Black History Month 2025
by Collections Display Team
Origins of Black History Month
The first Black History Month was celebrated in February 1970 at Kent State University. It was proposed by Black educators and students there in 1969. Over the next few years, Black History Month gained popularity nationwide as an opportunity to honor the achievements of Black Americans. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month during the U.S. Bicentennial. He encouraged honoring the often overlooked accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history. From there we have been able to see the evolution of celebrations, achievements and traditions that honor the stories and experiences of the Black community.
Book Display
Please take some time and explore the amazing physical display in the Featured Collections section of Bird Library, 1st Floor, and browse even more titles in the digital display. Enjoy the wide array of titles and subjects to browse!
Syracuse University Events
In honor of Black History Month (BHM), please explore the various events that the Black History Month Planning Committee organized for this year in collaboration with the Syracuse University’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Student Success department, campus departments, and student organizations. These events celebrate the significant contributions, dynamic histories, and vibrant cultures of the Black community.
Other Libraries’ Black History Month Events 2025:
- Douglass Day on Feb. 14 includes the national transcribe-a-thon sponsored by the Humanities Center as well as a pop-up display from Special Collections Research Center on the 1st floor of Bird Library.
- The Blackstone LaunchPad’s annual Afropreneurship Celebration and Competition will take place on Feb. 7 from 11:30-2:30 pm in Bird Library.
- Black History Month Pop-up Exhibition will be held in on Feb. 19 from 4 – 6 pm on the 6th floor of Bird Library, Special Collections Research Center.