In 1926, Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week as  a way to promote the culture and contributions of black folk, particularly those in the United States. The second week of February was chosen in honor of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.  Woodson felt that both Lincoln and Douglass were two American figures that had positively influenced African-Americans. At the time "Negro History Week" was created, historical references of black folk were primarily negative and deprecating. Carter not only wanted to change the historical record to reflect a more truthful and complete history but also sought to encourage black studies to educate people about the history of black people. 

In 1976, Negro History Week became Black History Month as part of the U.S.'s bicentennial celebration of its birth as a nation.

Loyola University Chicago's Black History Month is a celebration of the contributions African-Americans and Africans have made throughout history. The month consists of a variety of lectures, performances and other events that highlight Black history and culture.

2011 BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS 

Thursday, February 3
Multi-faith Dialogue: An African American Jewish Experience w/ Rabbi Capers Funnye
Rabbi Capers Funnye is the first African-American member of the Chicago Board of Rabbis, and one of the few African-American rabbis in the country. During this dinner dialogue Rabbi Funnye will share his unique and provocative journey balancing the complex world of race and spirituality.
4:30-6:30pm, Bremner Lounge, Student Union (LSC)

Tuesday, February 8
Freedom Riders, documentary Film Screening w/ film producer Laurens Grant
Freedom Riders is the first feature-length documentary that tells the story of a courageous band of civil rights activists who risked death by daring to defy the laws of Jim Crow in the Deep South in 1961. The Freedom Riders were America's first inter-racial and inter-religious mass movement to challenge segregation in bus and train facilities. Dinner will be served.
4:30pm, Multipurpose Room, Regis Hall (LSC)

Saturday, February 12
NAACP 102nd Birthday Celebration
Performances by motivational speaker/spoken word artist Ken'Te Kizer as well as a keynote address by Reverend Theresa Dear, member of the NAACP National Board of Directors.
6:00-8:00pm, 4th Floor, Information Commons (LSC)

Wednesday, February 16
5th Annual Live Poetry Jam w/ Malik Yusef
Join us as we host some of Chicago’s premier poets, including Malik Yusef, one of the country’s top spoken word poets. Malik has been featured on HBO’s Def Poetry and on albums by Common and Kanye West. Live music will accompany the poets. The performance stage will also be open to students, faculty, and staff.
7:00pm, Zips Lounge, Student Union, Lower Level (LSC)

Saturday, February 19
African Arts Frestival 
Come out to witness African talents and artwork from artists within and outside the Loyola community. There will also be food, music and African dance performances.
7:00- 9:00pm, Multipurpose Room, Simpson Hall (LSC)

Sunday, February 20
Soul Food Sunday
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a soul food extravaganza. This event is open to the Loyola community only.
4:00pm, Multipurpose Room, Simpson Hall (WTC)

Wednesday, February 23
Annual Blacks in Science Symposium w/ Dr. Robert W. Livingston
Educating the Unconscious: Purifying Our Snap Judgments about Race
Dr. Livingston will explore how unconscious cultural assumptions about race are transformed. This offers strategies for educational institutions to advance critical thought and conversation into action.
4:30pm, Room 142, Life Science Building Auditorium (LSC)

Saturday, February 26
Ebony Ball
Come and have fun in downtown Chicago at Loyola's Water Tower Campus for a night of elegant dancing and recognition. This is a semi-formal event.
8:00pm-12:00am, Kasbeer Hll, 25 E. Person (WTC)

Black History Month 2011 is brought to you by:

The Department of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, African Student Alliance, Black Cultural Center, LUC NAACP College Chapter, Black World Studies, Hillel and the Student Activity Fund. For additional information or special accommodations, please contact Benjamin Harris at 773-508-3929 or bharri7@luc.edu. 

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