Black History Month Celebration

Black History Month Celebration is the celebration of the history, culture, traditions and contributions of African Americans. The celebration is recognized every February. This years theme is “Continuing to Create”. We encourage our entire GVSU community—students, faculty, and staff—to join us in this celebration. Participate in the various events and activities planned across our campuses, engage in meaningful dialogue, learn from diverse perspectives, and celebrate the resilience and achievements of Black people throughout history and within our own community. More events to be added!

The Blackout: Black Student Organization Showcase / National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Testing

Friday, February 7, 2025 - 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Kirkhof Center Lobby

The Blackout: Black Student Organization Showcase is an opportunity for students and staff to engage with Black and Afro-led registered student organizations to learn how they can get involved and support. This year's Blackout falls on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. We will be offering free testing for students at the event.

Presented by the Black Excellence 365 program, the Black Student Union, and the Center for Health and Well-being

Black Historical Living Museum

Tuesday, February 11, 20245 - 6:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Kirkhof Center - Grand River Room

Learn about historical African American figures who are members of Divine 9 (NPHC) fraternities and sororities.

Presented by the GVSU National Pan-Hellenic Council

Taste of Soul

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - 2:00pm-4:00pm

Location: Kirkhof Center – Lounge

Join us to share in the deep Southern, African-American tradition of soul food. This style of cooking originated when African Americans, enslaved, were given the leftover scraps. With the items that were available, a variety of wholesome dishes were created. Come try a sample of the dishes we know as soul food.

Black Business Pop-Up

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 11:00am-4:00pm

Location: Kirkhof Center – Lobby

Presented by the Black Excellence 365 program and the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Black Lives Are Beautiful: Cultivating, Positive Racial Identity & Self-Love in Turbulent Times

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - 6:30pm-8:00pm

Location: Mary Idema Pew Library – Multipurpose Room

Dr. Charmeka Newton is a fully licensed psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor in the College of Education & Human Development at the University of North Dakota. She has over 20 years of experience in clinical, academic, and community settings, including teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels of higher education. Her areas of expertise include multicultural counseling, research methods, tests and measurement, and clinical supervision of master’s-level counseling practitioners and students. In addition to her clinical and teaching expertise, Dr. Newton is also a member of the Michigan Board of Psychology, appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She is also co-author of the book, Black Lives Are Beautiful: 50 Tools to Heal from Trauma and Promote Positive Racial Identity, published through Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, LLC., as well as co-author of the peer-reviewed article, “Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavior Therapy as a Model to Address Internalized Racism Among African American Clients,” published in the April 2022 issue of the Journal of Mental Health Counseling.

Presented by the Black Excellence 365 program and the Black Student Union

Martin Luther King Commemoration

Events are free and open to the public. For information on parking or for individuals requiring special accommodations, please contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at (616) 331-2177. You may also visit our website at 9dap.eduftp.net/oma or email us at [email protected].