Peruse materials related to Black history & African-American student life at Ohio University from collections of University Archives, Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.
Black History Month
Labor of Love: Celebrating Our History, Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders
Black History Month
Why We Celebrate
Black History Month is a time to recognize the important contributions of the Black community throughout American history and society and resilience in the face of discrimination.
Throughout the month of February, Ohio University celebrates Black History Month. The national theme for 2025 is “African Americans and Labor,” honoring the past, shaping the future: exploring the legacy of African Americans and how labor informed historical experiences. We use this month as a call to our OHIO community to study the history of Black Americans and help cultivate an environment where Black life can be sustained, protected and respected.
Join us for events, lectures and presentations to celebrate and discuss “African Americans and Labor."
Black History Month Events
Heroes In Color: THE LAST DRAGON
event date
Friday, February 28
event time
7:00 PM
event location
Athena Cinema
Highlights
-
Francine Childs | Life and ContributionsCreated in partnership with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society, this exhibit explores the legacy of Dr. Francine Childs, professor at Ohio University beginning in 1974 and active on campus, locally, and nationally throughout her entire life.
-
Claiming an EducationEarly Black American HumanistsThis exhibit explores the growth of the humanities in the community, from the perspective of the Black Americans who first studied and worked in and around Athens County.
-
Get InvolvedLet Your Voice Be Heard!Participate in the 200 year anniversary celebration of John Newton Templeton by telling us your story and adding to the community quilt.
Book of the Month
#1 NY Times Best Seller and National Book Award Winner, James is an enlightening reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view.
Being Black at OHIO
In celebration of Black History Month, we invited members of our OHIO community to share what "Being Black at OHIO" means to them. We hope to amplify our Black students, faculty and staff and discuss the truths and realities of Black Resistance.
Samba Bah, Doctoral Student
Christine Blay, Second-Year Student
Chelsea Tano, Third-Year Student
Alesha Davis, Third-Year Student
Arthur Bargainer, First-Year Student
Bose Maposa, Graduate Student
Black History in Athens
Black History at OHIO
Learn more about the important contributions of the Black community at OHIO.
Explore Black History
-
Black History Tour of Athens
This virtual tour focuses on achievements of African Americans in Athens, many of which emplaced the foundations for future successes of African Americans in and outside of our community.
-
Reading List from Alden Library
Alden Library offers a collection of general and subject-specific materials on anti-racism.
Black History Month Committee Members
The Division of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank Black History Month committee members for their contributions — including their time and energy — that ensure a successful month of celebration. The committee members are:
Black Alumni Reunion 2025
Plan to participate in this one-of-a-kind alumni celebration that dates back more than four decades and welcomes all alumni to come together every three years to celebrate the Black alumni community. Get Involved
*Feature image is courtesy of the D.C. Public Library Historic Images Collection.