Black History Month, created by historian Carter G. Woodson is a dedicated time to honor and recognize the achievements, contributions, and historical impact of the African-American community. Throughout the month of February, Old Dominion University takes this opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the profound contributions of the Black community through shared cultural and educational experiences. Old Dominion University takes pride in acknowledging the ongoing journey towards inclusivity and equity in education. Through engaging with the stories and accomplishments of African-American trailblazers, we not only honor the past but also usher in a more enlightened and equitable future.
Highlights
The Dawn is Ours: Amanda Gorman Textiles from South Africa
On loan from Jennifer Fish, Professor of Women's and Gender Studies
Barry Art Museum, Second Floor
Thursday, Feb 1st I 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Twenty-two embroidered cloths were inspired by an imagined dialogue between Amanda Gorman and the traditional figures from Ndabambi's childhood home in Zimbabwe. In her depiction of elder dancers, the ancestors speak to Gorman (who writes about her own diasporic connection to Africa as a "girl descended from slaves"). Ndabambi envisioned the spirit of Amanda Gorman returning to Africa to inspire young women. She wants these pieces to "teach others" to never give up and to strive to do their best. On view January 16 - March 3, 2024.
BHM Activity Hour Series Session 1: Culture
Office of Intercultural Relations
South Mall, Webb Center
Thursday, Feb 1st I 12:30pm-1:30pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258838
Come out to celebrate with ODU NPHV during activity hour and have a chance to win a BHM T-shirt.
You, Me, and Poetry
Office of Intercultural Relations
North Cafe, Webb Center
Thursday, Feb 1st I 7:00 pm-9pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258656
Come out and enjoy some poetry to celebrate the opening of Black History Month. There will be performances by The Poetry Party, and students can come up for an Open Mic as well.
Game Night
WODU & NAACP
Newport News, Webb Center
Friday, Feb 2nd | 5pm-8pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258815
Join us for a night of fun and educational games, such as Black History Bingo, ABC Song Association, and more!
Black Feminist Taught Me
Women's and Gender Equity Center
Potomac York Room, Webb Center
Wednesday, Feb 7th | 5pm-7pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2257797
An event highlighting Black feminist scholars and their theoretic contributions to society & how their work continues to inspire movement building.
BHM Activity Hour Series Session 2: Sabor Afro
Office of Intercultural Relations
Thursday, Feb 8th | 12:30pm-1:30pm
Mane Hubb, Webb Center
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258839
Join us in learning about Afro-Latino Culture and have a chance to win some prizes!
Cultural Identity Conversation Circle
Global Monarch Club
Executive Dining Room, Webb Center
Thursday, Feb 8th | 12:30pm-1:30pm
Dive into an intercultural conversation cultivating a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. Exchange meaningful experiences and foster connections that celebrate the intersectionality of cultural identities.
U-Nite: Black & Bold featuring the Coco Comb Project by Dr. Tonya Shell
Dr. Tonya M. Shell Norfolk State University Dance Theatre Company under the direction of Artistic Director and Professor of Dance, Valerie A. Winborne;
and Dr. Jennifer Fish
Barry Art Museum
Friday, February 9th | 6:00pm-8:00pm
RSVP: https://barryartmuseum.odu.edu/event/u-nite-african-american-the-arts/
A celebration of storytelling through art, dance, song, and word after-hours at the Barry Art Museum.
BHM Day Hike
Recreation and Wellness & Office of Intercultural Relations
First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, VA
Saturday, February 10th | 10am-3pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258586
Join this ODU Outdoor Adventure Program + ODU Office of Intercultural Relations collaboration event to celebrate Black History Month! We'll be taking a trip to First Landing State Park to get away from campus and enjoy a relaxing hike at one of Virginia's most popular parks. Join us to escape campus, relax in nature, and de-stress for the day. Transportation will be provided for this event and it is free to any ODU student. The Office of Intercultural Relations will be hosting an educational session on Black History during the hike. No experience is necessary!
Super Bowl Party
NAACP
Newport News Room, Webb Center
Sunday, February 11th 6pm
BHM Activity Hour Series Session 3: Decades
Office of Intercultural Relations
North Cafe, Webb Center
Tuesday, February 13th | 12:30pm-1:30pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258841
Join us to have another opportunity to win a BHM T-shirt if your dress as your favorite decade!
Coffee + Contemporary Art featuring Hassan Smith
Barry Art Museum
Thursday, February 15th | 12:30pm-1:30pm
https://barryartmuseum.odu.edu/event/coffee-contemporary-art-15/2024-02-15/
Free coffee during ODU's Activity Hour + musical stylings by ODU student, Hassan Smith
BHM Gala
SAC, ASA, NAACP, BSA
North Cafe, Webb Center
Friday, February 16th | 7pm-10pm
BHM Activity Hour Series Session 4: Black Out
Office of Intercultural Relations
North Cafe, Webb Center
Tuesday, February 20th | 12:30pm-1:30pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258842
Come and Celebrate out last activity hour by wearing all black.
Last chance to win prizes and catch a BHM T-shirt.
Black History Month GEEX Lecture Screening: Better Together
Glass Education Exchange
Barry Art Museum
Thursday, February 22 | 12:30pm-1:30pm
This lecture screening features Better Together, an event series that celebrates and supports the careers of newly and firmly established BIPOC makers, performers, and entrepreneurs. Better Together is organized by artists Cedric Mitchell and Corey Pemberton.
IntersectionaliTEA: Vogue 101
Women's & Gender Equity Center
North Cafe, Webb Center
Thursday, February 22nd | 7:00pm-9:00pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258781
Annual event unpacking the intersection of Black & Queer Identities in celebration of Black History Month. This year's event will look at Ball Culture through a panel discussion comprising local Ball Culture leaders. Following the panel discussion, the Ball Culture leaders will facilitate a Voguing Workshop.
Reclaiming the Narrative
Women's & Gender Equity Center
Contact the Women's and Gender Equity Center at wgec@odu.edu for more details.
Wednesday, February 28th | 6:00pm-7:30 pm
Sneaker Ball
Office of Intercultural Relations
North Cafe, Webb Center
Thursday, February 29th | 7pm-10pm
RSVP: https://cglink.me/2cN/r2258659