Student and campus groups are hosting a series of fun and educational events to celebrate Black History Month and Black culture at The University of Texas at Arlington.
Event hosts include the Intercultural Student Engagement Center, the Center for African American Studies and UTA Libraries. Highlights include:
- The Center for African American Studies 12th Annual Conference "Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop" will be on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with special guests Dig Daddy Kane, J Kruz and DJ 9th Wonder.
- Join Excel Activities and the Intercultural Student Engagement Center for a movie night in the University Center Palo Duro Lounge on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
- UTA Libraries and the Intercultural Student Engagement Center will host a Maverick Kitchen Series on Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Central Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Join the Black Student Association for "An Evening of Black Excellence" on Friday, Feb 23, in the UC Rio Grande from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- "An Evening of Black Culture" will be held Saturday, Feb 26, in the MAC Lonestar to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of the Black UTA community.
In addition, UTA Special Collections will have a mini-exhibit display showcasing items related to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African American labor union. The exhibit will be open to the public through Thursday, Feb. 29, on the sixth floor of the Central Library.
Kenzaria Atkins, a senior university studies major and president of UTA's Black Student Association, said Black History Month recognizes "a profound journey of resilience, triumph and cultural richness."
"It embodies the strength of our ancestors, the strides made against adversity and the continuous pursuit of justice," she said. "For college students, it's a reminder of the importance of education in dismantling systemic barriers. It's a call to amplify Black voices, foster unity and contribute to a legacy of empowerment for future generations. Black history is not just a month; it's an ongoing narrative of empowerment, identity and progress."
The full list of events can be found on the UTA Events Calendar.
