The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is recognizing Black History Month throughout February by celebrating Black cultural contributions and achievements throughout history.
Each year, groups across campus host events that celebrate and honor Black history. Among those hosting are the Office of Multicultural Student Life, UT’s chapter of NAACP, the Black Cultural Programming Committee, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Department of Africana Studies, and the Division of Diversity and Engagement.
Events will be held virtually and in person. Highlights of the Black History Month calendar include:
17th Annual Black Issues Conference
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, February 5
This year’s conference topic is Black Health Matters: Moving Beyond Awareness to Action. The keynote speaker is physician and author Sampson Davis. The conference is hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Life in collaboration with UT’s NAACP chapter. Advance registration is required.
Rocky Topics: Natural Hair and Beauty
6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 9
Rocky Topics is a dialogue series that explores challenging and timely topics while cultivating brave spaces for meaningful conversation. The Office of the Dean of Students is working alongside the Frieson Black Cultural Center to host a topic dedicated to celebrating natural hair and beauty.
Distinguished Lecture: Marla Frederick, “The Schools of Former Slaves and the Schools of Former Slave Owners: Religion, Race and the Struggle for Education”
5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, February 10
The annual Distinguished Lecture in Religious Studies brings exciting new scholarship to UT’s campus community. This year’s lecture will be presented by Marla Frederick, the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture at Emory University.
Celebrate Fredrick Douglass’s Birthday
Noon to 3 p.m., Monday, February 14
Though Douglass’s birth date is unknown, it is often celebrated on Valentine’s Day. UT will be hosting a birthday party as a moment for creating Black history together. The event will include a transcribe-a-thon with the Colored Conventions Project, where participants can learn about the 19th century’s longest campaign for Black civil rights and the history of Black activism while helping to transcribe the project’s records. It will also include a live broadcast with speakers and performances.
So You Think You Wanna Go to Grad School
3 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 16
The Division of Diversity and Engagement and University Libraries are hosting a panel discussion for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students who have questions about going to grad school. Panelists featuring current faculty and grad students of color will share their personal experiences to help undergrads make a more informed decision. Advance registration is required.
Black and Boujee
8 p.m., Thursday, February 17
Celebrate music and other arts created by Black artists. Sponsored by the School of Music, the event will be held in person and livestreamed.
Restorative Justice Open Mic Workshops
5:30 to 7 p.m., multiple dates throughout the month
Virtual workshops provide a way for students to creatively express their thoughts on antiracism and social justice issues. Workshops are held throughout February and are free and open to all students. Advance registration is required.
WUTK-FM
Throughout the month
All month long, UT’s student-produced college radio station is celebrating Black artists who have pioneered the music industry.
For a full list of Black History month events, visit the campus events calendar and view the bhm22 tag.