Black History Month
Black History Month started in 1925 as “Negro History Week” by Carter G. Woodson to raise awareness of African American’s contribution to civilization and American society. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The celebration was expanded from one week to a month in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial, to signify the importance of Black history, the Civil Rights movement, and the contributions of African Americans to our history and culture.
2025-26 Black History Month Events
Thank you to all who participated in planning this year’s Black History Month. Special thank you to BSU and Black History Month Planning Committee, our hearts send many thanks! We would also like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors, the Queer Student Union (QSU) and Students for Cultural Inclusion in Theater (SCIT).
February 4th, 7 pm: Rosa Parks Monologue in Black Box Theatre - As we commemorate more than 70 years of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Shandra L. Terry becomes Rosa Parks. Join us on February 4th in the Black Box Theatre at 7 pm to watch this highly interactive one-woman show.
- Visit here for more event information. This event is open to the community; all are welcome! Space is limited to first-come, first-served.
- Please email multicultural@lclark.edu if you have any questions, comments, accommodations, and/or concerns.
February 13th, 7 pm: Wild ‘N Out in Stamm - We’re bringing the show to campus! Enjoy a night of fun with a mocktail bar and a head-to-head roast battle. Come find out which team will win!
- Please email BSU@lclark.edu or multicultural@lclark.edu if you have any questions, comments, accommodations, and/or concerns.
February 22nd, 12 pm: Grand Gesture Books- Join us off-campus to visit Grand Gesture Books, a Queer and Black Owned Book Store that recently opened up in Portland.
- Limited spots available, so RSVP is required.
- Please email multicultural@lclark.edu if you have any questions, comments, accommodations, and/or concerns.
February 23rd - 27th: Spirit Week - As a way to celebrate the last week of Black History Month, as well as count down the days to our final Black History Month event, BSU will be hosting a Spirit Week with a raffle prize giveaway at the end! Listed below are the themes for each day. To ensure you receive a ticket for each day you participate, send your photos to BSU@lclark.edu or multicultural@lclark.edu.
- Monday: Durag + Bonnet Day - For those who want to protect their curls or their waves (or maybe you didn’t feel like doing your hair this morning), wear a durag or bonnet for the day!
- Tuesday: Twin Day - Find a friend and dress alike! (Bonus points if the outfit is exactly the same)
- Wednesday: Swagged Out Wednesday - Looking for a reason to finally wear that 🔥FIRE🔥 outfit? Come dressed in your freshest/best outfit for this day!
- Thursday: Throwback Thursday - Wear your best 70s-80s-90s-inspired fit!
- Friday: Rep The Flag Day - The colors of the Pan-African flag, created in the 1920s by Marcus Garvey to represent Black liberation, are Red for the blood shed for freedom, Black for the people themselves, and Green to represent the fertility and abundance of Africa. On Friday, wear any of these colors to show your support!
February 28th, doors open 6:30 pm: Black History Month: Celebration of Black Art and Dinner in Stamm - In honor of Black History Month, the Black Student Union and Inclusion & Multicultural Engagement (IME) office invite you to attend the Celebration of Black Arts dinner event. This evening is to honor Black Artistry through dinner, dancing, and a fashion show. The Black History Month Planning Committee would like to invite you to a night of celebration!
- RSVP is required for dinner.
- Please email BSU@lclark.edu or multicultural@lclark.edu if you have any questions, comments, accommodations, and/or concerns.
Events Flyer
2026 Off-Campus Events
- February 6 to March 7, 2026: 36th annual Cascade Festival of African Films (CFAF). For more than three decades, CFAF has been dedicated to showcasing films that highlight the stories, perspectives, and experiences of people from across the African continent. This year’s festival features an inspiring lineup of films, guest speakers, community conversations, and cultural events. While donations are welcome, the festival screenings are free (with a suggested donation) and always open to the public. Check out their website for more information!
- February 17 to May 12, 2026, 7 PM – 8:30 PM: Mark O. Hatfield Lecture Series is bringing together the nation’s top historians and award-winning authors for thought-provoking evenings of history. OHS is offering discounted individual lecture tickets to the 2026 Mark O. Hatfield Lecture Series. Purchase virtual or in-person tickets for educators ($10 per ticket) and students ($5 per ticket)! Students and educators can purchase discounted tickets with a school-associated email at checkout. Check out their website for more information!
More information and RSVP forms in our LinkTree!
IME’s LinkTree
Learn about our Black Student Union (BSU) student affinity group!
BSU’s Instagram | bsu@lclark.edu