Welcome!
Black History Month began in 1926, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, as a week dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. This year, we mark the centennial commemoration of a heritage observance that has grown into a sustained and intentional time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the profound influence the Black Diaspora has had—and continues to have—on our nation and the world. This moment calls us to affirm that Black history is American history. It is a time to reflect on our past, engage meaningfully in the present, and commit ourselves to shaping a future in which members of the Black community are able to live, thrive, and flourish unapologetically.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Soul. Rising in Power,” explores how our legacy grounds us and how our creativity propels us forward. The theme celebrates the rich cultural inheritance of Black communities—our stories, sounds, and spirits—and recognizes them as both anchor and foundation. It invites all of us to honor where we come from, tap into our creative power, and boldly imagine what comes next.
To our allies: we invite you into deeper community. This is an opportunity to learn what it means to practice anti-racism, to actively address and dismantle anti-Blackness, and to reflect on your role and responsibility in creating spaces where Black communities can truly thrive. We hope you will take time throughout this month to explore, reflect, learn, and celebrate the Black experience through the wide range of programs and offerings available.
While Black History Month serves as a designated time to spotlight Blackness and the Black community, we encourage you to go further. Challenge yourself to advocate for the Black community every day. One way to begin—or continue—this commitment is by engaging with the Black Student Coalition, a space open to all and dedicated to centering and supporting Black students throughout the year.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the incredible students who helped plan this year’s programming, and to the colleagues and campus partners who continue to collaborate in this work. I know firsthand that this work is a labor of love. Your care, commitment, and partnership have been—and continue to be—deeply healing and transformative. Thank you for all that you do.
Warmly,
Nia Gipson
Black Student Retention Specialist, Black Student Coalition
Video courtesy of Luke Hollister & Sean Patrick / WWU
Event Details
Sunday, February 01, Flag Plaza
Raising of the Black Lives Matter Flag in honor of the centennial commemoration of Black History Month and Black Lives Matter at School week of action.
Thursday, February 02 - February 6
Friday, February 06, 4:30-6pm
Underground Coffee House
Join us for our collaborative open mic night with the Employee Language Program on Friday, February 6th from 4:30-6pm in the Underground Coffeehouse! This multilingual open mic is intended for people to share poems, songs, or other short works in ANY language that they choose. We hope to see you there, please fill out this google form to sign up to preform!
Tuesday, February 10, departure at 11 am
Seattle
In collaboration with the Black Student Coalition and the Office of Health Promotion and Resilience, we will be taking a group of students to Seattle for a day of exploring Black histories, cultures, and traditions, culminating in our attendance at the Wiz. The trip will include transportation, food, a museum visit, and show tickets. Meet in the MCC Kitchen around 10:45am for an 11am departure, registration is required to attend.
Thursday, February 12, 7pm
Carver Gym
Celebrate Black History Month with the BSC and WWU Athletics! Free tickets are available. Please visit the Black Student Coalition in Viking Union 504 for more information.
Friday, February 13, 11-2pm
MCC Kitchen & Viking Union 735
Join us for a birthday party for Frederick Douglass: A Day of Love and Collective Action for Black History! There will be a birthday cake decorating station, stations for the transcribe – a- thon, and lunch from Calypso Kitchen! This year’s Transcribe-a-thon features the Colored Conventions Project.
Sunday, February 16,
Flag Plaza
Raising of the Pan-African flag in honor of the centennial commemoration of Black History Month.
Saturday, February 21, 7-10:30pm
Viking Union MPR
Wednesday, February 15 - February 20
Thursday, February 26, 7 pm
Carver Gym
Celebrate Black History Month with the BSC and WWU Athletics! Free tickets are available. Please visit the Black Student Coalition in Viking Union 504 for more information!
Check out the Women's Basketball 2025-26 schedule.
Friday, February 27, 5-7pm
Details TBD!
Saturday, February 28, 6-10pm
Bellingham Ferry Terminal
Close out the observance of Black History Month at the Legacy Ball! There will be dinner, music, a keynote, and more! RSVP Form.
Other Campus Events
Throughout February
Western Libraries
Western Libraries celebrates Black History Month by highlighting the people, history, and stories from the Black Diaspora. The materials in this display are available to check-out from their collection.
- Black History Month Lunch | Wednesday, February 4
Viking Commons - Black History Month Dinner | Tuesday, February 10, Fairhaven Commons
- Mardi Gras Dinner | Tuesday, February 17, Viking Commons
- Black History Month Dinner | Thursday, February 26, Ridgeway Commons
Wednesday, February 4, 7:30 pm
Performing Arts Center 155 – Concert Hall
A Celebration of Black Music: This annual event celebrates the musical contributions of black musicians and composers. This concert will feature the WWU Concert Choir, Dr. Richard Hodges, guest conductor – Ali Hodges, conductor and the Jazz Big Band, Kevin Woods, director. This concert will also feature other musical solos.
Thursday, February 12, 12 pm
La Plaza - Viking Union 507
The Employee Language Program's Spanish workshop, Culture and Conversation, will be discussing Black History in Latin American celebrations. All levels are welcome to join! Register using the Winter 2026 ELP form.
Thursday, February 19, 6 pm
Academic West 210
This conversation brings together teacher leaders, community leaders, Indigenous leaders (Lummi Nation), student leaders, and school administrators to reimagine what transformative educational leadership can look like when it is rooted in justice, humanity, and collective responsibility. Dr. Cherry-Paul will explore what it means to lead for liberation in the current educational moment—one marked by intensifying attacks on racial equity work, widening opportunity gaps, and community demands for schools that affirm and protect all students. Grounded in her long-standing commitments to antiracist pedagogy, literacy, and community-engaged practice, she will offer frameworks, tools, and examples of leadership that disrupts inequitable systems while cultivating spaces where students, families, and educators thrive.
Other Community Events
Saturday, February 7, 2 pm
Whatcom Community College
Celebrate Black History Month with the BSC and WWU Athletics! Free tickets are available. Visit the BSC for more information.
Wednesday, February 11, 12 pm
Whatcom Community College
Wednesday, February 25, 3-5 pm
Whatcom Community College
Event Location Key
- Carver Gym
- MCC Kitchen - Multicultural Center Kitchen, 7th floor of the Viking Union
- VU - Viking Union
- VU MPR - Viking Union, Multipurpose Room, 6th floor
- TBD - To be determined
Event Accessibility
These events are intended for all participants, including those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities. For disability accommodation(s) please contact the Centers. Advanced notice is appreciated and sometimes necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Resources for Additional Learning
- Black History: Did you know why the Black National Anthem is important?
- Explore the history and people behind Black History Month through the Association for the Study of African American Life and History: The Founders of Black History Month
Black History Month Sponsors
- Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action Committee
- Black Student Coalition
- Disability Outreach Center
- Douglass Day Committee
- Employee Language Program
- Ethnic Student Center
- Multicultural Student Services
- Office of Health Promotions and Student Resilience
- University Residences
- Woodring College of Education (CEED, ESJ)
- WWU Athletics; JEDI Team
Douglass Day Sponsors
- College of Humanities & Social Sciences
- Department of Global Humanities and Religions
- English Department
- Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies
- History Department
- Office of the Provost
- Political Science Department
- Sociology Department
- The Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity
- Western Libraries
- Woodring College of Education