Black History Month

Why We Celebrate

Black History Month is a time to recognize the important contributions of the Black community throughout American history and society and resilience in the face of discrimination.

Throughout the month of February, 51�� celebrates Black History Month. The national theme for 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts,” recognizing the contributions that Black Americans have made to the visual and performing arts, music and more. We use this month as a call to our OHIO community to study the history of Black Americans and help cultivate an environment where Black life can be sustained, protected and respected.

Join us for events, lectures and presentations to celebrate and discuss “African Americans and the Arts."

Black History Month Events

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Being Black at OHIO

In celebration of Black History Month, we invited members of our OHIO community to share what "Being Black at OHIO" means to them. We hope to amplify our Black students, faculty and staff and discuss the truths and realities of Black Resistance.

Samba Bah, Doctoral Student

Christine Blay, Second-Year Student

Chelsea Tano, Third-Year Student

Alesha Davis, Third-Year Student

Arthur Bargainer, First-Year Student

Bose Maposa, Graduate Student

Black History in Athens

In the mid- to late 19th century, Athens was known for being part of the Underground Railroad as well as having its own prominent Black-owned schools and businesses, including the Berry Hotel.
Black History Month in the U.S.

In 1926, American historian Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week" during the second week of February. President Gerald Ford expanded the weeklong celebration to what is now Black History Month in 1976.
Explore Black History in Athens and Southeast Ohio
The Berry Hotel, owned and operated by Black entrepreneurs Edward Cornelius Berry and Martha Jane Berry, stood on Court Street in Athens from 1892-1974, and contained a restaurant, barbershop, coffee shop and ballroom.
Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium

Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium is named in honor of 51��'s first Black graduates: John Newton Templeton (1828) and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn (1916).
Check Out Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium
The Dedication of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

The dedication of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in September 1909 was the culmination of four years of hard work by its freeborn and formerly enslaved Black congregants, many of whom literally provided the building labor.
Read More About the History of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Athens and the Underground Railroad

White's Mill, then known as Herrold's Mill, was a station in Athens on the Underground Railroad, which served as a safe place for recently enslaved persons to rest and hide on their journey toward freedom.
Learn More About the Underground Railroad in Athens
African American Studies Begins at OHIO

On Dec. 1, 1968, a group presented then OHIO President Vernon Alden with a list of six demands, including that a Black curriculum with full University accreditation be created, administered and directed by Black professors and students.
Learn the History of African American Studies at OHIO

Black History at OHIO

Learn more about the important contributions of the Black community at OHIO.

Explore Black History

51�� Black History Pinterest Board

Peruse materials related to Black history & African-American student life at 51�� from collections of University Archives, Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, 51�� Libraries.
Black History Tour of Athens

This virtual tour focuses on achievements of African Americans in Athens, many of which emplaced the foundations for future successes of African Americans in and outside of our community.
Reading List from Alden Library

Alden Library offers a collection of general and subject-specific materials on anti-racism.

Black History Month Committee Members

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank Black History Month committee members for their contributions — including their time and energy — that ensure a successful month of celebration. The committee members are: Acie Clayborne, Sally Delgado, Larry Hayman, Gary Holcomb, Courtney Kessel, Keamogetse Yasmine Khudu, and Lisa Quinn.

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