Upcoming on-campus events to honor Black History Month 

Black History Month is recognized each February as a month-long commemoration of African American history and achievement. What began in 1926 – exactly 100 years ago – as a week-long celebration, United States President Gerald Ford officially recognized the month 50 years later in 1976.  

While the month of February is a dedicated time to honor Black history, it is a year-round practice that students, faculty and staff can learn about through various on-campus activities. This month, Augusta University will host a variety of in-person events highlighting Black culture, regional diversity, African traditions, historical figures, literature and fashion. 

Shareen Clement, EdD, director of Mentorship and Student Engagement, emphasized the importance of Black History Month on a college campus. Events like the Black History Month Fashion Show and the other events hosted at AU allow for intentional recognition of Black history and legacy, she said. 

“It’s also easy with any history or heritage month to get stuck in past events, but it’s also important to acknowledge current experiences,” Clement said. “In an educational environment, it gives an opportunity for those who are part of that culture to learn more about it in themselves, but also those who are not a part of the culture to learn more about it, to make them more culturally competent individuals.” 

Douglass Day

Douglass Day is an annual holiday celebrated on Feb. 14, the day selected to honor the birthday of Frederick Douglass. This event is celebrated by transcribe-a-thons of primary sources in Black history across the U.S. All are welcome to participate. Douglass Day will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, in the Reese Library on the Summerville Campus. 

Annual African American Read In 

On Monday, Feb. 16, celebrate African American authors with the Department of English and World Languages during the annual African American Read In. The event will kick off with guest readings at 1 p.m. in the JSAC Coffeehouse. All AU students, faculty and staff are welcome to share work of their favorite Black authors. 

Gullah Gumbo 

Discover the rich history and vibrant traditions of the Gullah people in this engaging one-hour presentation, bringing the Gullah story to life through history, artistry and oral tradition across the coastal regions of the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. All are welcome to attend. Gullah Gumbo will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., in the JSAC Coffeehouse.  

Gullah Geechee Creativity: Art Workshop 

Arts educator A.C. Daniel will teach an art workshop based on the Gullah Geechee craft tradition. This event is limited to the AU community. Space is limited, so register online to claim your seat. The workshop will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Reese Library.  

Black History Month Fashion Show 

Step into the spotlight and learn more about the rich tapestry of Black culture and history through the lens of style at the annual Black History Month Fashion Show from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.  

Erin Prentiss, librarian associate professor for University Libraries and committee chair for the Libraries’ Black History Month Committee, hopes these events will inspire the community to learn more about Black culture. 

“We want students to get involved in topics unrelated to their major, stoking that curiosity and lifelong learning that’s going to continue after they receive their diploma,” Prentiss said. “For faculty and staff, most of us are already on the lifelong learning train, so these events are an opportunity for them to learn about something they might not be familiar with or that they can share their perspective on.” 

University Libraries also offers special and historical collections on Black history available to anyone interested in diving into solo research. Additionally, the Libraries’ faculty and staff provide personalized research assistance to help researchers find the right content for their purposes.  

Stay up to date with Black History Month events through AU’s Events Calendar.