South Celebrates Black History Month 2022

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Posted on February 4, 2022

Joy Washington

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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.

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