black history month

Black History Month is observed each February in the United States.

"Black History Week" was originally slated for the second week in February in 1926, to recognize the birthdays of two important figures in the fight to end slavery: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, a presidential proclamation expanded the week to encompass the month of February, in recognition of the significant achievements made by the Black community in all aspects of American society.

Today, throughout the month of February, a variety of events and workshops are planned at the University of Iowa to recognize important contributions of Black Americans from a historical perspective.  

Upcoming Events

8th Annual Black in Business Series Networking Dinner promotional image

8th Annual Black in Business Series Networking Dinner

Saturday, February 24, 2024 5:30pm to 8:45pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)
It’s time to mark your calendars for our 8th Annual Black in Business Networking Dinner! This event is invitation and RSVP only! Attendees get a fun/professional networking event with a chance to dress up and meet other Black students, staff/faculty, and professionals from a variety of industries. There will be amazing speakers and FREE professionally catered dinner, appetizers, and mocktails. For more information and to inquire about RSVP'ing, please email Tevin Robbins at tevin-robbins@uiowa.edu.

Download Black History Month materials

BHM Zoom Background

Zoom background

Download the Zoom background for Black History Month 2023.

download
black history month: a journey to liberation

Social media post

Download templates for use on social media.

Download
black history month calendar

PDF calendar and flyers

Download a calendar of the month in PDF format.

Download