Black History Month

Thank you for joining us for PNW’s celebrations of Black History Month!

From our kickoff celebration to Black Jeopardy, we had fun while recognizing the essential impact of Black history, accomplishments and culture.

Questions? Contact Darien Thompson.

A white PNW logo on a black background. In large font underneath the words "BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024" each take up one line. Each word is a different color, order: green, yellow, red, white. There is a red, yellow, and green traditional African-style border on the left and top of the graphic.

Dorcas Oyebode
Black History Month is a time where you should come together to celebrate and reflect on the African Americans that have played a significant role in the history and cultures of Amerrica and other countries.

Dorcas Oyebode, College of Business


Past Black History Month Highlights

Two students sit at a table. There are plates of food sitting on the table in front of them.

The PNW community kicked off Black History Month with food, music and free t-shirts!

Six students pose together

Celebrating the start of the Black History Month celebrations at PNW with music, fellowship and food!

People sit around tables in a large room.

PNW alumna Dakita L. Jones, Assistant Vice President and Community Relations Manager for Centier Bank, provided us with a presentation titled "Wealth is Health - Financial Literacy".

Three students sit together at a white table. There are snacks on the table in front of them.

Students were able to learn about different ways to manage their money and plan for their future through the "Wealth is Health" presentation.

Several students sit at rolling desks inside a classroom.

The Nia Bowl was a great chance for students to feed their minds (and their stomachs) with Black Culture Trivia!

A student smiles and holds a "peace" sign in the air while sitting in front of a computer

Friendly competition took full effect as students tested their knowledge during the Nia Bowl.

Black History Month T-Shirt Giveaway (Hammond)

Take a midday break and receive this year’s Black History Month t-shirt while supplies last!


Black History Month Kickoff Tailgate

Join us in the Mane Zone and Multicultural Lounge at CLO for a special kickoff to Black History Month at PNW. Enjoy some pizza and wings in the Multicultural Lounge before heading over to cheer on the Pride at the Mane Event!


Black History Month T-Shirt Giveaway (Westville)

Take a break to pick up this year’s Black History Month commemorative shirt (while supplies last)!


Empowerment through Expression: Mental Health Discussion

Participate in a safe space discussion about the importance of using tools such as therapy, healing, and trigger response to strengthen mental health in yourself and others!


Spades 101

Learn from spades pros how to play one of the most infamous games in the community!


Sip and Paint

Join us for a fun night of painting, food, and mocktails with the University Village Activities Board. Follow along with step-by-step instructions that will be sure to get your creative juices flowing.


Health Disparities in the Urban Community: Public Health Solutions with Dr. Michael McGee

Join us for a social justice Black History Month spotlight on PNW Alumni, Dr. Michael McGee. Dr. McGee will lead a discussion on the Epidemic of Gun Violence, Health Care Disparities associated, and The Public Health solutions to Prevention followed by a VIP Lunch and Learn reception about Project Outreach and Prevention highlighting opportunities for campus student involvement.


Open Mic Night

A place for poets, singers, and everybody in between to come and perform an express themselves.


Lunch and Lead with Darien Thompson

Darien Thompson

Join the Leadership Institute and Society of Innovators as they welcome Darien Thompson to February’s Lunch and Lead event. Darien serves as the Director of Student Success and Urban Engagement for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs where she plays a role in recruitment, retention, professional development, community engagement, and belonging. She co-chairs PNW’s Cultural Heritage Committee and leads efforts for MLK Day, Black History Month, and Juneteenth celebrations.


NSBE and Unity Hub Black Jeopardy Night

Join the National Society of Black Engineers and the Unity Hub for a fun night to unwind, enjoy some food and learn about black culture and black history! The planned menu includes fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, biscuits and peach cobbler.

RSVP on myPNWlife


Soulful Cinema: A Black Love Movie Night

Come celebrate Black Love with a movie night! Enjoy food and drinks and companionship! Bring your significant other!


Afro-Latina Performance

Come out to an unforgettable rhythm and heritage as we welcome Afro-Latino duo, Caudia La Gitana and Yendrys Cespedes to campus!


Financial Literacy/Scholarship Workshop

Learn about different ways to manage your money as well as plan for your future.


Ran’D Shine the Magician

Step into a mesmerizing realm where history, culture, and the enchanting world of magic converge in a spellbinding celebration of Black History Month.


Savor the Flavor: A Soul Food Soiree

Come and enjoy a feast that nourishes the body and the soul along with good music and fellowship!


Sole Symphony: Toast to Black Excellence

This year’s theme will be a Sneaker Ball, so come dressed to impress and make sure you bring out your freshest kicks for the culture. A mix-and-mingle hour will take place in Founders Study from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by dinner in Alumni Hall at 7 p.m.


Kayla Felton
To me, Black History Month means the recognition of how far we've come as a community because it's very rewarding being part of this community.

Kayla Felton, Nursing


About Black History Month

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, honors the achievements, rich culture and history of African Americans and recognizes the important contributions and of Black individuals in society.

The current month-long observance began in 1926 as a week-long event sponsored by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). During the 1960s, the week-long observance grew into a month-long celebration on many college campuses. Since 1976, the month of February has been officially designated as Black History Month.


Tamar Clark
Black History Month is really significant especially when it comes to celebrating African American culture. We are able to look back at the past and see all the things that have influenced and impacted us today.

Tamar Clark, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences


Black History Month Online Resources

The Story Behind Black History Month (NPR)

“Crash Course in Black American History”

The Youtube series by journalist Clint Smith, author of “How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America.”

Roundtable Perspective Episode 419: Understanding Art Therapy

Leah R. Gipson, LCPC, ATR-BC, Assistant Professor of Art Therapy and Counseling at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago joins host Thomas J. Roach, Ph.D., to discuss the practice of using art as a means of therapy and how art therapy can be used as a way to advocate for social justice and can empower a multitude of people. Leah Gipson is currently working with art therapy to help many young black women find their voices.

Roundtable Perspective Episode 428: Black Horror Noire

From Oct 8, 2021: Robin R. Means Coleman, Ph.D., Professor of Communication at Northwestern University joins host Thomas J. Roach, Ph.D., to discuss the black horror renaissance in film and the untold history of Black Americans through their connection to the horror film genre and how that has changed over time.