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 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. (Black History and Racism resources libguide link).

Black History Month Events

  • HBCU Night - Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 6 p.m., Costello Gym - Black History Month Kick Off! Step team performs during men's basketball game half time. 
  • Featuring DJ Dutch The Science of DJing -  Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 6:30 p.m., Moloney Hall - Thing DJing is a simple "hit play" on the Spotify playlist? Come learn the science behind DJing and how to make your love of music a career. 
  • Black Art Exhibit - Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 6 p.m., University Crossing Atrium - Join us for opening night of the Black art exhibit, displaying art from Black student artists. 
  • The Movement: 50 Years of Love and Struggle Featuring Professional Speaker Ron Jones - Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 1 p.m., Moloney Hall - "The Movement" is a visual chronicle, which highlights many of the political, social and cultural markers of the almost 50 years since the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The performance will be followed up by an open discussion with the audience. 
  • Women's Basketball Game - Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 7 p.m., Costello Gym - The women's basketball team is honoring Black History Month with a game dedicated not only to the sport itself but also the lives of players in the industry. 
  • Rising 360° Mental Health & Radical Self Care - Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 12 p.m., Social Justice Center - Join the Office of Multicultural Affairs during Social Justice Week as we dive into Mental Health and Radical Self Care. Spend your lunch hour learning the history of Radical Self Care in the context of Mental Health, especially in the Black community. 
  • Black History Month Trivia Night - Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 7 p.m., University Crossing 492 - OMA will host Black History Month Trivia Night to build community, remember our history, and come together to enjoy a night of trivia. There will be prizes for the top teams!
  • Lunch & Learn: HBCUs - Monday, February 27, 2023 at 12 p.m., Social Justice Center - Bring your lunch and learn about Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  

Club Events 

  • Black Student Union - Follow BSU on social media, Instagram: @umlblackstudentunion
    • Black Excellence Gala - Saturday, February 25, 2022 at 6 p.m.- 10:30 p.m., Moloney Hall - A night to celebrate Black excellence in formal attire, as well as music, dancing, performances, and much more! Ticket sales for UML students are $10, and Non-UML Guests are $12. 

Virtual Field Trips:

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