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VWU Honors Black History
Special events recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history
University News | February 2, 2026
According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian, for 100 years, the nation has recognized the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, and their place in American history during the month of February.
“Carter G. Woodson, born in 1875 in New Canton, Virginia, is a pivotal figure in African American history and founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH). In 1926, Woodson established the first Negro History Week, aligning it with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, to highlight African American contributions to society. President Gerald Ford expanded Negro History Week to Black History Month in 1976, officially recognizing the significance of African American history and culture.”
A series of events are planned for the Virginia Wesleyan community throughout the month of February. Mark your calendars for these special activities designed to honor Black History:
February 1 - 28 Celebrating Legends Wall
Throughout the month of February, there will be a collaborative display wall outside Campus Life and Operational Management in the Jane P. Batten Student Center that showcases inspirational Black legends in various industries. The Marlin Community is invited to add to this wall throughout the month to share the stories of personal legends as well.
February 5 | 4 – 7 p.m. Uni-Tee
Join Off the Hook in the Harbor Grille to make your own Unity t-shirt and tote bag.
February 16 | 11.a.m – 1 p.m. Talk & Paint: How Racism Impacts Mental Health
Join the conversation in Kramer Lounge, a supportive space for students to reflect, create, and engage in dialogue about the emotional impact of racism.
February 18 | 6 – 7 p.m. Music Trivia Night (featuring Black artists)
Off the Hook will host a music trivia night featuring Black artists in the Boyd Dining Center.
February 19 | 7- 8:30 p.m. A Dream Deferred: Black Excellence, Voice, and Resistance
Through spoken word, music, a Frederick Douglas historical reenactment, visual art, and student scholarship, this evening in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center is hosted by the Robert Nusbaum Center at VWU. The program explores Black excellence as sustained moral pressure on a nation slow to fulfill its promises. Inspired by Langston Hughes’s question—What happens to a dream deferred? — the program examines freedom promised, postponed, and pursued across generations.
February 20 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Identity Wall Art - Black History Month
An interactive push-pin and yarn display in front of Boyd Dining Center invites students to explore and visually represent their identities using different colors as symbolism. Educational information about identity supports reflection, dialogue, and connection, highlighting both individual experiences and shared community.
February 23 Honoring Black Joy Throughout the Diaspora
Virginia Wesleyan University will host a Black Diaspora program in the Athenaeum highlighting the richness of Black culture across West, Central, East, and Southern Africa, as well as African American, Afro-Latino, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Asian communities. Through dance presentations, a panel discussion, and student skits, the event will celebrate art, music, culinary traditions, language, fashion, and cultural practices across the African Diaspora. It will move beyond a single narrative to honor local, national and global Black identity, joy, and community.
February 26 | 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Black Mental Health Providers & Businesses Showcase
An event highlighting Black mental health providers and Black-owned businesses will be held in Brock Commons to increase awareness of culturally responsive care, promote community connection, and support student access to affirming resources both on and off campus.
February 26 | 4:45 – 7 p.m. Soul Food Night in Boyd Dining Center
The Black Student Union and the Office of Student Engagement will sponsor “Soul Food Night” in Boyd Dining Center. Join in the celebration with music and prizes, and enjoy special dishes! The event is hosted by Black Student Union, Off the Hook, Student Engagement, and Dining Services.