Mission

Black History Month aims to provide the University of Florida and surrounding communities an opportunity to learn about the unique contributions of African-Americans in history, celebrate a rich and diverse heritage, and promote common understanding across all cultures through events that entertain, challenge and educate while providing opportunities for intellectual and social growth.

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 bringing 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 community can look forward to at least one educating, empowering and/or entertaining Black History Month event 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. In addition to an official philanthropy, BLack History Month hosts several events geared toward 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 to be bigger, better and more inclusive than the year before.