African American Celebration Month

African American History Month is an annual observance for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February.

African American History Month had its beginnings in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week". This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Woodson created the holiday with the hope that it eventually be eliminated when black history became fundamental to American history.

Negro History Week grew in popularity throughout the following decades, with mayors across the United States endorsing it as a holiday. Led by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February of 1969 African American History week was expanded from a week to a month. The first celebration of African American History Month occurred at Kent State University in February of 1970. Six years later during the bicentennial (1976), the expansion of Negro History Week to African American History Month was recognized by the U.S. government.

African-American History Month at Oakland University kicks off each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This month long celebration reflects OU’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the historical and cultural contributions that African Americans have made in the past, present and future.

AACM Photos AACM Videos

Events

2025 African American Celebration Month Events

January 22, 2025
MLK DAY OF SERVICE honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy
9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Oakland Center, Gold Rooms
Hosted by the Office for Student Involvement

January 27, 2025
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
12-1 p.m. | North Foundation Hall, Room 159
Hosted by OU Counseling Center

January 28, 2025
CREATING A GIFT OF LIFE (ORGAN DONATION)
12-1 p.m. | Oakland Center
Hosted by Gift of Life (Crystal Issac)

February 4, 2025
BLACK BUSINESS EXPO: HIDDEN GEMS
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Oakland Center, Habitat
Hosted by Residence Life Association and Student Program Board

February 4, 2025
BLACK FINANCIAL LITERACY 101
6-8 p.m. | Oakland Center, Gold Rooms
Hosted by Association of Black Students

February 6, 2025
BLACK OWNED BOOKSTORES IN METRO-DETROIT: A PANEL DISCUSSION
12 p.m. | Virtual Event: http://bit.ly/4fPK7GM
Hosted by OU Libraries

February 6, 2025
NAVIGATING SPACES AND CREATING ALLYSHIP IN PHYSICAL THERAPY
12-1 p.m. | 5036 Human Health Building
Hosted by OU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

February 7, 2025
TASTE OF AFRICA
4-7 p.m. | Oakland Center, Banquet Rooms
Hosted by the Center for Multicultural Initiatives

February 12, 2025
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: INTERSETIONALITY AND FOOD INSECURITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
4-5 p.m. | Oakland Center, Ambassador Rooms
Hosted by Golden Grizzlies Pantry/Swipe Out Hunger at OU

February 20, 2025
BLACK WOMEN ROCK AWARDS
(CLOSING CEREMONY)
5-7 p.m. | 159 North Foundation Hall
Hosted by the Center for Multicultural Initiatives

As we look to celebrate the many contributions within the Black and African American community, we also look to give our community. Consider making a donation to the Golden Grizzlies Pantry. An additional drop off box can be found within the CMI office.