It’s February once again, and that means the start of Black History Month. Established by Carter G. Woodson, the month celebrates the accomplishments of Black Americans and recognizes their role in U.S. history. This year marks 100 years of the observance of Black History Month.
Originally starting in 1926, a group, known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, sponsored a week of celebrating African American achievements. This week was meant to fall in line with Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Doughless birthdays, and has since then turned into the entire month of February.
Fresno State began the celebration on Feb. 2 in the Memorial Gardens with food, games and music.
From Feb. 9-27, the School of Art, Design and Art History is presenting “A Century of Black History Commemorations” art exhibition. The exhibit celebrates 100 years of recognizing Black Americans’ contributions and will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Dean’s Gallery at the Music Building, Room 186.
Meet Your Pueblo, a paint-and-sip event, will be held on Feb. 10 at noon in the Thomas Building. This event will allow students to come together to paint and build connections. This event is hosted by African American Programs and Services in partnership with Latino and Latina Programs and Services.
African American Programs and Services, in collaboration with LGBTQ+ Programs, is hosting Hearts and Crafts Valentine’s Day card making. This event will take place in the Fresno State Library, Room 3212, at 2 p.m. on Feb 11.
On Feb. 13, CineCulture presents a screening of “Sing Your Song”. The film highlights Harry Belafonte’s life and accomplishments and will be shown at 5:15 p.m. at the Peters Educational Center Auditorium.
“The Power of Nonviolence” documentary screening and discussion will take place on Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development building, Room 172. The film and discussion explore Rev. James Lawson Jr.’s approach to nonviolence and how it helps address power and real-world social challenges.
A screening of “Kipkemboi (The Wall Street Boy)” will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Peters Educational Center Auditorium on Feb. 20. The film features a fictional story about a young math prodigy from rural Kenya who turns patterns in nature into a successful stock market algorithm.
“Party at the Ballot Box: Mobilizing Black Women Voters” author presentation is scheduled for Feb. 23 at noon in the Fresno State Library Room 2206. Authors Melissa R. Michelson and Sarah V. Hayes will present on how Black voters continue to shape America’s elections.
On Feb. 26, the Black Fly Market will promote handcrafted goods and products from local small businesses and vendors from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Gardens.
Richard “Dick” Keyes Sr. Leadership in Education Forum is set for noon to 3 p.m. at the Leon S. Peters Ellipse Gallery on Feb. 28 to close out Fresno State’s celebration of Black History Month.
