Black History Month is an annual celebration in February dedicated to recognizing the rich contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout the country's history. The monthlong celebration provides an opportunity to highlight the Black community's struggles, triumphs and cultural impact, fostering a deeper understanding of the African American experience.
At Rice University, we are enthusiastic about creating a dynamic and vibrant celebration that goes beyond traditional narratives, showcasing the diverse facets of Black culture.
Rice University recognizes the importance of Black History Month in fostering a sense of belonging, inclusivity and visibility within the Black community. The institution is committed to exploring new possibilities, fostering fresh ideas, and encouraging contributions that ensure the next generation inherits the resilience and strength needed to prosper.
The celebration at Rice includes a carefully planned series of events, discussions, and festivities highlighting the Black culture’s richness. The kickoff event, in particular, is anticipated as a powerful beginning to the month, connecting the relevance of Black history with the arts. To see other events the month has in store, click here to view the entire BHM calendar.
The university aims to provide individuals outside the African American community with a glimpse into the daily lives of Black Americans, moving beyond stereotypical narratives to appreciate the broader spectrum of contributions and experiences. This year's national theme, “African American and the Arts,” invites you to embark on a journey through time, showcasing the myriad contributions Black culture has made to the arts.
To add the BHM calendar to your calendar, please click here. For streamlined event Information, we’ve suggested groups register their events on the Rice Events page and Owl Nest. Many of the events on the calendar contain links to view more information.
As Rice University gears up for Black History Month, there is a dedication to creating a meaningful and impactful celebration that not only recognizes the historical significance but also serves as an opportunity for reflection, education, and fostering a sense of community among students, staff, faculty and the broader population.
The planning committee recruited seven students and nine staff and faculty members to design the monthlong programming, bringing together Owls who identify as Black, as well as a consortium from different backgrounds, interested in supporting the black community.
We’d love for you to join us as we come together as a community to celebrate Black History Month throughout February.
Black History Month Events
- February 1-29, 2024 (All Month)
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Time Event Host/Sponsor Location During Fondren's open hours Black Renaissance in Houston's Performing and Visual Arts: An Exhibit Highlighting Unique Collections at Fondren Library Fondren Library Fondren Library, 3rd floor Lovett Lounge During Fondren's open hours Black History Month Book Display Fondren Library Fondren Library, first floor, across from the Circulation desk - February 1-7, 2024
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Date Time Event Host/Sponsor Location Feb. 1 6 p.m. Black History Month Talk Series CAAAS(Center for African and African American Studies) Multiple Locations (pre-reception. starting at 5 p.m.) Feb. 7 5:30 p.m. Called to Create: African Americans & the Arts Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Office of Public Affairs, Multicultural Community Relations Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center - February 8-14, 2024
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Date Time Event Host/Sponsor Location Feb. 8 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday's Hangout Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion MultiCultural Center (MCC) Feb. 8 4-7:30 p.m. Blackstreet - Celebrating Black Innovators The Ion The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002 Feb. 12 4-6:30 p.m. Open Mic Center for Education Anderson Clarke Building - February 15-21, 2024
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Date Time Event Host/Sponsor Location Feb. 15 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday's Hangout Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion MultiCultural Center (MCC) Feb. 16 2-5 p.m. BGSA Black History Month Coffee Chat Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) MultiCultural Center (MCC) Feb. 18 7-8:30 p.m. Line Dance 101 - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Residential College RA's Caitlin Lindsay (Jones) & Jessica Krom (Brown) Brown College Magister House and Patio Feb. 19 7 p.m. Spring 2024 Visiting Artist Lecture Series, featuring Kameelah Janan Rasheed Department of Art and Center for African & African American Studies (CAAAS) Sewall Hall, room 301 Feb. 20 12-1 p.m. Instructional Best Practices in Promoting Black Excellence Center for Teaching Excellence Herring 129 (Center for Teaching Excellence) Feb. 21 12-1:30 p.m. Storytelling and the Resilience of Black Voices Center for Civic Leadership HUMA 117 Feb. 21 12 p.m. Greek Divine 9 Day Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Rice Memorial Center - February 22-29, 2024
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Date Time Event Host/Sponsor Location Feb. 22 12-1 p.m. The Black press: past, present and future The Rice Thresher RMC Miner Lounge Feb. 22 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday's Hangout Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion MultiCultural Center (MCC) Feb. 22 4-6 p.m. Beaumont's Black History - In Moving Pictures CAAAS, Rice History, Humanities Research Center. Rice University, Grad Bubble - PCF 1 Feb. 22 6 p.m. Black History Month Talk Series CAAAS(Center for African and African American Studies) Multiple Locations (pre-reception. starting at 5 p.m.) Feb. 23 7:30 p.m. Spades Sunday Tamara Jones McMurtry Magisters House Feb. 24 6 p.m. Soul Night The Rice Black Student Association (BSA) Haman Hall Feb. 25 4:30 p.m. The BHM "Family Reunion" Rice Black History Month Committee Sid Richardson College, Seibel Servery Feb. 27 4 p.m. Tracing the History of Blacks at Rice Through
University RecordsMulticultural Community Relations in Public Affairs Welcome Center, Sewall Hall (reception. starting at 5 p.m. Feb. 29 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday's Hangout Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion MultiCultural Center (MCC) Feb. 29 6 p.m. Black History Month Talk Series CAAAS(Center for African and African American Studies) Multiple Locations (pre-reception. starting at 5 p.m.)
Special thanks to the Black History Month committee members: Avery Hartwell, Thomas Witherspoon, Catherine Clack, Yesenia Montoya, Nicole Owens, Jan West, Christelle Bonzil, Jazara Nelson, Fay Yarbrough, Tia Gray, Liam Waite, Haley Truss, Mya Wilson, Shannon LaBove, Brittany Robertson and Liliana Kearson.
