Recent History
Black History Month 2010
Executive Director: Kamali Burke
In 2010, we are celebrating the 32nd year of Black history at the University of Florida. “A Love Story” is a tribute to the stories drafted and created by our ancestors as well as the significant novels that we each write daily. As well as developing, creating and fostering educational, empowering and entertaining programming throughout the month, our committee has devoted our time, people and resources to Peaceful Paths, the Arbour House and Gators United for Haiti
We were thrilled to host author, philanthropist and actor Hill Harper as well as Grammy award winning musician and actor John Legend. The Great Gator Debaters debate tournament is an innovative educational experience based off of the award winning movie. The University Gospel Choir along with Ricky Dillard presents Gospel Extravaganza. Fashion X-Clusive will celebrate its ninth year and this will be an experience to remember. The Florida Invitational Step Show will be entertaining and awing for its 21st year. Black History Month staples, such as the Game Show, Poetry Night and the Variety Show are all here to stay. Black History Month promises to encompass exceptional programming for anyone who chooses to join us.
Black History Month 2009
Executive Director: Nicole Douglas
Black History Month is turning 31 in 2009! "Dreaming in Color" will celebrate the lives of those who did not settle for seeing life in "black and white" and provide close to 50 programs that go above and beyond. The Sickle Cell Association of North Central Florida will be the recipient of Black History Month 2009's time, people and resources.
We are excited to bring back the first Black History Month concert in years, starring Ne-Yo and featuring Musiq Soulchild. We are also pleased to feature Tavis Smiley and Pamela Bingham in our Speaker Series. Fashion X-Clusive will be celebrating eight years and it is going to be unlike any other. The Florida Invitational Step Show will be entertaining and awing for its 20th year. Black History Month staples, such as Museum Nights, Game Show and Talent Night, are here to stay. We are also excited to work with more than 30 student organizations as they bring unique, quality programming to the calendar.
Black History Month 2008
Executive Director: Jovanna Bell
Black History Month at the University of Florida celebrated it's 30th anniversary in 2008. "Celebrating 30 Years of Sophistications in Black" implemented more than 40 programs and took part in the American Heart Association's "Power to End Stroke" campaign.
Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends, Daddy's Little Girls, Life Support) and Dr. Ian Smith (50 Million Pound Challenge, Celebrity Fit Club, Meet the Faith) were featured in Black History Month's acclaimed Speaker Series. Fashion X-Clusive, the home of the classiest, most-stylish, diverse collegiate runway, celebrated seven years. The 19th annual Florida Invitational Step Show, "Licensed to Step" drew a crowd of nearly 6,000 to the Stephen C. O'Connell center. Black History Month also continued tradition with its famed Poetry Night, Kid's Day, Lunch at the Institute of Black Culture and Back in the Days.