Syracuse University’s annual Black History Month celebration includes a lineup of incredible and thought-provoking speakers, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a Martial Arts Expo, musical performances, an art exhibition and more, with campuswide coordination led by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).
“In celebration of the contributions, history and traditions of the African Diaspora, we are excited to host such an array of events, programs and speakers throughout Black History Month. The students, faculty and staff of the planning committee look forward to celebrating Black History Month with the campus community,” says Cedric T. Bolton, coordinator of student engagement in OMA and chair of the planning committee.
The Black Lounge
Saturday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. in Goldstein Auditorium, Schine Student Center marks one of the most anticipated events, The Black Lounge. annual dinner and music celebration. The event is open to the public; tickets are free and available at OMA, 548 Bird Library.
A performance at The Black Lounge
The event will feature a soul food-inspired dinner provided through a collaboration between OMA and Campus Catering. Co-hosted by Anthony Obas ’20 and Nathena Murry ’22, this year’s event will feature headliner Leah Jenea, performances by Shanice Manning, Joel Francois and Black Reign and music by DJ Maestro. At the event, OMA and the Office of Multicultural Advancement will present the annual Trailblazer Award and Distinguished Alumni Excellence Award to Professor Biko M. Gray and Melanie Littlejohn ’97, respectively.
Commemorative Lecture
This year’s commemorative speaker, Andrea Jenkins, will present on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in 214 Slocum Hall at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Jenkins is a writer, artist, poet, transgender activist and experienced community development and social services professional. A globally recognized award recipient, she was named a 2011 Bush Fellow for her work to advance transgender inclusion. She holds two masters degrees, in community development and fine arts and creative writing, and a bachelor’s degree in human services. A member of the Minneapolis City Council, Jenkins is the first openly transgender African American woman to be elected to public office in the United States.
Additional events include:
Join the month-long celebration on social media by following @syr_oma and using #CuseBHM. For a full list of events and details, visit the Black History Month Calendar or contact Cedric T. Bolton at ctbolton@syr.edu or by calling 315.443.9676.
Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience communications intern Abigail J. Covington ’19, G’20.
