“What Does PURPLE Sound Like?", a multimedia art installation by Sydnie L. Mosley Dances, will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 4 and 5; and 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Eisenhower Auditorium. This interactive, multimedia art installation focuses on and makes visible our neighbors of a distinctive age throughout central Pennsylvania, featuring excerpt performances from "PURPLE: A Ritual in Nine Spells." Participants are invited to take their time to browse and engage with an on-stage gallery installation.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State campuses across the commonwealth will be holding events from the end of January and throughout February in celebration and commemoration of National Black History Month.
Penn State University Park
The Joyfull “PURPLE” Edition — 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. The Center for the Performing Arts and Student Affairs invite you to replenish. Just like food, art comes from many forms, cultural backgrounds, and histories. We welcome all to come and enjoy a meal, live performance and conversation. Free sustainable utensil sets will be given to first-time attendees while supplies last, and recipe cards will be available at the event.
Black Women's Brunch — noon Saturday, Feb. 1, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. In collaboration with the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., National Council of Negro Women, Black Graduate Student Association and National Panhellenic Council, this event will kick off the start of Black History Month and aims to honor and celebrate African American women's achievements, past, present and future.
“Black Activism in the 1800s: A Virtual Tour of Resources through Penn State’s Center for Black Digital Research” — noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 4, via Zoom. Members of the Center for Black Digital Research will share the history of the little-known Colored Conventions movement and the Black women intellectuals associated with this history. They also will provide a virtual tour of nearly 20 digital exhibits and community engagement activities that can be accessed from any location. More information and registration for the virtual tour is available here.
“What Does PURPLE Sound Like?" A multimedia art installation by Sydnie L. Mosley Dances — 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 4 and 5; 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, Eisenhower Auditorium. This interactive, multimedia art installation focuses on and makes visible our neighbors of a distinctive age throughout central Pennsylvania, featuring excerpt performances from "PURPLE: A Ritual in Nine Spells." Participants are invited to take their time to browse and engage with an on-stage gallery installation.
“Fire Through Dry Grass” Film Screening — 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, online via Zoom. Penn State Sustainability and WPSU are hosting this online film screening detailing the experience of disabled African American artists in a New York City nursing home trying to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighting the disproportionate impacts the pandemic had on communities of color and those with health preconditions. A panel discussion will follow featuring experts from Penn State about lessons from COVID-19 about the social determinants of health and how we can better support community health for all. Free and open to all campuses to attend. Pre-registration is required here for the Zoom film screening.
Penn State Sustainability and WPSU are hosting this online film screening of “Fire Through Dry Grass” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, online via Zoom. The film details the experience of disabled African American artists in a New York City nursing home trying to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighting the disproportionate impacts the pandemic had on communities of color and those with health preconditions. A panel discussion will follow featuring experts from Penn State about lessons from COVID-19 about the social determinants of health and how we can better support community health for all. Free and open to all campuses to attend. Pre-registration is required at this link.
PRCC Black History Month Fun Friday — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 122 HUB-Robeson Center, Heritage Hall. Join Black Caucus, Black Graduate Student Association and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center for our second annual Black History Month Fun Friday! Stop by for free food, games, music by DJ Bennie and more. Questions? Email [email protected].
"Brother You're On My Mind" — 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. In collaboration with the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the Black Emotions Advocate Team (the BEAT), and the Black Male Leadership Symposium (BMLS), this program is an opportunity for program attendees to engage in conversations centered upon de-stigmatizing mental health, increasing mental health awareness, and promoting therapy as both an impactful tool and preventive measure. Featuring keynote speaker and Penn State alumnus Johnnie Geathers.
OLLI at Penn State University Park online course, “William Still: Father of the Underground Railroad” — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, via Zoom. Presented by instructor John Grant, award-winning documentary producer of “Underground Railroad: The William Still Story” for national broadcast on PBS. Registered participants will receive the zoom link two days before the course date. Registration for the OLLI course is required here.
"Black Chefs in the White House" featuring Adrian Miller — 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, via Zoom and also in-person at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center Library in the HUB. American culinary historian, lawyer and public policy adviser Adrian Miller will offer an engaging and educational journey through the lives of African Americans who have served as cooks for U.S. presidents, from George Washington to Barack Obama. Hosted by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center in collaboration with Student Affairs and World Campus. More information and registration link for the "Black Chefs in the White House" virtual event is available here.
American culinary historian, lawyer and public policy adviser Adrian Miller will offer an engaging and educational journey through the lives of African Americans who have served as cooks for U.S. presidents, "Black Chefs in the White House," at 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, via Zoom and also in-person at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center Library in the HUB. More information and registration at this link.
Musician Lakecia Benjamin — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, Eisenhower Auditorium. Charismatic and dynamic saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin fuses traditional conceptions of jazz, hip-hop and soul with her roots in Latin dance music. Benjamin adds to her three 2023 Grammy Award nominations with two more for Best Jazz Instrumental and Best Jazz Performance, for "Phoenix Reimagined (Live)."
Curator-led, behind-the-scenes exhibition tour, “Defining the New Negro: Voices of the Harlem Renaissance a Century Later” — 11 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, meet at the exhibition, located outside the Paterno Family Humanities Reading Room, second floor central Pattee Library. This will be followed by an open house of the Charles L. Blockson Collection of African-Americana and the African Diaspora, from 11:30 a.m. to noon. All are welcome to attend.
QTPOC Fashion Show — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. In honor of Black History Month, join the Paul Robeson Cultural Center in collaboration with QTPOC for a gender-affirming fashion show inspired by the queer ballroom culture of the 1970s and 1980s. Participants are encouraged to walk the runway in outfits that make them feel confident in their gender identity.
Exhibition: “Defining the New Negro: Voices of the Harlem Renaissance a Century Later” — on view until April 7 outside the Paterno Family Humanities Reading Room, second floor central Pattee Library. Drawing upon the distinctive collections of Penn State University Libraries, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the works of featured Black authors and artists and their efforts to redefine Black identity, life and culture. Works on display include letters, first edition novels, anthologies, photographs, rare periodicals and artwork that collectively reflect the various voices and perspectives that shaped the Harlem Renaissance.
Penn State Abington
"Black Is!" — noon–4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, Lubert Commons. A kickoff to Black History Month and a celebration of Black culture. Join us to learn about food, games, dress and music from various African and Caribbean countries. Free and open to the community.
"Black History Jeopardy" — 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, Lions Gate. Penn State Abington students: Test your knowledge of Black History with our residents assistants!
Penn State Beaver
Soul Food Dinner — 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, Student Union Building Lodge. Students, faculty and staff at Penn State Beaver are invited to celebrate the richness of African-American culinary traditions.
Penn State DuBois
"Black Authors Matter" — 12:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, Penn State DuBois Library. Join us in celebrating the powerful voices of Black authors. This event highlights the rich contributions of Black writers to literature, culture and society. Engage in discussions, discover new books, and explore the impactful works that continue to inspire generations. Whether you're an avid reader or just beginning to explore, come celebrate the legacy and influence of Black authors.
Black History Month Trivia Tuesday — 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, Penn State DuBois Hiller Union. Test your knowledge and celebrate Black History Month with our exciting Trivia Tuesday! Join us for a fun and educational session filled with questions about influential figures, key events and cultural milestones in Black history. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to learn something new, this is a great opportunity to engage, compete and honor the contributions of the Black community.
Penn State Great Valley
“Bayard Rustin’s Local Roots” — noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, Penn State Great Valley Main Building, Room 131. Penn State Great Valley’s Diversity Action Council will host guest speaker Anne Skillman from the Chester County History Center, who will present about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s close adviser, Bayard Rustin. Rustin, born in West Chester in 1912, was a political activist and a prominent leader in the social movements for civil rights, nonviolence and gay rights. Lunch will be served. RSVP requested for "Bayard Rustin's Local Roots."
Penn State Harrisburg
Black History Month Digital Display Slideshow — During the month of February. Slides will be displayed to honor past and present, Black faculty and staff and celebrate their contributions to the Penn State Harrisburg community.
Soul Train Step — 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Feb. 3, Olmsted Atrium. Let’s step into Black History Month together with joy, rhythm and pride! Join us to kick off Black History Month 2025 with a vibrant Soul Train Step event. This event will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Black community through music, dance and unity. Hosted by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Black History Month Art & Photography Exhibit: "The Unsung Patriots of the American Revolution" — 2:30–3:15 p.m., Feb. 3, Olmsted Atrium. Join us to kick off an engaging project highlighting the invaluable contributions of African American soldiers during the American Revolution. Under the guidance of Beatrice Epwene, assistant teaching professor of communications, in the African American Studies 100 course, students have meticulously compiled profiles of courageous patriots, many of whom served as informants, spies and essential middlemen during the war. Throughout the month, a moving exhibition will showcase these profiles across various locations on campus, with each week's display featuring a different set of posters. Hosted by the School of Humanities and the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Barron Ryan Trio: There Arises Light (in the Darkness) — 7:30–9:30 p.m., Feb. 11, Student Enrichment Center, Kulkarni Theatre. An evening of music with Tulsa native and pianist Barron Ryan, named one of Smithsonian Magazine's "Ten Innovators to Watch." Joined by cello and violin, Ryan will take the audience on a captivating journey of struggle, discovery and triumph, featuring iconic pieces from the classical canon and an original composition commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Free for Penn State Harrisburg students. Register on Engage/Corq. All other tickets can be purchased here.
Multicultural Academic Excellence Program – Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center History — 4–5:30 p.m., Feb. 12, Olmsted Gallery Lounge W107. Students are invited to take a captivating journey into Black history and explore the powerful mural in the Oliver LaGrone Cultural Arts Center. This vibrant piece of art is more than just a decoration — it’s a visual storytelling masterpiece honoring influential Black historical figures and their enduring contributions to culture, justice and progress. Hosted by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Career-Related Conversations — 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Feb. 19, Olmsted Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center W132. Join us for an open and insightful discussion on the significance of hair in professional settings. This session will explore topics such as cultural identity, biases surrounding hairstyles, and navigating workplace expectations. Hosted by Career Services and the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Multicultural Academic Excellence Program: Oliver LaGrone Celebration — 4–5:30 p.m., Feb. 19, Olmsted Gallery Lounge W107. A special event honoring the legacy of Oliver LaGrone. This event will feature acknowledgements to Evelyn and Tom Knull for their generous donation, a reflection on LaGrone’s remarkable history, and engaging trivia that highlights his contributions and impact. Hosted by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
Black History Month Luncheon: “Echoes of the Past, Voices for the Future” — 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Feb. 26, Capital Union Building, Events Room 210. Join us for a meaningful celebration of Black History Month at Penn State Harrisburg! This year’s luncheon, themed “Echoes of the Past, Voices for the Future,” invites us to reflect on the legacy of Black history while embracing the power and potential of the voices leading us forward. Brandon Leake, acclaimed spoken-word poet, educator and winner of "America’s Got Talent," will be keynote speaker. Hosted by the Black History Month Committee. RSVP here.
Black History Month: Post Luncheon Mix & Mingle — 1-3 p.m., Feb. 26, Student Enrichment Center, Living Room. This mix and mingle is an opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue and connection among faculty, staff and students and a chance to connect, reflect and build community after the Black History Month Luncheon. Hosted by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Student Book Club: “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocum — noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, Holocaust Remembrance Conference Room, first floor Madlyn L. Hanes Library, Penn State University Libraries. “The Violin Conspiracy” tells the story of a Black violinist, Ray McMillian, who is about to play in a major competition only to find a $5 million ransom note instead of his priceless violin. As the Tchaikovsky Competition — the Olympics of classical music — approaches, McMillian must not only reclaim his precious violin but prove to himself — and the world — that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him. Participants will receive lunch and a free copy of the book to keep. Advanced registration is required for this Student Book Club event via Engage. Spaces are limited. Funded by the Student Activity Fee and sponsored by the Hanes Library and Student Engagement.
Penn State Hazleton
Movie Night sponsored by the Black Student Union: "Juice" — 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, Slusser/Bayzick Building. "Juice" (1992) is an American crime drama thriller film directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, and written by Dickerson and Gerard Brown. It stars Omar Epps, Tupac Shakur, Jermaine Hopkins and Khalil Kain.
Black History Month Guest Speaker Eboné Bell — 12:20-1:10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, Center for Multicultural Engagement, Butler 103. In “Black History is American History,” Eboné uses the art of storytelling and relatability to create a unique way of exploring Black historical figures, experiences and important events that have shaped our past and present and help to open doors to the future.
Penn State Lehigh Valley
BSU Bus Trip to the African American Museum of Philadelphia — 9:30 a.m. bus departure from Penn State Lehigh Valley, Saturday, Feb 1. Students will participate in a workshop and museum tour. Afternoon will include lunch (on your own) at Reading Terminal Market. The bus will depart at 4 p.m. to return to campus. The cost is $10 per student and the trip is funded by the Student Activity Fee. Students can register in Room 235, Student Affairs; or contact Pam Fleck at [email protected].
Hip-Hop Poetry Event — 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, Room 135. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to sign up and present their own or borrowed hip-hop poetry. Contact Black Student Union President Victoria Jeannot with questions at [email protected].
BSU “King Richard” Movie Screening on Campus — 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, Room 135. A free screening of the film, “King Richard,” based on a true story about Venus and Serena Williams, will be shown on campus. This event is open to all members of the campus community. Contact Black Student Union President Victoria Jeannot with questions at [email protected].
Soul Steps Dance Troupe — 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, Room 135. Soul Steps Dance Troupe returns to campus to share its dynamic energy and the interesting history of step dancing in African American culture. This event is free to attend and open to all members of the campus community. Contact Pam Fleck with questions at [email protected].
Penn State Shenango
Black History Month Jeopardy — 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, Great Hall. Professor of History Phil Nash will host an in-person game show featuring questions related to Black history.
Balafon West African Dance Group — 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, Shenango Auditorium. Experience Black history through dance with a special performance by a West African dance and music ensemble from Pittsburgh.
Film: “Out of the Shadows: Black America since MLK” — 12:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, Sharon Hall, Room 105. The Penn State Shenango DEIB Committee will host its annual Black History Month film. This year’s screening features a PBS documentary about the ongoing struggle for Black equality.
