Black History Month Celebration

Black history month

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, African Student Organization and Multicultural Voices of Praise.

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.

For questions, contact Nikki Garry at ngarry@millikin.edu

Black History Month Schedule of Events


FEB 4

7:30 PM KIRKLAND FINE ARTS CENTER

“Cirque Zuma Zuma”

As seen on America’s Got Talent, this troupe showcases a variety of traditional African dances and acrobatics

MU students can pick up a FREE ticket in advance Tickets $15 // $20 // $25


FEB 13

7 PM KIRKLAND FINE ARTS CENTER

Dr. Wilson Kwamogi Okello

Black History Month Main Speaker and Spoken Word Artist


FEB 21

5 PM UC’S OBERHELMAN CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP PERFORMANCE

“The Voices of Black & Brown Poets”

Presented by SOTAD and Campus Life Refreshments and raffles prizes!