mic Night: Black & Queer Liberation

Wed, Feb 12, 2025 9:00 pm

RU Black Pride Community Dinner

Thu, Feb 13, 2025 4:00 pm

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