UCF will honor Black History Month by hosting a variety of cultural and educational events throughout February.

From guest speakers and lecturers to workshops and scavenger hunts, the events follow the theme  “Connections from the Past and Direction to the Future.” Activities are hosted by Student Government Association and other departments, colleges and organizations.

“Black History Month allows the entire campus community to showcase through a variety of mediums their commitment to diversity education and to show that the university is indeed inclusive,” said Edwanna Andrews, assistant director of Student Leadership Development.

The festivities began Monday with a university-wide opening ceremony in the Student Union and will continue with other events to celebrate Black History Month. Highlights include:

  • The UCF Public History Center has partnered with the Seminole County Centennial Celebration for the grand opening of the Crooms Alumni Association Exhibit and a presentation by the Seminole High School Gospel Choir. The Feb. 9 activities will be at 3 and 5 p.m. at the center, 301 W. 7th St. following the 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. screenings of the documentary Goldsboro: An American Story at the Goldsboro Welcome Center in Sanford, 1216 Historic Goldsboro Blvd. The event is free and refreshments will be served.
  • The 5th annual Multicultural Student Leadership Summit  will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Student Union Cape Florida Ballroom, room 316. The event, hosted by the Student Leadership Development office, will help students focus on success in college as well as life after college. The summit’s guest speakers include local and national employers, entrepreneurs and UCF alumni.
  • Keynote speaker Michael Dyson will discuss the importance of Black History Month, accompanied by the Back in the Day jazz band, Vibert White and Kenny Parker. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Live Oak Ballroom of Ferrell Commons.
  • Students have the opportunity to test their knowledge of health, technology, black history and more at this inaugural Scholars Bowl, hosted by the John T. Washington Honor Society and Black Student Union. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in room 316A in the Cape Florida Ballroom of the Student Union.

    • In addition, the John C. Hitt Library will include exhibits dedicated to Black History Month, and WUCF-FM (89.9) will feature the Duke Ellington Centennial Radio Project every weeknight in February at 5:55 p.m.

    “It is important that UCF celebrates Black History Month to demonstrate to students, faculty and staff that we as a community value campus diversity, honor accomplishments of Black Americans, and appreciate the contributions to our institution,” said Andrews. “Hosting events during Black History Month also provides educational opportunities for all, and provides the environment for people to showcase their talents.”

    For a full schedule of Black History Month events at UCF, visit https://www.sdes.ucf.edu/news/black-history-month/.