Black History Month Events

Old Dominion University celebrates the contributions of African descendants during the February Black History Month observance. Noted Black History author Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926 to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. In 1976 this became known as Black History Month.

2023 Schedule of Events

Document

Complete Event Descriptions and Registration Links

Register for Curators for Change

6 - 8 p.m.
Big Blue Room (Chartway Arena)

Through the efforts of initiating thought provoking conversation on discussions of importance within the African American demographic, the attendees and live viewers of the event can expect to gain insight from the various perspectives and ultimately learn how they can play a part in being a "Curator of Change" within their own walks of life after hearing the perspectives and life experiences of the panelist.

Sponsors: ODU Athletics and The Office of Intercultural Relations

Register for Blue Table Talk

6-8 pm

Hampton Newport News Room (Webb Center), 

Join us for a guided discussion that provides a safe space for individuals to share and learn about issues relevant to the black community today.

Sponsors: Black Leadership Advisory Board and The Office of Intercultural Relations

Register for Queen BEE (Black Encouragement & Excellence)

5 -7 p.m.
Student Recreation Center

Pairing black history with women in sports day Queen BEE (Black Encouragement & Excellence) offers a series of express (4 - 30 min) group fitness classes at the student recreation center.

Sponsors: Student Recreational Center

RSVP for the Ebony Impacy Black History Month Showcase

7 - 9 p.m.
North Cafeteria (Webb Center) 

This Black History showcase shines a light on black organizations on campus and will allow them to not only display their talents, but also discuss the origin of their organizations for the rest of the Old Dominion University community.

Sponsors: Ebony Impact Gospel Choir

Register to view "The 1619 Project" with the Black Alumni Council Film Discussion

Register online by 5 p.m. February 3 (EST)

"The 1619 Project" -Grab your popcorn and favorite drink and join BAC for a virtual movie night as we stream episode one of The 1619 Project docuseries to kick off Black History Month.

You must have a Hulu account to stream the film with us on the 'Scener' platform. Additional instructions for streaming will be included in your confirmation email upon registration.

Register to attend National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
University Webb Center Front Lobby 

February 7 is National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), which was first observed in 1999. This observance is a day to acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects Black people. ODU will provide a day of FREE testing services

Black communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. Yet racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services.

Sponsors: Sponsors: Woman and Gender Equity Center (WGEC)

Register to attend CommUnity Conversations

6 - 8 p.m.
Big Blue Room - Chartway Arena

The last three years have been incredibly overwhelming for many, especially Black students having to navigate the stressors of the COVID-19 Pandemic amid social and political unrest, all while dealing with the microaggressions of everyday life. This student-focused program will highlight strategies for managing mental well-being including ways to set healthy boundaries, understanding your baseline (triggers/traumas), and the impact of social media.

Register to attend Shifting from Code Switching

12:30- 1:30 p.m.
Executive Dining Room - Webb Center

The ODU community will share ways to normalize and embrace Black Language.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Kaufman Mall

Sponsors: Student Health Services and Office of Intercultural Relations

Register for U-Nite: Resistance and Reflection

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Barry Art Museum 

Join the Barry Art Museum for U-Nite: Resistance & Reflection, an evening in celebration of Black History Month. Enjoy refreshments, music, and art by African American makers in the ODU campus community as we reflect upon the stories of Black artists in the Barry Art Museum permanent collection.

Sponsors: Barry Art Museum