Black History Month Events

Black History Month Events Hosted By the Black Cultural Center

Monday, February 3rd

Soul Food Luncheon Kickoff

Join the Black Cultural Center as we kick off Black History Month with a Soul Food Luncheon! Come build community and learn about the legacy and importance of this month in our culture. Meals will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

12:00 pm | Black Cultural Center Auditorium

Target Audience: All

No RSVP required

Thursday, February 6th

BCC Wellness Program: African Drumming/African Dance

Join the BCC as we continue to showcase wellness for the Black community through African Drumming! Trust us, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn traditional African drumming as a wellness practice!

6:00 pm | BCC Auditorium

Target Audience: All

No RSVP Required

Friday, February 7th

Step Afrika!

The Tennesse Performing Arts Center is hosting a live performance of Step Afrika! Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the artform of stepping. They blend percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience.

7:00 pm | Tennessee Performing Art Center

Target Audience: By Invitation and RSVP only.

Tuesday, February 11th

The Wounds are the Witness: Black Faith Weaving Memory into Justice and Healing – Book Discussion

Join us for a Book Talk and Discussion with Dr. Yolonda Pierce, the author of The Wounds are the Witness: Black Faith Weaving Memory into Justice and Healing. Dr. Pierce is a Professor and the Dean of the Vanderbilt Divinity School. Her book is a meditation on Black faith, suffering, hope, and the healing possibilities of justice.

5:00 pm | Black Cultural Center Auditorium

Target Audience: Open to all

No RSVP Required

Wednesday, February 12th

Murray Lecture: Justin Pearson

Join us for the 17th annual Murray lecture featuring Justin J. Pearson. A community organizer, Pearson became the second youngest lawmaker serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives when he was elected at the age of 28.

Sponsors: Martha Rivers Ingram Commons & The Black Cultural Center

7:00 pm | Carmichael College Multipurpose Room

Target Audience: Open to all

No RSVP Required

Friday, February 14th – 16th

BCC Black History Immersion Excursion

The Black Cultural Center is Excited to announce our annual Black History Immersion Excursion! This year we will be taking a group of 44 students to New Orleans, Louisiana, to study Black history and culture. During the trip, students will get to experience iconic Black historical Sites such as the Whitney Museum and the New Orleans School of Cooking!

February 14th – 16th

Target Audience: By Invitation only.

Wednesday, February 19th

BUY BLACK VANDY

Join the Black Cultural Center as we support our very own Black faculty, staff, students, and alumni who own small businesses! Come shop, engage, and learn about the types of businesses that are owned and operated by people within the Vanderbilt community! There will be vendors from all industries and opportunities to win door prizes from local businesses and Black Cultural Center merch as well!

4:00 pm | Community Event Space

Target Audience: Open to all

No RSVP required

Thursday, February 27th

Black History Month Closing Speaker

To close out Black History Month, The Black Cultural Center will be hosting a speaker event. The details are being finalized. Continue to check back here and on the BCC Instagram (@vandy_BCC) for updates!

5:30 pm | Black Cultural Center Auditorium

Target Audience: Open to all

Other Black History Month Events in the Vanderbilt Community

Sunday, February 2nd

The Nilaja Amari Showcase: The Nilaja Olympics

Nilaja Amari Presents: The Nilaja Olympics Experience the vibrancy of Black culture through dance! Join Nilaja Amari on February 1st at 6:30 PM for a dynamic showcase featuring traditional African, contemporary, drill, and fusion performances. Celebrate the artistry and liveliness of the African diaspora in this unforgettable evening of rhythm and movement. 🏅✨

6:30 pm | Sarratt Cinema

Hosted By: Nalaja Amari Student Organization

Friday, February 7th

Black History Month Exhibition Opening and Gallery Talk, XST

XST is the first part of an evolving art exhibition experience that aims to expand the definition of the royal “WE” and excise the illusions of the mental contagion WE know as “me-ism”. As per the request of the artist, we have decided not to disclose their identity or biography in consideration of the boundlessness of being. If there are any inquiries about the artist and their work- hold that thought. Be present.

4:00 pm | Vanderbilt Divinity School, Room G-06

Hosted by: Vanderbilt Divinity School’s Religion in the Arts and Contemporary Culture and the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies

TPAC: Step Afrika (Hosted By OBGAPS)

7:00 pm | Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Hosted By: OBGAPS

Monday, February 10th

Gospel Yoga

Join us for an unforgettable wellness experience where yoga meets the soul-stirring sounds of live spiritual music. Gospel Yoga is more than just a class—it’s a transformative journey designed to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

Time: TBD | Location TBD

Hosted by: Center Spiritual and Religious Life

Tuesday, February 11th

Work-Life Workshop

Rest and Balance Blueprint: Live better while you work.

12:00 pm | ZOOM (link TBD)

Hosted by: Margaret Cunningam Women’s Center

Target Audience: Faculty, Staff, Graduate Students, and Postdocs

Wednesday, February 12th

Vanderbilt Divinity School Mid-week Worship (collaboration)

Vanderbilt Divinity School is partnering with Black Seminarians to cultivate a few weekly worship services in February that pay homage to the Black Church Tradition. This is a time of meditation, inspiration, and spiritual-refilling for students, faculty and staff.

11:30 am | Vanderbilt Divinity School, The Space, Room G-29

Hosted by: Vanderbilt Black Seminarians (Vanderbilt Divinity School)

Praise Dance Workshop

Join VOP for day three of our Jesus Loves You mini week partnering with the Mt.Zion Adoration Praise Dance Ministry.This workshop will feature a history of praise dance and its influence within the Black community. Along with an interactive demonstration of praise dancing. Come prepared to worship Jesus through movement. We hope to see you there!

6:00 pm | Student Engagement Space

Hosted by: Voices of Praise Student Organization

ASU: African Oral Histories

Come to explore oral histories in Africa, share African myths and storytelling, as well as create and discuss our own poetry. Food will be provided.

6:00 pm | BCC Auditorium

Hosted by: African Student Union Student Organization

Thursday, February 13th

Professional Development Speaker Series: Rev. John R Faison

Rev. John R Faison will speak to students about his journey to success. The Rev will also provide students with tools to navigate the complexities of life and academia through holistic understanding, by incorporating values like empathy, integrity, and purpose, regardless of their field of study.

11:50 am | Divinity School Reading Room

Hosted by: Vanderbilt OBGAPS and Black Seminarians

Wednesday, February 19th

Sister, You’ve Been on My Mind: Mental Health Check-In for Black Woman Pt. 2

This event serves as a continuation of last year’s dialogue, expanding on the impact of negative stereotypes of Black women—such as The Mammy, The Jezebel, The Angry Black Woman, and The Strong Black Woman/Superwoman—on mental health and sense of belonging at Vanderbilt. Join us as we engage in meaningful discussions and explore strategies for healing and empowerment.

4:00 pm | BCC Auditorium

Hosted by: University Counseling Center

Open Forum – Black & Queer

Join KCPC and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life for an open forum discussing our personal experiences with being Black and queer.

5:30 pm | KC Potter Center for LGBTQ+ Life

Hosted by: KCPC Center for LGBTQ+ Life and the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life

Thursday, February 20th

BBSA’s Black Entrepreneurship Shark Tank Competition

A Shark Tank-style pitch contest where teams create fun, innovative business ideas in just 20 minutes. Teams will be given a prompt or challenge theme—such as solving a common college student problem, launching a creative technological device , or designing a sustainable product—and must quickly brainstorm a unique product or service. Each team will have 5 minutes to deliver a dynamic pitch to a panel of judges, who will evaluate ideas based on creativity, feasibility, and presentation. The contest encourages quick thinking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit, making it a fast-paced and engaging activity that blends fun with practical business skills. Winning teams will receive prizes that celebrate their innovation and participation.

6:00 pm | BCC Auditorium

Hosted by: The Vanderbilt Black Business Student Association

Friday, February 21st

Malcolm X @ 100 – Sight, Sound, & Conversation

📚 MALCOLM X CENTENNIAL COLLOQUIUM | FEB 21 Join @VanderbiltU for a historic 100th commemoration of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X)’s legacy featuring Dr. Michael Eric Dyson & distinguished scholars. 📍 The Space (G29), VDS ⏰ 2-5PM ✨ Featuring: • Rare speeches & writings • Panel discussions • Spoken word • Community dialogue 🎁 First 100 guests receive “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” Exploring: • Educational philosophy • Spiritual journey • Modern movement impact • Global human rights legacy Partnership: @VanderbiltAADS x Callie House Center x Peabody Library x Nashville Black Literacy Coalition 🫖 Refreshments provided 📝 Free registration #MalcolmX100 #VandyEvents #BlackHistory #DarkTestament

2:00 pm | Vanderbilt Divinity School, The Space, Room G-29

Hosted by: African American and Diaspora Studies

Monday, February 24th

Black Voices in Focus: A Film Celebration

Celebrate Black History Month with VSG at a fun and lighthearted movie screening of a film that highlights Black culture and joy! Whether it’s revisiting a childhood favorite or experiencing it for the first time, this event is the perfect way to come together, relax, and enjoy a cinematic celebration of representation and storytelling. Snacks and good vibes are guaranteed—bring your friends!

6:30 pm | Sarratt Cinema

Hosted by: Vanderbilt Student Government

Tuesday, February 25th

Afro Artivism: Open Mic

Art exhibition highlighting local Black artists across various artistic mediums.

6:00 pm | Rand Lounge

Hosted by: Student Center for Belonging and Communities and the Black Cultural Center

Wednesday, February 26th

Intro to Improv: Connection, Creativity, and Fun

An improv workshop led by comedian, storyteller, and facilitator, Ti Malik Coleman. Looking for a way to break out of your shell, connect with new people, and have an amazing time? This intro-to-improv workshop is all about saying “yes” to creativity, self-expression, and shared laughs. Perfect for beginners, this session will help you explore your playful side, build confidence, and make genuine connections with others. Through fun, interactive games and exercises, you’ll learn how to trust your instincts, think on your feet, and collaborate with your fellow participants—all in a judgment-free zone. Whether you’re curious about performing or just want to try something new, this workshop is a chance to relax, express yourself, and discover how much fun you can have when you let go and dive in. No experience necessary—just bring your energy, curiosity, and sense of adventure! Lunch will be provided.

12:00 pm | BCC Auditorium

Hosted by: KCPC Center for LGBTQ+ Life and the Black Cultural Center

Black History Month Worship Service

Black Seminarians invites you all to join us for our Black History Month Worship Service. We are honored to announce that VDS’, Dr. Herbert Marbury, Associate Professor of the Hebrew Bible and Black Religious Studies, Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near East, will preside as our preacher for the service that evening. In honoring the Black Church tradition there will be food and fellowship space provided after the service for attendees. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to enjoy the worship service as we close out Black History Month in a sacred and Divine spirit-filled way.

6:00 pm | Divinity School Room 124 and Room 127

Hosted by: Vanderbilt Black Seminarians (Vanderbilt Divinity School)

Friday, February 28th

Exploring Careers through Culture: Insider Tour with an Employer

Join the Career Center and BCC to visit a local Nashville employer on an immersive Insider Tour! The morning will be spent traveling to the employer location, learning about their organization, hearing from professionals in the industry, and much more! We hope students will explore careers through culture and have a wonderful time making new connections. Food will be provided.

9:00 am | Location TBD

Hosted by: Career Center and Black Cultural Center

“Let the Church Say A.I.”: A Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Digital Religion

This symposium will explore how Black churches, historically marginalized by technology, must now proactively engage with artificial intelligence (AI) by fostering AI literacy, STEM education, and ethical AI development within their communities to bridge the digital divide, empower members, and champion AI that reflects Black values and addresses their unique needs. The event is scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm CST at Vanderbilt Divinity School. This event is free and open to the public to attend but registration is required. Please visit, divinity.vanderbilt.edu, for more information.

1:00 pm | Vanderbilt Divinity School, The Space (Room G-29)

Hosted by: Vanderbilt Divinity School

Bridging our Voices: A Musical Celebration of Cultures

Musical Performance Collaboration between Voce and Melanated Acapella Groups!

2:30 pm | Black Cultural Center Auditorium

Hosted by: Melanated, Voce, Women’s Center, and Black Cultural Center