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�԰����� celebrates and acknowledges Black history in February and year-round and is proud of all the remarkable contributions made by our Black and African-American students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

“Black History Month is a time for joy, celebration, and reflection. As vice president of the Black Student Union, I believe it is not merely a month-long observance but a year-round commitment to fostering a sense of connection and empowerment among our fellow Black students on campus,” says April Himes ’24, the vice president of �԰�����’s Black Student Union. “Black History Month serves as a catalyst for acknowledging the significant contributions of our people throughout history, but our mission extends beyond February. Through various events, workshops, and cultural initiatives, we strive to create a supportive community where Black students feel connected to their roots, affirmed in their identities, and empowered to excel academically and socially.”

The national theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” The University invites you to mark your calendars for events that complement this year’s national theme, promote discourse on challenging but crucial topics, or just celebrate Black culture.

Explore this month’s lineup of events:

Wednesday, February 14 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Coates Library 103

Join the Humanities Collective and the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion Office for a transcribing celebration of Frederick Douglass's birthday and Black History Month! This year, they will be transcribing the a collection that includes public letters, intimate family moments, and much more, revealing the many versions of Frederick Douglass across so many parts of his long and storied lifetime fighting for Black rights and citizenship.

The �԰����� community gathered in Coates Library for the 2023 Douglass Day transcribe-a-thon.

Tuesday, February 20 | 6 p.m. | Ruth Taylor Recital Hall

In celebration of Black History Month and the release of his latest book, More Finish Lines to Cross: Notes on Race, Redemption, and Hope, �԰����� Press invites you to an evening with journalist Cary Clack in conversation with poet Naomi Shihab Nye. The reception will be followed by conversation and a book signing. This event is sponsored by �԰����� Press, the Humanities Collective, the TU Black Student Union, and the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum.

3rd Annual Black Essence Festival

Friday, February 23 | 2:30-5:30 p.m. | Prassel Lawn

�԰�����’s Black Student Union will be hosting its 3rd annual Black Essence Festival. This event will showcase different aspects of African-American culture through food, games, giveaways, and a show. This event is open to any and everyone.

Students gathered at the Coates Esplanade for the Black Essence Festival 2023.

Thursday, February 29 | 5 p.m. | Stieren Theater

�԰����� is excited to welcome Ruth J. Simmons, Ph.D., as the 2024 DeCoursey Lecturer. A distinguished university president and higher education leader, Simmons will talk with �԰����� President Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D., about her remarkable journey to university presidency and her trailblazing efforts to promote colleges and universities as these communities have come to terms with their histories relative to slavery. Her fireside chat titled “Leading Change in Higher Education: Coming to Terms with our Racial Histories” will also be livestreamed on . The event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.

Black Student Union’s Calendar of Events

Follow �԰�����’s Black Student Union on Instagram, or stay tuned to events.trinity.edu for more Black History Month events.