Black History Month originated in 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson promoted what was known as "Negro History Week" in an effort to educate people about the accomplishments of African Americans. In 1976, the celebration was expanded to include the entire month of February, the birth month of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. Black History Month is celebrated to remember important individuals and events in African American history.
Millikin University will host a variety of events and programming created by Millikin students to celebrate Black History Month this February. Student-led programming for Black History Month will be carried out by the Millikin Black Student Union.
Voiced by: University President Jim Reynolds; Millikin staff Tonya Hines & Alexander Deeb; Millikin students Macheila Anderson, Audrianna Bartholomew, Kei'Von Evans, Theo Fisher, Ange Nice Ineza, Serron Pettis and Renna Riley
Join us in celebrating over a century of Black students, faculty and staff at Millikin University! As a part of Millikin University’s Black History Month Celebration, we share stories of moments in Black history at Millikin with this chronological timeline narrated by current Black students and staff, as well as our University Presidents.
Black History Month Schedule of Events
Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 - Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021
Southside Color Theories & Half Truths Art Exhibit by Paul Branton, Class of 1995
Monday, Feb. 8, 2021
Social Justice Book Club - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021
Blackout Tuesday with WJMU
Intersectionality Project featuring Dr. Ngozi Onuora, - 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021
Virtual Exhibit Walkthrough & Lecture by Paul Branton, Class of 1995 - 4:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 15, 2021
Social Justice Book Club - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021
Blackout Tuesday with WJMU
Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021
Chris Greene Jazz Quartet Performance - Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Empowerment Session with Black Alumni of Millikin - 8:00 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 22, 2021
Social Justice Book Club - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021
Blackout Tuesday with WJMU
Millikin University's Black History Month Celebration is planned and organized by Tonya Hines.
"I am moved about black history every day but most importantly when we celebrate at Millikin. We offer our students an opportunity to learn, embrace and acknowledge those moments that have been left out of American history," she said.
Tonya Hines, MBA '18 serves as the director of the Long-Vanderburg Scholars Program at Millikin and associate director of Campus Life for Engagement & Leadership. She also serves as the advisor to the Black Student Union.