Black History Month: Power to the People

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FEBRUARY 1 TO 29, 2024

Theme: Power to the People
National Theme: African Americans and the Arts

BLACK HISTORY MONTH grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans in 1915. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) first celebrated national "Negro History Week" in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Following the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's, every American president has designated February as "Black History Month" and endorsed a specific national theme since 1976. Today, we continue to recognize and celebrate the significant achievements made by the African Americans, who contributed to our society and the world.

Event Descriptions

Thursday, February 1

Flag Raising: Black History Month Kickoff
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Bart Luedeke Center (BLC) Plaza (in front of the BLC)
Please join the Black Student Union (BSU) as they express the importance of Black culture, community, and progress to kick off Black History Month with the raising of the Black Lives Matter Flag in front of the BLC while enjoying Hot Chocolate!
(Black Student Union)

Cranberry Student Leadership Experience
7 p.m.
Cavalla Room
Kick off Black History Month with the first Cranberry Student Leadership Experience, where Dr. Joshua Fredenburg will not only talk about the importance of growing others around you as a leader but also share with emerging and seasoned leaders the key components that must be considered if you desire to create a leadership legacy that has a lasting impact.
(Student Government Association – SGA)

Every Friday in February: February 2, 9, 16, and 23

Black History Month Trivia
1 to 3 p.m.
CDI Living Room
Test your Black Culture knowledge with weekly Black History Month Trivia Nights. Each week will be a different category centered around Black culture. Invite your friends and compete as teams to see who knows the most Black culture knowledge!
(Center for Diversity and Inclusion – CDI)

Tuesday, February 6

Hip Hop History: Consciousness of Rap
6 to 8 p.m.
107.7 The Bronc Radio Station
SGA President – Naa’san Carr
Join Ya Brotha Man with a Plan on Tuesday, February 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a Black Table Talk discussion and broadcasting on conscious rappers such as Tupac, Scarface, KRS-one, J. Cole, Outkast, Mos Def, Queen Latifah, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas and Common. Listen live 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM. Listen online at 1077TheBronc.com.
(Student Government Association – SGA)

Wednesday, February 7

NAACP Chartering Ceremony (INVITE ONLY)
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) envisions a society where every individual is treated equally, without any racial discrimination or hatred. The mission of the NAACP is to promote political, educational, social, and economic equality for all, and to eliminate any form of racial discrimination or hatred. Every member of the NAACP plays an important role in advancing racial equity. This multigenerational network of activists is driven by the hard-won victories for civil rights and social justice. Every member works tirelessly to dismantle structural racism by using their power to take action on the most pressing issues of our time.
(Rider University NAACP College Chapter)

Saturday, February 10

Rhythm and Rebounds
7 p.m.
Rider Alumni Gym
Embrace the step culture of African American history with the renowned professional step team “The Players Club” from Bronx, NY as they perform at halftime.
(Athletics)

Tuesday, February 13

Black Folks Rock
6 to 8 p.m.
107.7 The Bronc Radio Station
SGA President – Naa’san Carr
Join Ya Brotha Man with a Plan on Tuesday, February 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a Black Table Talk discussion on the accomplishments and inventions of African Americans that have contributed to the World. Listen live 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM. Listen online at 1077TheBronc.com.
(Student Government Association – SGA)

Thursday, February 15

Samples N’ Friends
7 to 9 p.m.
Location: BLC NJM Community Room
Join the newly chartered Rider NAACP Chapter and play a fun Hip-Hop game of Samples N' Friends. This a competition where players listen to snippets of the original sample from 70’s soul to hip hop classics to gospel essentials, racing against the clock to name the song and the artists who sampled it. We hope to see you there! hiphopmovieclub.com
(Rider University NAACP, Student Government Association, Hip Hop Movie Club)

Friday, February 16

Speak UP! Mixer and Panel Discussion
5 to 8 p.m.
SCI 201
Engage with Black staff and faculty at our Speak Up! Mixer. Then dive deep into a panel discussion with Black faculty/staff/and students to express their experience as a Black professional or student at a PWI.
(Center for Diversity and Inclusion – CDI, Rider staff/faculty)

Sunday, February 18

Anti-Voter Suppression Event
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Mercer Room
Join Black Student Union, Rider University chapter of NAACP, and Rider Latinas Unidas as we welcome U.S Senate Candidates, Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina and Mr. Lawrence Hamm after being excluded from a platform debate. Let’s talk about voter suppression, why our votes matter, and why it is important to see candidates that resemble us.
(Black Student Union – BSU, Rider NAACP, & Rider Latinas Unidas – RLU)

Monday, February 19

Journeys of Black Success
6 to 8 p.m.
SWG 115 Rue Auditorium
Join us for an engaging event where guest speakers will be sharing their journeys of Black Success.
(Black Student Union – BSU, Center for Diversity and Inclusion – CDI)

Tuesday, February 20

Black Business Expo
4 to 7 p.m.
SRC Atrium
Join us as we showcase Black-owned businesses, both on and off campus, while they display their products and services. We will talk about the importance of Black-owned businesses and supporting the community. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to support the Black vendors!
(Black Student Union – BSU)

Tuesday, February 20

Black Love: New School Love
6 to 8 p.m.
107.7 The Bronc Radio Station
SGA President – Naa’san Carr
Join Ya Brotha Man with a Plan on Tuesday, February 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a two hour Black Love: 90s & 2000’s Concert. Listen live 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM. Listen online at 1077TheBronc.com.
(Student Government Association – SGA)

Wednesday, February 21

Social Justice and Equity Symposium: Prison, and Purpose, and Policing
6 to 8 pm
Mercer Room
Join Black Student Union (BSU) and guests for part one of the two part symposium with keynotes, panels and documentary talk back. “Reimagining Safety” challenges the conventional belief that policing alone can address all societal safety issues. This documentary showing on Wednesday will set up the panel and discussion for Thursday.
(Black Student Union – BSU, Educational Opportunity Program – EOP)

Thursday, February 22

Social Justice and Equity Symposium: Prison, and Purpose, and Policing
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) Living Room
Join Black Student Union (BSU) and guests for part two of the two part symposium with keynotes, panels and documentary talk back. “Reimagining Safety” challenges the conventional belief that policing alone can address all societal safety issues.
(Black Student Union – BSU, Educational Opportunity Program – EOP)

Loving our Curly, Kinky Strands
7 to 8 p.m.
LAH 126
Want to learn more about Black hair? Join Black Student Union in an open and honest discussion about Black hair and the politics surrounding it. Let’s wear our “bonnets” and “durags” all day to see how we are perceived.
(Black Student Union – BSU)

Friday, February 23

Ebony Ball
6 to 10 p.m.
Cavalla Room
Join Black Student Union as they conclude their spirit week with their Ebony Ball! A semi-formal event where we will celebrate Black History Month together! Free to Rider Students and guest entry is $5 (forms of payment – CASH ONLY)
(Black Student Union – BSU)

Sunday, February 25

Soul Food Sunday
4:30 p.m.
Daly Dining Hall
Take a seat with us for dinner as the Rider community is invited to enjoy the culinary delights of the cultural contribution of “soul food” from early African-American generations that continue to satisfy our palates today!
(Daly Dining Services)

Gospel Fest
5 to 7 p.m.
Cavalla Room
Unite with us for the closing celebration of Black History Month through gospel song, dance, and spoken word. Experience enormous joy and excitement as performers from Rider University and surrounding areas end Black History Month on a high note! This event is free and available to the public.
(Center for Diversity and Inclusion – CDI, Rider students, and neighboring community performers)

Monday, February 26

Day of Play
5 to 7 p.m.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI)
Join us in taking a break to be a part of the community and heal our inner child. Take the opportunity to have some fun, relieve some stress, and learn about the games that have connected the Black community over the years. Snacks and music will be provided.
(Counseling Center, Center for Diversity and Inclusion – CDI)

Tuesday, February 27

Black Love: New School Love Pt. 2
6 to 8 p.m.
107.7 The Bronc Radio Station
SGA President - Naa’san Carr
Join Ya Brotha Man with a Plan on Tuesday, February 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a two hour Black Love: 90s & 2000’s Concert. Listen live 107.7 The Bronc WRRC-FM. Listen online at 1077TheBronc.com.
(Student Government Association – SGA)

All Month Long

#BroncsBreakingBarriers
Athletics Social Media (@riderathletics)
Mini docu series across the Athletics social media platforms where they will highlight various African American student-athletes and their journey.
(Athletics)

Milestones in African American History
107.7 The Bronc and 107.7 The Bronc Retro
Inspiration comes in all colors. Tune into 107.7 The Bronc and 107.7 The Bronc Retro this February for Milestones in African American History. Daily audio features written, voiced and produced by students about Black Americans whose impactful leadership, ideas and perseverance changed our history forever. Visit 1077TheBronc.com/milestone to listen live on-air, online or on app and on-demand on your favorite podcasting.
(107.7 The Bronc Radio Station)

University Libraries Resources
Black History Month Research Guides:
Black History Films on Kanopy (Streaming media)

Other Upcoming events:

Friday, February 2

Virtual Author Talk: The Path to Freedom: Black Families in NJ
Noon to 1 p.m.,
Online/Virtual Link TBD
In honor of Black History Month, please join the New Jersey State Library as Dr. Walter Greason discusses the success and sacrifices of 3 black families in New Jersey that were emblematic of the greater black community throughout the twentieth century.
(New Jersey State Library)