Singing, cinema and celebrities highlight Black History Month
UC celebrates the achievements and contributions of African-Americans during February events, including comedian Marlon Wayans, CCM performances and a black tie gala
Woven into the fabric of UC’s bicentennial history are stories of African-American broad-minded thinkers who demanded change, broke down barriers and paved the way for UC’s African American Studies Program and the African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC).
February Black History Month events help mark two centuries of African-American achievements, contributions and their inclusive impact on the University of Cincinnati, a key component of the University of Cincinnati's Next Lives Here strategic direction.
Celebratory events include musical performances, movie nights, symposia and a night of lighthearted comedy with international comedic star Marlon Wayans.
Join events on UC campuses throughout February
Black History Month Opening Ceremony, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center
Friday, Feb. 1, 4 p.m., Zimmer Hall
The opening ceremony is the kickoff to UC’s 2019 Black History Month programs. The theme, “Black Ascension: Our History Towards Afrofuturism,” is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Eric Watford or Alberto Jones.
Black History Month Cinema Series, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center
Feb. 1-27, 8-10 p.m., third floor VR room, McMicken Hall
Enjoy pizza and popcorn for “Family Friendly Film Night” with members of the UC community, your children, family and friends. We provide the pizza, popcorn and great movies, you bring your own blankets and pillows.
Feb 1 - "More Than a Month"
Feb 4 - "Selma"
Feb 6 - "Purple Rain"
Feb 8* - "The Help"
Feb 11 - "Imitation of Life"
Feb 13 - "Black Dynamite"
Feb 15* - "Coming to America"
Feb 18 - "Black Panther"
Feb 20 - "School Daze"
Feb 25 - "The Color Purple"
Feb 27 - "C.S.A.: Confederate States of America"
*We've designated Fridays as PC-13 "Family-Friendly Film Night." Members of the UC community are invited to bring their children, family and friends.
For more information, contact Ty Bealer.
Historic Black Church Tour, sponsored by UC’s Department of History
Every Sunday in February
Every Sunday in February, the UC Department of History will lead a tour of historic black churches in Cincinnati. Churches in the 2019 tour are exclusively featured from the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) denomination, in celebration of being the first, independent Protestant denomination founded specifically for blacks in the United States.
The tour will include:
Feb 3 - Allen Temple AME, 7030 Reading Rd., service 9:50 a.m.
Feb 10 - Bethel AME Church, 700 Mulberry St., service 11 a.m.
Feb 17 - Grace AME Church, 1627 Fairfax Ave., service 10:30 a.m.
Feb 24 - Quinn Chapel AME, 10998 Southland Rd., service 9:30 a.m.
If you can give a ride or need a ride to church, meet the caravan in front of McMicken Hall approximately 45 minutes ahead of each church service. The caravan will leave McMicken Hall approximately 30 minutes prior to each service, so don't be late. And don't forget to bring $1 for the collection plate.
HIV/AIDS Awareness event, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center
Monday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., AACRC
Everyone has a status. If you don't know yours visit the AACRC for free HIV testing provided by the Student Wellness Center and Caracole, Inc.
UC Blue Ash Black History Month Kick-Off, sponsored by UCBA Office of Multicultural Affairs
Monday, Feb. 4, 12:30-2 p.m., Muntz Commons Hallway
Connect with UCBA African-American faculty, staff and students and learn about upcoming events and programs as they kick off their 2019 Black History Month celebration.
For more information, contact Nick Castro
'BlacKkKlansman,' sponsored by UC Division of Student Affairs Resident Education and Development
Thursday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m., MainStreet Cinema
Resident Education and Development will host a viewing of the movie 'BlacKkKlansman.' Entry and concessions are free.
'Black Love' Week, sponsored by United Black Student Association
Feb. 11-15 (time/location details to follow)
“Black Love” is a weeklong series of programs, activities and events featuring various expressions of love from a black perspective. Through creative expression, the UC community encourages each other and the Cincinnati community to demonstrate, receive and participate in various displays of black love.
For more information, contact Alberto Jones or Mercedes Jones
UC Blue Ash African American Read-In, sponsored by UCBA Office of Multicultural Affairs
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 12:30-2 p.m., Muntz Auditorium Lobby
Join special guest, Carol Tonge Mack, UC staff member and author of “Being Bernadette: From Polite Silence to Finding the Black Girl Magic Within.”
For more information, contact Nick Castro
'Seasons of Love' concert, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., AACRC
Celebrating Black Love Week, the United Black Student Association will feature the African American Cultural & Resource Center Choir in a Black Love Concert. “Seasons of Love” choir will perform popular love songs from oldies to current trending love music. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Eric Watford
Onyx and Ruby Gala, sponsored by UC Health
Saturday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., Kingsgate Marriott, 151 Goodman St.
Recognize and celebrate the academic, professional and civic achievements of six UC African-American alumni, students and staff. Funds raised at the gala support the UC Shani Scholarship, which supports underrepresented students by providing funds to study abroad. Attendees enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and a photo booth.
2019 awardees are: J. Phillip Holloman, receiving the Georgia E. Beasley Legacy Award; Michael Wright, receiving the Linda Bates Parker Legend Award; C. Keith Melvin, receiving the Pillar of the Community Award; Cheryll Dunn, receiving the Tower of Strength Award; Andrea Moore, receiving the Emerging Leader Award and Alberto Jones, receiving the Student Trailblazer Award.
'Sister Speak: Let Your Voice Be Heard,' Black Women’s History Week, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move
Week of Sunday, Feb. 17.-Friday, Feb. 22
The week’s events address the rich history of black women achievers, authors and trailblazers throughout society. UC's Black Women on the Move — an affinity organization at UC with the purpose of helping black women staff connect, cultivate and climb — presents Black Women's History Week, themed "Sister Speak: Let Your Voice Be Heard."
The group offers a platform for black women staff to network with black students and community members. Programs and events are in collaboration with UC’s AACRC; Sisters Impacting Sisters; Women's Center; Office of Equity & Inclusion; UC Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and the UC Libraries.
For more information, contact Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins
Let’s Go to Church, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m., The Way Community Church, 946 Dana Ave., 45229
Church service at The Way Community Church with Pastor Geneva Miller, UC Black Women on the Move executive team member.
For more information, contact Geneva Miller
Sixth annual 'Sip and Paint,' sponsored by Sisters Impacting Sisters and UC Black Women on the Move
Monday, Feb. 18, 5:30-7 p.m., AACRC, 60 W. Charlton
Attend the sixth annual “Sip and Paint” specifically intended for African-American women administrators, faculty, staff and students to dialogue via creative painting activities while enjoying mocktails.
Please RSVP by Feb. 14 with Geneva Miller (Space is limited)
Marlon Wayans, free comedy event, sponsored by UC’s Programs & Activities Council
Monday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m., TUC Great Hall
Marlon Wayans actor, producer, comedian, writer and film director has films that have grossed more than $736 million in domestic box office, an average of nearly $50 million per outing. As a stand-up comedian he is selling out nationwide and adding shows every weekend. He will be coming to UC's campus to have a 45- to 60-minute stand-up comedy performance for students. During this very stressful time of life in terms of school, work or whatever daily struggles we may have, it's important to have a good laugh and relaxing moment every now and then.
For more information, contact Mercedes Jones
Speak to a Sister Day, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move
Tuesday, Feb. 19, All Day, All Campuses
Make an intentional point of greeting, saluting and honoring a sister on campus. This can be done in your own special way. Help make a unified voice of love and support to be heard across all UC campuses.
Fourth annual 'Tunnel of Oppression,' sponsored by UC Resident Education and Development
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 1-6 p.m., TUC 4th floor
Become part of an interactive experience that includes interactive acting, monologues, multimedia and other forms of presentation. Participants walk through a guided tour filled with different experiences designed to display simulations of various types of discrimination and oppressions of marginalized groups.
For more information, contact RED Learning
Lunch & Learn, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move
Wednesday, Feb. 20, noon-1 p.m., AACRC, 60 W. Charlton
Become part of a diverse and enlightening dialogue about the intriguing Photovoice project led by UC black women staff and faculty. Please bring your own lunch.
For more information, contact Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins
‘Sister Speak: Published Edition,’ sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move and UC Libraries
Feb. 21, 6-8 p.m., AACRC, 60 W. Charlton
Come out and celebrate, meet, hear from and support black women authors and a publishing company comprised of UC staff, alum and affiliates. Mingle, enjoy light refreshments, learn from each author and each other and be part of the lively panel discussion.
For more information or to rsvp, contact Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins
'The Revolution in Real Time,' third annual Black Feminist Symposium, sponsored by UC Women’s Center
Friday, Feb. 22, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., TUC 400 A,B,C (lunch in Great Hall)
Register to attend the Black Feminist Symposium. The one-day conference will focus on black feminist activism, leadership and research to uplift, amplify, historicize and recognize all black women (cis, trans and nonbinary) who are showing up for the realtime revolution. Black women continue to show up and show out, creating new forms of everyday activism and movements. In the streets, at the voting booths, in ongoing cultural work through art and writing and in the halls of Congress, black women are, as U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore says, getting “stuff done.” The goal for this year’s "The Revolution in Real Time" theme is to provide students, faculty, staff and the Greater Cincinnati community with an opportunity to engage with each other about race, gender and the diverse meanings of black womanhood, feminism and social movements through individual presentations, panel discussions, think tanks, creative workshops and more.
For more information, contact Deb Marke
‘Sisters Impacting Sisters’ third annual brunch, sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move
Saturday, Feb. 23, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. AACRC Main Lounge
Join students, faculty and staff for an invigorating dialogue as keynote speaker Brittney Miles, UC sociology grad student, discusses toxicity and healing. The event is co-sponsored by UC Black Women on the Move, UC AACRC, UC Women's Center and UC Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Brunch catered by Paityn’s Place Soul Food Catering and Cuisine.
Please RSVP, as space is limited.
For more information, contact Mercedes Jones
Black History Month Trivia Contest, sponsored by UC African American Cultural & Resource Center
Monday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m., UC AACRC
As a salute to black male leadership, Ron Jackson, UC professor of communication and president of the National Communication Association will preview his new trivia game, "Black History Trivia Showdown." Come and enjoy the new fast-paced, addictive quiz game focused on cultural trivia, celebrating black achievements thoughout business, scholarship, sports, entertainment and politics.
Event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact P. Eric Watford watfore@ucmail.uc.edu
'Put Yo Foot In It!' soul food cook-off, sponsored by UC Department of History
Thursday, Feb. 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m., UC AACRC
If you think you've got the best cornbread, collards or candied yams this side of the Ohio River; or your cobbler, mac-n-cheese or black-eyed peas make people wanna holler; or you're ready to shut down the cooking competition with your neckbones, turkey legs or your homeade sweet tea — sign up now to compete for the Golden Foot Award in a campuswide cooking competition.
All competetors welcome — students, faculty, staff and administration.
For more information, contact Holly McGee
UC Blue Ash Black History Month Closing Event, sponsored by UCBA Office of Multicultural Affairs
Thursday, Feb. 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Walters 100
Enjoy food, fellowship and fun.
For more information, contact Nick Castro
'Conversations in the City,' Zane L. Miller Symposium, sponsored by UC Department of History
Thursday, Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m., First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Cinti. 45219
The third annual symposium focuses on concerns about the prominence of Charles McMicken, his known slave holding past and his relationship to the College of Arts and Sciences and elsewhere at UC. Because of a recent Student Senate vote to remove McMicken's name from the College of Arts and Sciences, UC President Neville Pinto has created a universitywide commission to exam the issue.
Conversations are designed to offer information and opportunities to listen to various perspectives on the question of removing McMicken’s name from the college, McMicken’s legacy and finding ways to open a safe dialogue regarding the university’s stated commitment to an environment of “equity and inclusion in 2019 and beyond.”
Event is free and open to the public.
UC speakers include:
- David Stradling, associate dean for humanities, Zane L. Miller Professor of Urban History
- Sinna Habteselassie, UC student body president
- Ashley Nkadi, UC alum, co-founder Irate8, writer and social justice activist
- Greg Hand, retired UC vice president for public relations, UC historian for Charles McMicken
5:30 p.m. - Opening reception, refreshments
6-7:30 p.m. - Panel and discussion
7:30 p.m. - Closing reception
For more information, contact Tracy Teslow
CCM Black Student Showcase, sponsored by UC College-Conservatory of Music
Thursday, Feb. 28, 7-8 p.m., CCM's Watson Hall
In celebration of Black History Month, CCM students will showcase various individual acts and a group performance. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Tondra Holt
What began in 1926 as a celebration of black history became an annual weeklong celebration during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By 1976, the United States government officially recognized Black History Month as an annual celebration of the contributions of and achievements by African-Americans and a time for recognizing their important role in U.S. history.
Spring Break 2019, sponsored by UC Department of History
Spring Break, March 16-19, Washington, D.C.
Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. during spring break 2019. Four days, three nights, only $250. The first 20 Bearcats who contact professor Holly McGee with their M-number and a message saying "charge my account" will go to D.C.
For more information, contact Holly McGee
More on:
- UC bicentennial
- UC trailblazer, Marian Spencer
- UC student success story, Alberto Jones
- African American History Month
Featured image at the top: Eric Abercrumbie (center), director of special initiatives in UC's Division of Student Affairs, inspires the members of UC's Tyehimba ceremony to join in the fun. photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC Creative Services
Next Lives Here Inclusive Excellence
University of Cincinnati’s Next Lives Here strategic direction is leading the university into a new era of Innovation, Impact and Inclusiveness.
Tags
Related Stories
UC-linked startups blaze trails as Cincy Inno Fire Awards...
May 5, 2025
Seven of the 22 finalists for the Cincy Inno Fire Awards have connections to the University of Cincinnati. We’ll run through each of these trailblazing startups.
Working out worked out for UC student Emma Kalinowski
May 5, 2025
When Emma Kalinowski first arrived at UC, she went through a handful of major changes before her burgeoning love of fitness led her to the School of Human Service's Exercise Science program. Now a senior about to graduate and inspired by a recent internship experience, she's readying to start a master's program in the fall. The CECH student spoke with us about her time at UC and her plans for a career in pediatric exercise physiology.
Putting it all together: The UC Nursing capstone experience
May 5, 2025
During the BSN final semester, all knowledge and experience acquired comes together at the Capstone course. Through this experience, students reflect on their academic and clinical journey and design an evidence-based project that connects their education with the realities of professional practice. Whether focused on improving patient outcomes, enhancing nursing workflows, promoting professional development, or impacting community health, the capstone project challenges students to think critically, act creatively and demonstrate their readiness to enter the nursing profession.