OHIO community invited to Black History Month events throughout February

Ohio University will celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February with several special exhibits and events for all members of the OHIO community.

The national theme for Black History Month 2025 is “African Americans and Labor." This theme is focused on honoring the past while exploring the legacy of African Americans and how labor informed historical experiences.

During this month, Ohio University will host lectures, exhibits, presentations and events that will encourage the study of the history of Black Americans while focusing on the theme of  “African Americans and Labor."

All OHIO students, faculty, staff, alumni and community residents are invited to Black History Month activities.

Black History Month events at Ohio University

• Celebrating a Legacy: 50th Anniversary Dinner Honoring Rev. Dr. Francine Childs (opens in a new window) – Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Walter Rotunda beginning at 7 p.m. A special Ohio University Libraries exhibit (opens in a new window) about Dr. Childs will also be on display during the month.
• Heroes In Color: “Black Dynamite” (opens in a new window)  – Friday, Feb. 7, at the Athena Cinema. Admission is free to the film, but tickets are required. Seating and pre-show activities begin at 7 p.m. and the film will start around 7:30 p.m. You can find additional information here. (opens in a new window)
• Sibs Weekend Concert featuring Mariah The Scientist (opens in a new window)– Saturday, Feb. 8, at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.  The concert is presented by the Black Student Cultural Programming Board. You can find more information and purchase tickets here. (opens in a new window)
• Forward We March (opens in a new window) – Monday, Feb. 10, at the Walter Hall Rotunda, beginning at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Black Student Affairs Commission, this event will feature performances, food and much more.
• Heritage Month Film Series (opens in a new window) – Thursday, Feb. 13 and 27, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Baker University Center Theater.  All members of the OHIO community are invited to this biweekly event that will showcase powerful, thought-provoking films that highlight the rich tapestry of Black experiences, achievements, and struggles throughout history.
• Heroes In Color: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (opens in a new window) – Friday, Feb. 14 at the Athena Cinema. Admission is free to the film, but tickets are required. Seating and pre-show activities begin at 7 p.m. and the film will start around 7:30 p.m. You can find additional information here. (opens in a new window)
• Inclusive Health and Stigma Reduction for LGBTQ+ Communities (opens in a new window) – Thursday, Feb. 20 at Baker University Center Room 218 beginning at 11 a.m. The program will feature a keynote presentation by Dwayne Steward, executive director of Equality Ohio and proud Ohio University alumnus, who will share insights on advancing health equity and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and well-being.
• Gallery Talk with Artist Qiana Mestrich (opens in a new window) – Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Kennedy Museum of Art beginning at 5:30 p.m. This talk will delve into the multifaceted ways Mestrich has used photography to tell personal stories.
• Black History Month Program at OHIO Chillicothe (opens in a new window) – Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Bennett Hall Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. The program, “Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Humanized and Made Visible: Commemorating the Intersections of Black History and Labor," will be presented by Ohio University Assistant Professor of African American Studies Uzoma Miller. The event will include performances and a social hour.
• Heroes In Color: “The Last Dragon,” (opens in a new window) – Friday, Feb. 28 at the Athena Cinema. Admission is free to the film, but tickets are required. Seating and pre-show activities begin at 7 p.m. and the film will start around 7:30 p.m.  You can find additional information here. (opens in a new window)

Exhibits, videos and additional information

• Francine Childs: Life and Contributions at Ohio University and Beyond, 1974-2023 (opens in a new window) - Created 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 Education: Early Black American Humanists (opens in a new window)- This 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. 
• Videos from OHIO students (opens in a new window)- In celebration of Black History Month, several members of the OHIO community share what "Being Black at OHIO" means to them.
• Black History in Athens (opens in a new window) – Learn more about Black History in Athens, Ohio. You can also watch this special video about Black History at OHIO. (opens in a new window)

For additional information, please see the Black History Month website.