Black History Month Calendar of Events
Black History Month at Central Michigan University is celebrated annually during the entire month of February. In conjunction with other national celebrations, we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of African Americans to the United States, Michigan and CMU. Join us in celebration of Black History and culture.
Black History Month | 2023 Calendar of Events
Thursday, February 2, 2023 
Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Rosewood
Jonathan Rosewood is a Native of Detroit, Michigan, and is a first-generation college student from Michigan State University, class of 2012. While he gives credit and thanks to all who have supported him, he has served as a College Advisor, Diversity Project Coordinator at Lansing Community College, Program Director for the Turning Point of Lansing, and Director of Empowering Youth Program. Jonathan will bring an empowering speech centered on how black/brown people of color have overcome challenges and barriers in education and how to become leaders in their community.
Time and location: 6:00 p.m. | Bovee UC Auditorium 302
Monday, February 6, 2023
If Not You, Then Who?
A panel-based commentary featuring Black faculty & leaders on campus to help students unpack all that allyship, advocacy, and activism can be and see themselves as one.
Time and location: 6:00 p.m. | Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium (Park Library)
Sponsored by: Ku’Juana Quinn
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Black Jeopardy
Black Jeopardy is to gain knowledge on Black culture and how it has been influential. This event will cover topics such as Black influences in music and art, Black inventors, and Black History.
Time and location: 6:00 p.m. | Bovee University Center 108 | Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity
Sponsored by: Coalition of Black Empowerment
Friday, February 10, 2023
2nd Annual Black Hair Care Event
Join us in learning about the history and cultural importance of Black hair. There will be free Black hair care tools and products given out at the event. Each student of color who needs products/tools can get 3-4 items. Difference hair stylists from the area will be doing demonstrations of hairstyles you can do with the products you choose from the event.
Time and location: 7:00 p.m. | Bovee University Center Rotunda
Sponsored by: Makayla Osborn
Monday, February 13, 2023
Black Leaders Who Create Change
An in-depth look at overlooked leaders in the Black Community that have made a huge impact on the society that we live in today.
Time and location: 6:00 p.m. | Kulhavi 141
Sponsored by: Vincent Vargas & Malcolm Vinson
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Rated E for Everybody
An in-depth look at overlooked leaders in the Black Community that have made a huge impact on the society that we live in today.
Time and location: 7:00 p.m. | Kulhavi 141
Sponsored by: National Association of Black Journalists and National Society of Black Engineers
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?
This event will be based on “Are you Smarter than 5th Grader?” tv show, and it will be fun way to celebrate Black History Month
Time and location: 6:00 p.m. | Bovee University Center 108 | Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity
Sponsored by: Black Girls Rock
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Black Muslims in America
This event will discuss influential Black Muslims and how Islam was brought to America and became prevalent in Black communities.
Time and location: 6:30 p.m. | Bovee University Center 108 | Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity
Sponsored by: Muslim Student Association
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Black History in Michigan: A scavenger Hunt
Bring your friends to the CMU Museum to learn about several Black inventors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and athletes who all have ties to Michigan! The program will feature a short presentation and will culminate with a museum-wide scavenger hunt. Prizes will be awarded!
Time and location: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | CMU Museum
Sponsored by: CMU Museum
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Empowering Students, Reimagining How Conference Attendance Can Impact Student Empowerment
This event will be an opportunity for students that attended the Afrikan Black Coalition (ABC) Conference to have a dialogue that will empower our students to be engaged in our campus community.
Moderated by: Chris Calloway
Time and location: 6:30 p.m. | Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium (Park Library)
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Black Lives Matter Founder Keynote Speaker: Funmilola Fagbamila
Playwright, artist, and founding member of Black Lives Matter, Funmilola Fagbamila, discusses the necessity of emotional intelligence in our pursuit of more just and healthy societies. Utilizing a solution-orientated approach, Prof. Fagbamila breaks down how bias is learned intellectually and articulated emotionally via storytelling, spoken word, and interactive dialogue. Funmilola examines how we can begin remedying some of our most pressing collective issues and envisioning a future where freedom is no longer a dream.
Moderated by: Chris Calloway
Time and location: 7:00 p.m. | Plachta Auditorium
Sponsored by: Program Board
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Organization of Black Unity (OBU) 23rd Annual Fashion Show - “Dear OBU”
The Organization of Black Unity will be hosting its 23rd annual fashion show! Come watch CMU’s own walk the stage with confidence nad style while representing culture an unity. Everyone is welcome!
Time and location: 6:00 p.m. | Plachta AuditoriumSponsored by: The Organization of Black Unity
Monday, February 27, 2023
Gather for the Culture
Join us for the finale of Black History Month as we gather through community and food. This event will include music, food, and games.
Time and location: 6:00 p.m. | Bovee University Center 108 | Terrace Rooms B, C, and D. Sponsored by: Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services and the Organization of Black Leaders