Florida State University’s Black Student Union and the entire university community will come together during the month of February to celebrate Black History Month.
This year’s theme, “The New Harlem Renaissance,” reflects the goal of highlighting the social and artistic excellence within the modern black community. The monthlong journey will feature programming that celebrates the “golden age in African-American culture,” while highlighting the cultural excellence of today.
“This Black History Month, we embark to rekindle the social and artistic explosion of excellence within our community,” said Tatiana Smith, a coordinator for the Black Student Union. “As African-Americans flocked to Northern cities in the 1920s, they created a new social and cultural landscape. This period in time is considered a golden age in African-American culture — manifesting in literature, music, stage performance and art. Although we have come a long way from the year 1920, the cultural excellence of the Harlem Renaissance is still alive, hence the significance of our New Harlem Renaissance theme.”
The celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, with an opening ceremony at the new Black Student Union House, 921 W. Jefferson St. The event will focus on the meaning behind this year’s theme and will feature art, entertainment and refreshments.
The month’s events include:
- Afro Funk Fest – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, Union Green. Students will gather on Union Green for a music festival featuring local talent, a food truck and other vendors.
- Faculty & Staff Mixer – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, Black Student Union House. There will be a mixer for faculty, staff and community members to network with students at FSU.
- “Miles Ahead” Screening – 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, Askew Student Life Center. The Black Student Union is partnering with the ASLC to bring the movie to campus.
- The PLATEAU – 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, Moore Auditorium. Students will pay tribute to historic and modern artists.
For more information and a complete list of Black History Month events and local community service projects, visit sga.fsu.edu/bsu/bhm18.