Celebrate Black History Month at Georgia State
Black History Month (BHM), or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, multiple U.S. presidents have officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Traditionally, the month focuses on the experiences of Black people and leaders in the United States. However, it is important that we create space to honor the legacies, histories and contributions of Black people across the Diaspora.
The university celebrates not only the past accomplishments of Black pioneers, but also recognizes present excellence, and those who continue to blaze an extraordinary trail forward.
The BHM Planning Committee seeks to engage the entire Georgia State community in celebrating Black culture. Understanding that Black is not a monolith, the committee aims to amplify voices throughout the diaspora and showcase diverse identities within Black culture. Below is a listing of events being hosted across campuses and departments, and everyone across the Georgia State community is encouraged to participate.
Events
Malcolm X (1992) Showing
Monday, Feb. 1 - Wednesday, Feb. 3
Showtimes: 3 p.m., 5 p.m.
Student Center West, Second Floor
Sponsored by Spotlight Programs Board
Admission is free for students (supported by your student fees), $3 for faculty & staff and $5 for guests. Seating is first-come, first-served. The movie theater lobby opens 10 minutes prior to the scheduled screening.
The Jump Off: Black History Pep Rally
Tuesday, Feb. 4, Noon - 2 p.m.
Hurt Park
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion
Let's come together for an unforgettable Jump Off into Black History Month! We're kicking February off with a bang at this celebration of Black heritage and culture. The Jump Off is open to all students, faculty and staff and will feature a live marching band, a DJ, delicious food and non-stop fun!
Making Every Action Count: Race Equality Past, Present and Future (webinar)
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to Noon (Eastern Standard Time)
Webinar
Atlanta Global Studies Center (Georgia State & Georgia Tech), Newcastle University (UK), Georgia Tech & Morehouse College
Newcastle University is partnering with Atlanta institutions for a program available for faculty/staff. Speakers will reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., King’ in the U.S. and the U.K., and on progress towards racial equality in both contexts. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in group-based discussions.
Gallery Lounge Reception: Black Joy
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 5 - 6 p.m.
Gallery Lounge
Student Center East, Third Floor
Sponsored by Spotlight Programs Board
Celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the Black experience through inspiring artwork created by talented Panthers at the February Art Gallery Reception!
Legacy: Selected Works from the Larry M. and Gwendolyn E. Walker Collection
Thursday, Feb. 6, 5 to 8 p.m.
Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design Galleries, 10 Peachtree Center Ave. SE
Sponsored by the College of the Arts
Celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the Black experience through inspiring artwork created by talented Panthers at the February Art Gallery Reception!
Yanique Norman Solo Exhibition Reception
Thursday, Feb. 6, 5 to 7 p.m.
Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design Galleries, 10 Peachtree Center Ave. SE
Sponsored by the College of the Arts
As an alumna, mentee of Larry Walker, and current Welch faculty member, Yanique Norman has been invited to showcase a solo exhibition to accompany selected works from the Larry M. and Gwendolyn E. Walker Collection. The exhibition opens on January 16, with a reception on February 6, 2025 in tandem with the "Legacy: Selected Works from the Larry M. and Gwendolyn E. Walker Collection" Exhibition.
Shirlene Holmes Writers Workshop and Tribute
Saturday, Feb. 8
Workshop: 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Reception: 7 to 9 p.m.
Dahlberg Hall
School of Film, Media & Theatre and the Office of Educational Outreach, College of the Arts
This one-day workshop and tribute event will bring together screenwriters, playwrights and industry professionals for an interactive workshop featuring engaging writing exercises and creative prompts. Participants will share their work with peers and professionals and receive constructive feedback to help refine their craft. The workshop will begin with a panel discussion and Q&A, and breakout group discussions.
The discussions will be led by writer, editor and publisher Kelundra Smith and by writer, producer and educator Susan Sojourner-Collier. Freddie Hendrick, a Tony-nominated artist and Georgia Theater Hall of Famer will direct the Stage Reading. The tribute will include performances selected from her most popular short works, such as “Butch and Femmie,” “Sister Liberty,” “Some Bodies” and “The Sacrifice,” among others. Georgia State University Film, Media & Theatre students will be cast to perform these works. Guest speakers, including former students of Dr. Holmes and alumni of Georgia State, will share their experiences and memories of Dr. Holmes.
A playwright, poet, scholar, performer and speaker, Dr. Shirlene Holmes was an artist in every sense of the word. During her three decades at Georgia State University, she wrote, directed and performed solo dramas, plays and other theatrical forms staged locally, nationally and internationally. The numerous awards and recognitions she received include the Carbondale Chapter of the NAACP Image Award in the Arts (1989), the Appreciation Award from the Black Togetherness Organization at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale (1991), the Nancy Dean Distinguished Playwright Award from Sisters Onstage (1997), and the Lorraine Hansberry Scriptwriting Award from the Literary Exchange (2000).
Black Panther at Cinéfest
Monday, Feb. 10 - Wednesday, Feb. 13
Showtimes: 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m.
Student Center West, Second Floor
Sponsored by Spotlight Programs Board
Admission is free for students (supported by your student fees), $3 for faculty & staff and $5 for guests. Seating is first-come, first-served. The movie theater lobby opens 10 minutes prior to the scheduled screening.
School of Music presents "Let Us March On"; A Black History Month Concert
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 11 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.
Florence Kopleff Recital Hall
School of Music
Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Black musicians as School of Music students and special guests pay tribute to the profound impact of Black artistry in music. Experience an inspiring performance that honors the powerful melodies and diverse talents that have shaped the musical landscape. Mark your calendars for Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. in Kopleff Recital Hall and be part of a musical journey that celebrates the enduring legacy and beauty of Black musicians' work.
Black Mental Health Matters
Thursday, Feb. 12, Noon - 2 p.m.
Student Center East, Court Salon
Sponsored by the Counseling Center & CCI
All students are invited to come we explore common mental health concerns that impact the African American community and how to de-stigmatize mental health. Engage with local business owner, student organization and a student led panel, enjoy free food and learn about resources to assist yourself or someone you know.
5th Annual Mario A.J. Bennekin Symposium Keynote
Monday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Dunwoody Campus, NC 1100
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Each year, the Mario A.J. Bennekin Black History Symposium commits to honoring the work of those who shaped the history of black and all Americans. This year’s event will examine black empowerment movements in America (past and present) as well as the continual pursuit of equality for all individuals. The 2025 keynote address will come from Mr. Tim Fielder, illustrator, concept designer, cartoonist and animator: “Echoes of Resilience: Black Artistry, History and Identity.”
The keynote will also be streamed virtually: register here.
MLK Commemoration Brunch
Monday, Feb. 17, Noon to 2 p.m.
State Ballroom, Student Center East
This event, rescheduled from January due to inclement weather, will feature T. Dallas Smith, Chair of the Board of Regents and Georgia State alum. He is the founder and CEO of T. Dallas Smith & Company and an innovator in the commercial real estate community, serving as chair of the Board since Jan. 1.
The keynote will also be streamed virtually at the appropriate link below.
Fruitvale Station at Cinéfest
Monday, Feb. 17 - Wednesday, Feb. 19
Showtimes: 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Student Center West, Second Floor
Sponsored by Spotlight Programs Board
Admission is free for students (supported by your student fees), $3 for faculty & staff and $5 for guests. Seating is first-come, first-served. The movie theater lobby opens 10 minutes prior to the scheduled screening.
A Performance of Musical Influences on African American Literature
Tuesday, Feb. 18 , 10 a.m. - Noon
Newton Campus – 2N 1100 & Virtual
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Valerie Matthews, Ph.D., interim associate chair and professor of English, Perimeter College at Georgia State University will lead “A Performance of Musical Influences on African American Literature.”
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Musical Composers of the African Diaspora: Classical Music in Service of Black Culture from the 18th to the 21st Century
Tuesday, Feb. 18 , 1:30 - 3:30
Decatur Campus – 2N 1100 & Virtual
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Ms. Kim Smith, Perimeter College student, GSU-62 program: “Musical Composers of the African Diaspora: Classical Music in Service of Black Culture from the 18th to the 21st Century”
Musical Composers of the African Diaspora: Classical Music in Service of Black Culture from the 18th to the 21st Century
Wednesday, Feb. 19 , 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Clarkston Campus – CL 1100
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Mr. Alvin Blount, reference and instruction librarian, Perimeter College at Georgia State University: “Bridges to Spirituality and Education: How Spirituals and the Church Developed Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
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I Ain’t Got No Quarrel with Them Vietcong: The Black Antiwar Art of Emory Douglas
Wednesday, Feb. 19 , 1 - 2:15 p.m.
Alpharetta Campus – AB 105
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Pablo Valenzuela, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, Perimeter College at Georgia State University: “I Ain’t Got No Quarrel with Them Vietcong: The Black Antiwar Art of Emory Douglas.”
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Stranger to the City: Urban Slavery and Photographic Memory
Wednesday, Feb. 19 , 3 - 4 p.m.
Virtual
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Jennie Lightweis-Goff, Ph.D., lecturer of English, Texas A&M University; part-time instructor, Perimeter College at Georgia State University: “Stranger to the City: Urban Slavery and Photographic Memory.”
Association for Scientists of Color Black History Month Meeting
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Petit Science Center, Room 124
Sponsored by the Association for Scientists of Color at GSU
Come to the Association for Scientists of Color's Black History Month Meeting! We will be highlighting and celebrating the contributions of black scientists in the last century and using their narratives to encourage reflection on how stories of scientists are told. We want every attendee to walk away with a more informed, empowered, and inspired sense of how they'd like their narrative to be told and how! Everybody (non-scientists, allies, non-members, etc.) is welcome!
Black Card Revoked
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 5 - 7 p.m.
Student Center East, Suite 204 & 205
Sponsored by CCI & RHA
All are invited to join Cultures, Communities & Inclusion and the Residence Hall Association for an evening of fun as we play all your favorite games and test your knowledge of the culture. No matter your competition level, hop on the spades table, debate Uno rules, slam a dominoes or two, and so much more!
Sleight of Hand: Unlocking Genealogy in Toni Morrison’s Tetralogy
Thursday, Feb. 20 , 10 a.m. - Noon
Decatur Campus – SF 2100 & Virtual
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Yolanda J. Franklin, Ph.D., professor of English, Humanities and Africana Studies, Perimeter College at Georgia State University: “Sleight of Hand: Unlocking Genealogy in Toni Morrison’s Tetralogy.”
Sleight of Hand: Unlocking Genealogy in Toni Morrison’s Tetralogy
Friday, Feb. 21 , 10 -11 a.m.
Virtual
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Ms. Angela Tharpe, limited-term Instructor of English, Perimeter College at Georgia State University: “What’s Your Perspective on That?: Processes of Racial Reckoning in Aimé Césaire’s Notebook of a Return to the Native Land and Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly.”
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Poetry Workshop and “Poetree” Display
Friday, Feb. 21, Noon - 1 p.m.
Clarkston Campus – CN Café Area
Sponsored by Perimeter College
Ms. Rose Mincey, author and poet: Poetry Workshop and “Poetree” Display.
The Black Power Mixtape at Cinéfest
Monday, Feb. 24 - Wednesday, Feb. 26
Showtimes: 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Student Center West, Second Floor
Sponsored by Spotlight Programs Board
Admission is free for students (supported by your student fees), $3 for faculty & staff and $5 for guests. Seating is first-come, first-served. The movie theater lobby opens 10 minutes prior to the scheduled screening.
Global Read-a-Thon 2025
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Via Livestream 1 to 5 p.m.
Sponsored by the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting
This year the Read-A-Thon focuses on roots and migration journeys that have moved people across towns, countries, and oceans. We will explore narratives of journeys across the African diaspora such as the transatlantic passage from West Africa to the Americas that transported 12.5 million enslaved Africans, the Great Migration where six million African Americans moved from the South to the North, and diverse migrant experiences across regional borders spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Black History Month Celebration
Monday, Feb. 24, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Newton 1N Lobby
Sponsored by the Panther Activities Council
Do you know your African American history? Join PAC as we celebrate Black History month with food, fun and games on Monday, February 24 from 12:30pm - 2:30pm on the Campus Lawn. Come prepared for Black History Trivia and to gain knowledge in African American History.
Black Men in Global Leadership
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2 - 5 p.m.
Virtual
Sponsored by OII, CCI, Atlanta Global Studies Center
The Black Men in Global Leadership Summit brings together the entire Georgia State community with industry professionals to amplify the voices of Black men in leadership and inspire future change-makers. This program is designed to diversify the global leadership landscape by empowering young Black men to access international experiences and pursue leadership roles on a global scale.
Mic Check
Thursday, Feb. 27, 5 - 7 p.m.
Student Center East, Senate Salon
Sponsored by Cultures, Communities & Inclusion
Doris Adelaide Derby was an American activist and documentary photographer. She was the adjunct associate professor of anthropology at Georgia State and the founding director of the Office of African American Student Services and Programs. In the spirit of Dr. Doris Derby and her love for the arts, the office of CCI will host an open mic that celebrates poetry and spoken word, singers, musicians and other artistry.