Black History Month

Student Life Black History Month Events
from Justin Ellis and Jackie Manley

February is Black History Month. “Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month” (Click here to learn more about the history of Black History Month).

The Office of Student Life in collaboration with Career Services, the Black Student Union, the Student Veterans Association, and others have created events throughout the month to celebrate Black History both in-person and virtually. We invite you to join us for as many events as possible. 

Black History Month Events

A Chat with Fredrick Douglas Feb. 2nd 11:00 am (Lipman Auditorium or Virtual)

Nathan Richardson is a Fredrick Douglas historian who presents on the life story of Frederick Douglas. “Frederick Douglass was a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, which sought to end the practice of slavery, before and during the Civil War’ (history.com). Students Attending will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a choice of a ticket to one of the Student Life sponsored trips and a t-shirt.

Lipman Auditorium is located on the Parham Road Campus in the Massey Library and Technology Center.

Black History Kahoot Feb. 9th 12:00 Noon (Virtual)

Students will compete in Black History trivia with a chance to win prizes. Kahoot! is a game-based learning platform that makes it easy to create, share and play learning games or trivia quizzes in minutes. Prizes include: T-shirt, Water bottle, and grand prize - choice of ticket to a Student Life Trip). 

Trip to RVA Black History Museum – Feb. 15th from 12-1:10 p.m. (Click here for tickets)

The Office of Student Life is hosting a trip to RVA Black History Museum on Tuesday, February 15th from 12:00 -1:10 p.m. Space is limited so don’t hesitate to sign up. Transportation will be provided. This trip is for students only. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@reynolds.edu, jmanley@reynolds.edu and jellis@reynolds.edu

Trip to Maggie L. Walker – Feb. 16th 

The Office of Student Life is hosting a trip to visit the home of Maggie L Walker, the first African American women to charter a bank and the first African American women to serve as a bank president right in Richmond. We are offering 3 tours - 11:00 a.m. (Click here for tickets), 1:00 p.m. (Click here for tickets) and 3:00 p.m. (Click here for tickets).  This trip is for students only. Space is limited so sign up soon. Transportation will be provided. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@reynolds.edu, jmanley@reynolds.edu or jellis@reynolds.edu. 

National Blacks In Wax Museum and Baltimore National Aquarium – Feb. 18th (Leaving from Parham Road Campus at 7:00 am)

The Office of Student Life and Black Student Union are hosting a bus trip the National Blacks In Wax Museum and Baltimore National Aquarium on Friday, February 18th. Tickets on sale now for students (Feb. 7th for faculty and staff) in all three business offices (Downtown, Parham Road, and Goochland campuses). Only current students enrolled in classes, faculty, and staff at Reynolds can purchase tickets. Tickets cost $20 for students and $30 for faculty, staff and guest. Students, faculty and staff can only purchase two tickets, one for themselves and one for a guest. Everyone must ride the bus no exceptions. Tickets will go fast, so don’t hesitate. If you have questions please contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@reynolds.edu, jmanley@reynolds.edu or jellis@reynolds.edu. 

Entrepreneurship and Black Owned Businesses  - Feb. 22nd, 12:00 Noon (Virtual)

Join the Career Services team and hear from a panel of four successful African American entrepreneurs in the Richmond community.  They will share their career pathways to success and provide advice on creating successful employment opportunities.  

"This Land is My Land: The Tale of Lesser Known African-American Communities" with Professor Sabrina Watson  - Feb. 24th 2:00 pm (Virtual)

Professor Watson will discuss lesser known African American communities that were developed post-Civil War and during the Great Migration, explain their historical significance, if they are still thriving communities today or if they are disappearing as many of them are.

“Glory” Movie Screening and Discussion – Feb. 24th, 4:00 pm (Virtual)

The Veterans Student Association is hosting a virtual movie screening and discussion of the movie “Glory” with instructor Scott Maddrea. Glory tells the story of Robert Gould Shaw who leads the U.S. Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates.