2024 Black History Month

As Black History Month approaches, the African American Studies program, the African American Caucus, the Black Alumni Advisory Council and a coalition of campus partners have put together a series of programs and activities to honor Black heritage and foster solution-focused dialogues about a range of social justice topics. The theme for the month is “Walking in the Footsteps of Greatness” and programming includes art and museum exhibits, a film festival, a panel discussion and more.

Events kick off on Thursday, February 1, with the Black History Month Opening Day Program, which includes a procession for a flag raising ceremony. All are welcome to attend. Afterward, members of the campus community will give a brief presentation of their favorite or most influential Black historical figures. A full listing of events and programs scheduled to date are as follows:

February 1-28: Black History Month Exhibit in Sprague Library

Thursday, February 1: Black History Month Opening Program – Flag Raising, 11:50 a.m. President Koppell will lead a procession, along with campus police color guard escort, from Cole Hall to the flagpole by the Student Center. Campus members join the procession along the way. Following the ceremony, including the reading of a proclamation, singing of the Black national anthem and flag raising, all will proceed to the Student Center Ballrooms to continue the opening day program. Key faculty and staff will discuss influential Black historical figures:

• Ashante Connor – Benjamin Banneker
• Marcheta Evans – Maya Angelou
• Daniel Gurskis – Oscar Micheaux
• Reginia Judge – Charlotte Ray, Esq.
• David Vernon – Lewis Latimer
• Rita Walters – Lorraine Hansberry

Tuesday, February 6: History of Step, 2-3 p.m., Bloomfield Campus – Talbott Hall (Student Center). This event will give an explanation of why Greek Fraternities and Sororities step /stroll. There will be a brief demonstration of stepping and strolling by some of the organizations on campus.  It will showcase the history of stepping/strolling from past years to present times.

Wednesday, February 7: Black History Museum and Film Festival, 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Student Center, Ballrooms A&B.

Wednesday, February 7: Black History Month Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Student Center, Dining Room prepared by Dining Services.

Thursday, February 8: Hip Hop Legacies, 6-8 p.m., University Hall 1070. Dr. Austin McCoy, Assistant Professor of History at West Virginia University, will play Hip Hop music and talk about its history. Students will listen to music, learn its history, and have fun. Bring your friends! View the Event on Engage!

Friday, February 16: Conversations with the Chancellor, 11-11:45 a.m., Virtual event live streamed from the Bloomfield Campus. This monthly event features Dr. Marcheta Evans and two special guests. They sit and talk about various subjects such as relationships, hobbies, music, failures, celebrities, future goals, etc.

Monday, February 19: Black Alumni Success Panel, 4-6 p.m., at the Feliciano School of Business, Room 140. Celebrate Black History Month with the Black Alumni Advisory Council as we “stand on the shoulders of greatness” with our accomplished black alumni in a special Career Panel. Learn about their professional journey and network with other BAAC successful professionals in the Black Alumni Advisory Network.

Tuesday, February 20: Black Women Leaders in Higher Education, 6-7:30 p.m., The purpose of this event is to support the Montclair community with knowledge, experiences, and dispositions related to Black women leaders at Montclair. We will do so by hosting a panel of leaders who will speak about their experiences as higher education professionals and leaders of Montclair State University. Register Now and Get More Information!

Wednesday, February 21: African Dance, 6-7:30 p.m., Bloomfield Campus (Exact location to be announced. Check this article for updates.) This event is a dance showcase which has instructors and live drummers. People who attend will learn the history and terminologies of African Dance culture. Attendees will have a chance to get up and learn a routine with the instructors and have a chance to freestyle as well. This program is definitely one that will give you a great workout and have you smiling throughout the entire time.

Wednesday, February 21: Discussion with Jennifer Jones, the First Black Rockette, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Studio 1200 in Life Hall.

Wednesday, February 21: A Conversation with Priomient Black Voices in Today’s Climate Change, 4-5 p.m., Schmitt Hall, Room 327.

Friday, February 23: DIASPORA – A Collection of Black Art! Presents “Cookout”  Performance 8-9:30 p.m., in Chapin Hall, Leshowitz Recital Hall, adjacent to the atrium. (Additional details to follow. Check this article for updates.) A student-organized and produced space for self-expression through music, movement, art, and spoken word.  Through this event, the struggles, emotions, and cultures of students of color are celebrated and appreciated.

Sunday, February 25: The Red Hawk Community Ball, 6-8 p.m., Student Center, Ballrooms. Get the Details.

Tuesday, February 27: Documentary Screening: Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, 2:30-5 p.m., University Hall, Room 1040. Through first-person accounts and searing archival footage, LOWNDES COUNTY AND THE ROAD TO BLACK POWER tells the story of the local movement and young Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) organizers who fought not just for voting rights, but for Black Power in Lowndes County, Alabama.

Thursday, February 29: Addictions – Examining Outcomes in the Crack and Opioid Epidemics in Black Communities, 12-1:30 p.m., Online. Learn More!

Thursday, February 29: Lunch. + Learn – Black Panther Party Edition, 1-3 p.m., University Hall, Room 1050. Find Out More.