Posted on February 4, 2022
The University of South Alabama celebrates the history and heritage of African Americans
throughout February with activities, speakers, exhibitions and more. All are open
to the public and free of charge. This year’s theme is “Better Together.”
The University of South Alabama celebrates the heritage and history of African Americans
with a series of events and activities for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the
community. The events are free and open to the public. The theme for this year is
“Better Together.”
“The USA Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is collaborating with the Offices
of Multicultural Student Affairs, African-American Studies and the entire University community to provide educational and fun programs to celebrate
and highlight this special observance,” said Interim Chief Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Officer Dr. Joel Billingsley. “Black History Month symbolizes a time to
come together to reflect, honor and recognize the accomplishments of African Americans
throughout the course of American history.”
Black History Month was first observed in 1926 as Negro History Week by Historian
Carter G. Woodson. In 1976, this celebration was expanded to include the entire month
of February. Currently, other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom,
also dedicate a month to celebrate black history. The events at USA this year include:
On Friday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m., the “Black Girls Rock: Jaguar Edition Scholarship Gala”
will be held in the Student Center Ballroom. For information, Contact Office of Multicultural
Student Affairs Director Jarmora Valrie, jvalrie@southalabama.edu.
On Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 3:30 p.m., “Celebrating Black Voices in Literature and Culture”
will be held at the USA Archaeology Museum. This event is sponsored by the department
of English and African-American Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. For information,
contact Assistant Professor Dr. Kern Jackson at kernjacks@southalabama.edu.
On Friday, Feb. 18, at noon, the annual Soul Food Luncheon will be held in the Student
Center Ballroom, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. RSVPs should
be sent to Jarmora Valrie, jvalrie@southalabama.edu.
Now through Wednesday, Feb. 28, an African Tribal Art Exhibit is on display in the
Rodning Gallery, located on the third floor of the Marx Library. For information,
contact Librarian Paula Webb at pwebb@southalabama.edu.
