Each February, Black History Month honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans to our nation, and there are a range of opportunities for TCU students, faculty and staff to engage. Activities share the common mission to support ongoing campus diversity and inclusion and provide our community with opportunities to reflect, connect and grow.
“Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments, experiences and journey of Black Americans,” said Aisha Torrey-Sawyer, interim senior advisor to the chancellor and chief inclusion officer. “Although we take time to acknowledge the magnificent achievements and painful realities of being Black in America during the month of February, these accomplishments and experiences are embedded into the fabric of American history and should be celebrated every day. There are several events that students, faculty and staff can engage in this month to reflect on the past, celebrate the successes and look forward to the milestones ahead.”
Black History Month, the brainchild of Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson, began as a weeklong celebration in February 1926 and was expanded to a full month in 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford encouraged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Among the highlights for 2021, TCU is hosting civil rights activist and attorney S. Lee Merritt, an influential new voice in the fight for social justice. Commonly known as “the people’s lawyer,” Merritt runs a high-profile legal practice focusing on victims of police brutality, hate crimes and corporate discrimination. The virtual event is 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. The event is free but registration is required.
Check out the following list of additional Black History Month events and visit the Black History Month calendar of events.
(If you have an on-campus activity that you would like to see listed, let us know by emailing news@tcu.edu).