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Celebrating Black History & Heritage Month 

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) refers to the month as Black History & Heritage Month. We believe that when recalling Black histories, it is important to recognize the longstanding racial and community traumas as well as true innovation, resilience, progress, and admiration for the Black and African American communities. We add "Heritage" to the month's description because this bonds the rich history of how individuals define Blackness for themselves, and the heritage embedded across the various lived experiences of Black and African American people. At TikTok³ÉÈË°æ, we celebrate the past, present, and future of Black history and heritage! 

What is Black History & Heritage Month? 

Black History & Heritage Month allows us to recognize the Black and African American communities in the United States. These communities are not a monolith and embody rich, diverse, and culturally expansive practices and journeys. This month of observance, we endeavor to celebrate, educate, and reflect on the achievements and contributions of Black and African Americans across the diaspora. 

History of Black History & Heritage Month 

The idea of observance and celebration for the Black and African American community first originated in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson. However, in 1976, it became a national month of recognition. As for the 21st century, Black History & Heritage Month has become incorporated broadly across the U.S., from classrooms to the National Parks. February was appointed to celebrate Black History & Heritage Month because it holds the birthday of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and African American abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass, symbolizing their efforts to establish freedom and rights for Black and African American communities. 

What is the National theme of BHHM? 

Annually, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) identifies a theme for Black History and Heritage Month. For 2025, the theme is African Americans and Labor. This year marks the 100th anniversary of establishing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids (BSCPM), which was the first Black labor union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor, founded by A. Philip Randolph. ASALH® aims to ignite reflection of Black and African Americans' work that has been instrumental to their community and the communities that surround them. They also highlight the connection between Black and African American labor and their work, workplaces, and events in Black history and culture. 

 Important Dates for Black History & Heritage Month 

1. Feb. 1, 1960 – The Greensboro 4 sit-in re-ignited the civil rights movement. 

2. Feb. 2, 2009 – Eric Holder, Jr. became the first African American Attorney General. 

3. Feb. 3, 1870 – On this day, the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving African American men the right to vote. 

4. Feb. 9, 1995 – Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. became the first African American Astronaut to walk in space. 

5. Feb. 12, 1909 – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded. 

Local Black History & Heritage Month Celebrations 

TikTok³ÉÈË°æ-Main Campus:  

Feb. 4: Celebrate Black History & Heritage Month Tabling – Join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in partnership with the Black Student Association to learn about BHHM University Center – Outside of Caf, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Feb. 18: Lessons in Leadership, Black History and Heritage Month Speakers, Clara Luper Legacy Committee, partnership with Student Affairs & Alumni Office, University Center – Great Hall, 1 to 1:50 p.m. 

Feb. 19: Black History & Heritage Month Legacy Speaker - Bill Raynor, Petree Recital Hall, 6 to 7 p.m.

TikTok³ÉÈË°æ Community Events: 

Feb. 4: FREE Homecoming—A Story of African American Farmers at Del City Library (4330 SE 15th St, Del City, OK) features a film screening that explores the rural roots of African American life from 2 to 3 p.m. Pre-register because space is limited.    

Feb. 10: FREE Second Saturday at Oklahoma Contemporary (11 NW 11th St) is a family-focused day of artmaking, performances, and gallery adventures celebrating Descendants of the Black 1000 and Black History Month from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Feb. 26: FREE The Urban Poets—Black History Month at the Ralph Ellison Library (2000 NE 23rd St) features an open mic night for local poets. There will be a movie screening and discussion from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

Feb. 22: FREE Black History Month Through Film at Belle Isle Library (5501 N Villa Ave) from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. features OETA's documentaries that delve into black history in Oklahoma, from Langston University, which opened even before Oklahoma became a state, to the trailblazers of Oklahoma's Civil Rights movement, such as Roscoe Dungee, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, and Clara Luper.  

How You Can Honor Black History & Heritage Month  

• Learn about Black History & Contemporary Achievements and Challenges 

• Read books and watch films from Black authors and artist 

• Shop Black-owned Businesses 

• Learn about Black Leaders 

• Volunteer at events for Black History & Heritage Month 

Sources: 

ASALH | About Black History Month 

ASALH | Black History Themes 

History | Black History Month  

Britannica | Black History Month 

CBS News | Black History Month Historical Events Calendar