About Black History Month
Mission
Educate, empower and entertain the University of Florida and Gainesville communities with quality programming that celebrates the past, present and future lives the Blacks everywhere.
Background
Black History Month as we know it today did not originate as such. In 1926, Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week with the intent of shedding light on the often untold contributions of Black Americans. In 1976, the week expanded into a month. Today, Black History Month is celebrated nationwide during the month of February.
The Black Student Union, founded in 1968, undertook the task of bring the nationwide celebration to the University of Florida and Gainesville communities. Black History Month was created in 1978 as an ad hoc committee within the Black Student Union. It would use quality programming to educate, empower and entertain by reflecting on history, culture and soul of Black everywhere.
Quality programming is the core of every Black History Month. The campus and Gainesville communitiy can look forward to at least one educating, empowering and/or entertaining Black History Month everyday. Programs touch on every aspect of the human aesthetic--physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, artistic, political, cultural and social. Better yet, almost every program is free and open to the public.
Black History Month is fortunate enough to donate its time, people and resources to charitable causes that not only affect the black community, but all communities. Every year, Black History Month adoptsIn addition to an official philanthropy, Black History Month hosts several events geared towards the betterment of the Gainesville area.
Today, Black History Month at the University of Florida is one of the largest, most comprehensive, student-run Black History Month series in the Southeast. Every Black History Month seeks be bigger, better and more inclusive than the year before.
Black History Month 2008
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 Stepehen C. O'Connell center. Black History Month also continued tradition with its famed Poetry Night, Kid's Day, Lunch at the Instititute of Black Culture and Back in the Days.
Black History Month 2009
Black History Month is turning 31 in 2009! "Dreaming in Color" will celebrate the lives of thoses 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.
In true BHM fashion, Black History Month 2009 hopes to expand in size and scope.
Black History Month 2010
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 are 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.