Throughout the month of February, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will host events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. The 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts,” spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music and other forms of cultural expression.
Groups across campus hosting events include the Office of Multicultural Student Life, UT’s chapter of NAACP, the Commission for Black Communities, the Black Cultural Programming Committee, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Department of Africana Studies, School of Art, the Pride Center, the Division of Student Life, and the Division of Access and Engagement.
Here are some highlights of the Black History Month calendar.
Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Student Union 502 Cumberland Ave.
9:30 a.m. Check-in on first floor 10 a.m. Welcome in Pilot Company Ballroom 2 p.m. – Keynote speaker in auditorium
The theme of this year’s conference is “Access and Advocacy: Shaping a More Inclusive Tomorrow in Black Communities.” The conference is hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Life in collaboration with UT’s NAACP chapter. The event is free, but advance registration is required.
Free STI Testing for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Friday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Student Health Center 1800 Volunteer Blvd.
In honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, join the Pride Center, Multicultural Student Life, the Student Health Center, and Positively Living and Choice Health Network for free testing for HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea. This observance is a day to acknowledge how sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, disproportionately affect the Black community.
Film Screening and Kernel Convo: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6 to 8 p.m. John C. Hodges Library, Lindsay Young Auditorium (first floor)
1015 Volunteer Blvd.
The Multicultural Student Life and Pride Center host a screening of the movie “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” commemorating the life and music of Whitney Houston. After the film, the MSL Diversity Educators will facilitate a conversation about the its representation and major themes.
Midnight Muse Fashion Show: Unveiling Black Vogue in Creative Couture
Friday, Feb. 16, 7 to 8 p.m. Alumni Memorial Building, Cox Auditorium 1408 Middle Drive
Join the Office of Multicultural Student Life in collaboration with the UT Chapter of NAACP and People of Style and Education for the Midnight Muse Fashion Show. The event celebrates the artistry of Black fashion.
Throughout the month
Downtown Gallery 106 S. Gay St.
The UT Downtown Gallery presents selections from two bodies of work by printmaker Katrina Andry: “The Promise of the Rainbow Never Came” and “Colonial Colorism Influences in the Black Community.” The exhibition is co-sponsored by the School of Art Programming Committee and the Department of Africana Studies.
For a full list of Black History month events, visit the campus events calendar and select the BHM tag.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Cindi King (865-974-0937, cking126@utk.edu)