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.
The 2026 National Black History Month theme is African Americans and Labor
“The 2026 Black History Month theme, African Americans, and Labor, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Indeed, work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that fed Low Country colonies, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies, and entrepreneurship in Black communities, or organized labor’s role in fighting both economic and social injustice, Black people’s work has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora. The 2026 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” sets out to highlight and celebrate the potent impact of this work.” Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
As we reflect on this year's theme, we hope you can explore the legacy of race and labor in America. Throughout our history, men and women have died in the fight for racially inclusive economic justice. From A. Philip Randolph, who fought for 12 years to gain recognition of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters by the Pullman Car Company, the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and the U.S. government to New Jersey native Chris Smalls, who began organizing in 2020 for the establishment of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), African-American’s have been at the forefront of these movements.
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.
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.
Please submit your programming and initiatives by our priority deadline: January 12th, 2026. View additional information about proposals.
Featured Events
Black Student Union - Opening Ceremony
Sunday, Feb. 1st - 6-10 PM
Opening Ceremony aims to bring in Black History Month by celebrating the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing its profound cultural impact. With performances and student choice awards, we aim to promote unity and highlight the significance of this pivotal era in Black history.
Rutgers Athletics
This year’s Athletics Black History Month efforts are centered on celebrating Black excellence, culture, and community through competition, engagement, and storytelling. As we honor the 100th year of Black History Month, FOR THE CULTURE reflects the mission of Rutgers’ cultural centers by uplifting Black excellence, Black voices, history, and the culture that continues to shape our communities. These events are intended to complement the broader university celebration and create additional opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to engage with Black History Month through athletics.
I especially want to uplift Gymnastics on February 1, as we are hoping for strong student and Greek organization participation. If student groups or Greek organizations are interested in attending or being involved, please have them reach out to me directly so we can coordinate. We are still seeking a singer for Lift Every Voice and Sing and would welcome any recommendations from your network.
Across all three Athletics Black History Month events, Thee Scarlet Divas will be performing helping to create a vibrant and welcoming environment. The FOR THE CULTURE T-shirts will be worn by all three teams and will also serve as the giveaway item at each event. Please note that basketball events are ticketed, and tickets can be purchased through scarletknights.com.
Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley
Thursday, Feb. 5th - 7:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable experience as we chat online with Vanessa Riley about her newest book, Fire Sword and Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye.
The Caribbean Sea, 1675. Jacquotte Delahaye is the mixed-race daughter of a wealthy tavern owner on the island of Tortuga. Instead of marriage, Jacquotte dreams of joining the seafarers and smugglers whose tall-masted ships cluster in the turquoise waters around Tortuga. In Haiti she becomes Jacques, a dockworker, earning the respect of those around her while hiding her gender. Register here.
The Conjuring of America
Thursday Feb. 12th - 2:00 PM
Feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart's book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women‚ Magic, tells the stories of Negro Mammies of slavery; the Voodoo Queens and Blues Women of Reconstruction; and the Granny Midwives and textile weavers of the Jim Crow era. These women, in secrecy and subterfuge, courageously and devotedly continued their practices and worship for centuries and passed down their traditions. Register here.
Zimmerli SparkNight
Thursday, Feb. 12th - 5:00-8:00 PM
SparkNight is the free monthly art party at the museum inviting everyone to explore art, engage their creativity, and have fun!
Join us to celebrate Black History Month and the opening of our newest exhibitions, Allan Rohan Crite: Neighborhood and Andy Warhol: On Repeat. The evening features live music, an Andy Warhol-inspired art activity, and free exhibition-themed mocktails! Register here.
Access Week 2026
February 16 to 20, 2026 - 1:00-2:00 PM
Access Week drives campus awareness of the critical need to identify and remove barriers that prevent full participation of all individuals in higher education. This annual, week-long initiative features a range of public lectures, faculty, staff, and student workshops, and student programming, highlighting the academic, social, and cultural resources essential for the success of all students. Register here.
Three or More is A Riot
Friday, Feb. 27th - 6:00 PM
Join the School of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Africana Studies for Three or More Is a Riot- a reading and book signing with Jelani Cobb GSNB'03.
Jelani Cobb joined the Columbia Journalism School faculty in 2016 and became Dean in 2022. He has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2015 and was a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary. Dr. Cobb has a B.A. in English from Howard University and completed his M.A. and doctorate in American History at Rutgers University in 2003. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Journalism Project and the Board of Trustees of the New York Public Library. In 2023, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Register here.
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 [New Jersey] 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.
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!
