As February nears, the Office of Multicultural Student Success is preparing to honor Black History Month with a full lineup of events that celebrate the profound impact of African Americans. This year’s programming highlights cultural heritage, student engagement and meaningful connections with the local community, fostering an inclusive and enriching experience for all.
“For me, it’s about uplifting Black students, creating spaces where we feel seen and valued, and honoring the legacy of those who came before us,” said Black Student Union President Majesty Ali. “I’m especially looking forward to Cultural Cuisine: Soulfood Edition, where we can share and celebrate our heritage through food.”
Among the highly anticipated events is the 2nd Annual Soulful Praise Pop-Up and Gospel Concert on Sunday, Feb. 23, at Friendship Baptist Church. The Pop-Up Shop will feature local business owners and community-based organizations. Additionally, free health screenings will be provided by the UToledo Mobile Unit and the Mercy Health Mobile Mammography Van. The evening will culminate with the Black History Month Gospel Concert, co-hosted by OMSS, the UToledo Gospel Choir and Friendship Music Ministry. This free, public concert will showcase an inspiring lineup of local artists, including the UToledo Gospel Choir, in a powerful night of worship and praise.
Monday, Feb. 3
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Hair Wraps and Hair Care from 6 to 8 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2584.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
• BSU’s Late Night Breakfast from 8 to 10 p.m. in President’s Hall First Floor.
Thursday, Feb. 6
• Black History Month Kick-Off and Community Service Project from 4 to 6 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Room 2500 (OMSS).
Monday, Feb. 10
• Barbershop Talk from 6 to 8 p.m. in Thompson Student Union Ingman Room.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
• Cultural Cuisine: Soulfood Edition from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in The Eatery.
• Reading and Book Signing with novelist and poet Phillip B. Williams from 4 to 6 p.m.
• BSU’s Black-Owned Business Pop-Up at 6 p.m. in The UToledo Recreation Center.
Saturday, Feb. 15
• Divine 9 Step Show Honoring Greek History: “A Lesson in Greek” at 4 p.m. at Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St. in Maumee.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
• NAACP Toledo Branch Meeting beginning at 5 p.m. at the African American Legacy Project, 1326 Collingwood Blvd.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
• BSU’s Slam Poetry/Jazz Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Phoencia’s.
Sunday, Feb. 23
• Second Annual Soulful Praise: Pop-Up Shops & Free Health Screenings from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 5301 Nebraska Ave.
• Second Annual Soulful Praise: Black History Month Gospel Concert, 5 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 5301 Nebraska Ave.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
• BGSU Black Issues Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the BGSU Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Transportation is available. To secure your spot, please RSVP via the event’s Invonet page.
• BSU’s The Golden Hour Ball begins at 6 p.m. in the Thompson Student Union Auditorium.
Friday, Feb. 28
• 55th Annual BSU Fashion Show at 7 p.m. at Thompson Student Union Auditorium.
For more information on UToledo’s celebration of Black History Month, including a full list of events and online resources, visit the Office of Multicultural Student Success website.
As The University of Toledo embraces Black History Month, it aims not only to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans but also to foster dialogue, understanding and appreciation for Black history throughout the year.
The Office of Multicultural Student Success History and Heritage Month committees are open to all UToledo students, faculty and staff, offering an opportunity for active participation. Those interested in contributing to the planning committees can reach out to omss@utoledo.edu.
