Since 1976, the month of February has been designated to remember the contributions of people of the African diaspora. The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week." This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass on February 14, dates celebrated by black communities since the late 19th century. Negro History Week was the center of the equation. The thought-process behind the week was never recorded, but scholars acknowledge two reasons for its birth: recognition and importance. Woodson felt deeply that at least one week would allow for the general movement to become something annually celebrated.

UMass Lowell Libguide - Black History and Resources on Racism in the United States

During the month of February, the UMass Lowell (UML) Library will have a Libguide that highlights ebooks, video and films from the library collection, as well as feature Films on Demand on the history of racism in the United States. (View the Black History and Racism resources libguide).

Black History Month Events

  • Webinar Watch -Multiracial Blackness: A journey of identity, discovery and trauma - Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 4 p.m., Social Justice Center -Explore From Professionals around the US the impact of Multicultural blackness.
  • Black History Women's Basketball Game - Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 6 p.m., Costello - Indulge into Black History not only in the sports itself but also in the lives of players during this special Women's Basketball Game.
  • For the Cultural Social hour - Spot light on Queer BIPOC voices - Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 5 p.m., at Social Justice Center - Join the Black Cohort of Rising 360 as they discuss the importance of Queer BIPOC voices
  • Open Mic Night - Spoken Words with the Truth: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., ETIC - Calling all Poets, Writers, Singers and Musicians! Join us for Social Justice themed- Open Mic. Night.
  • Self-Care while doing the work - Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Noon, Social Justice Center - A workshop unpacking advocacy fatigue and how to combat burnout through Self-Care.
  • Finding your Resources- Student Life and Wellbeing Presents "Manual" - Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11:30 p.m., Social Justice Center - Join the Office of Student Life and Wellbeing to learn more about "Manual" the well being student centered application.
  • Men Reducing Violence - Snack and Unpack Discussion- Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 2 p.m., Social Justice Center - Join Amechi Egbunike, Men Reducing Violence Program. Manager for a discussion about Men Reducing Violence Project.
  • Free on Three - Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 5 p.m., UCrossing 3rd floor - Participate in trivia of Black History and dive deeper into radical Self Care.
  • Men's Basketball Game - Black History Month - Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., Costello - Catch your River Hawks Men's Basketball game on Campus.
  • For the Cultural Social Hour - Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 5 p.m., BIPOC Women in STEM - Learn about folks that are challenging stereotypes as BIPOC Women in STEM.
  • Deans Speaker Series - Thursday, February 29, 2024  at 6 p.m.,  at Comley- Lane Theater. Free and open to the public. 
  • Reserve tickets at blackhistoryonstageuml@gmail.com
  • Talk - back - Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 4 p.m., at The Allen House. Open to all Students.

Club Events:

  • Black Student Union - Follow BSU on social media, Instagram: @umlblackstudentunion.
  • Black Excellence Gala - Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 6 p.m., Moloney Hall at University Crossing - A night to celebrate Black excellence in formal attire, as well as music, dancing, performances, and much more!

Virtual Field Trips:

Here are some third party virtual field trips you can take to get some more information about this heritage month!