2025 Black History Month Events
The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum and the Division of Intercultural & Student Affairs have several activities scheduled to recognize Black History Month.
The Kickoff | Monday, Feb. 3
The Kickoff – Featuring Dr. Cicero Fain, assistant provost, and presenting K12 and Marshall student winners of the Annual Black History Poster Competitions. Reception at 4 p.m., supported by Drinko Academy, School of Art & Design and The Woodson Lyceum, followed by presentations at 4:30 p.m. – all at Marshall’s Visual Art Center, Pullman Square, downtown Huntington.
Divine 9 Spring Convocation | Tuesday, Feb. 4
Engage with leaders, alumni and members of the Divine 9 in a space built for connection and conversation. This forum is mandatory for students seeking membership into a historically Black Greek letter organization. Location: Shawkey Dining Room, 7 p.m. Sponsored by Campus Activities Board.
Black History Month Town Hall | Friday, Feb. 7
The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum and the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism & Mass Communications will be co-sponsors of a Black History Month Town Hall at the Paley Center for Media in New York City, at 7 p.m. Dr. Rob Quicke, director of the JMC, is co-founder of Student News Live, organizer of this invitation-only event.
Black History Month Power Hour | Friday, Feb. 7
Feb. 7, 21, 28, the Black History Month Power Hour – Join us and WMUL Radio Station at 12 p.m. – https://www.marshall.edu/wmul/ We will celebrate Black History through music. Break out your bell bottoms, leg warmers or parachute pants as we take you on a musical journey on Friday afternoons in February. We will play your favorite R&B hits of the ‘80s, ’90s and early 2000s. Submit your favorite songs and you may hear them on the radio: https://www.marshall.edu/caas/black-history-month-power-hour/.For additional information, contact Shaunte Polk, at polk4@marshall.edu or Destiny Tomblin at tomblin89@marshall.edu
Take a Chance on Love | Tuesday, Feb. 11
Memorial Student Center, John Marshall Dining Room – 7 p.m. Take a chance on love and fortune this Valentine’s Day! Join the Campus Activities Board for a night full of games, prizes and heart-pounding excitement.
Poets and Portraits | Sunday, Feb. 16
“Poets and Portraits,” First Baptist Church, Huntington – An exploration of the African American experience through song, featuring music faculty Dr. Carline Waugh, soprano, and Dr. Johan Botes, piano. Location: 801 6th Avenue, at 5 p.m. This program is sponsored by the First Baptist Church, Marshall University College of Arts & Media, the School of Music and The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lyceum. The recital is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted for the benefit of the Benevolence Fund at First Baptist Church.
Annual Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lecture | Wednesday, Feb. 19
The Annual Dr. Carter G. Woodson Lecture co-sponsored by the Drinko Academy and The Woodson Lyceum – Featuring former West Virginia State Senator Marie Redd, a descendant of the Burlington 37, former enslaved people who were relocated to Burlington, Ohio. The lecture begins at 4 p.m., followed by a reception, both in Shawkey Dining Room.
Trap and Paint | Wednesday, Feb. 19
Memorial Student Center, Marcos Room, 6 p.m. Trap and Paint – Come out and paint to the rhythm of popular trap music hits, while also painting a masterpiece! Sponsored by Campus Activities Board.
Dance and the African Diaspora in Appalachia | Thursday, Feb. 20
A lecture featuring Laurie Goux, a nationally known dancer and instructor at 4 p.m., Shawkey Dining Room, Memorial Student Center. Ms. Goux will discuss “Dance and the African Diaspora in Appalachia,” based on a recent exhibition she curated in North Carolina.
Black History Month Power Hour | Friday, Feb. 21
Feb. 7, 21, 28, the Black History Month Power Hour – Join us and WMUL Radio Station at 12 p.m. – https://www.marshall.edu/wmul/ We will celebrate Black History through music. Break out your bell bottoms, leg warmers or parachute pants as we take you on a musical journey on Friday afternoons in February. We will play your favorite R&B hits of the ‘80s, ’90s and early 2000s. Submit your favorite songs and you may hear them on the radio: https://www.marshall.edu/caas/black-history-month-power-hour/.For additional information, contact Shaunte Polk, at polk4@marshall.edu or Destiny Tomblin at tomblin89@marshall.edu
Great Soul Food Cook-Off | Saturday, Feb. 22
The Great Soul Food Cook-Off, Memorial Student Center, Don Morris Room, 3 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month through food. Come witness three of Huntington’s top chefs battle it out, blending bold flavors and soulful traditions at this sizzling twist of your favorite Food Network cook-off show! You’ll have the power to vote and crown the ultimate champion as “The Great Soul Food Cookoff” winner. Don’t miss this epic culinary showdown! For more information contact Shaunte Polk, at polk4@marshall.edu or Destiny Tomblin at tomblin89@marshall.edu
106 and Party (Y2K Party) | Thursday, Feb. 27
Memorial Student Center, Shawkey Dining Room – 7 p.m. 106 and Party (Y2K Party). Celebrate Black History Month with a throwback event, where we honor the music, style and culture of the 2000’s!
Black History Month Power Hour | Friday, Feb. 28
Feb. 7, 21, 28, the Black History Month Power Hour – Join us and WMUL Radio Station at 12 p.m. – https://www.marshall.edu/wmul/ We will celebrate Black History through music. Break out your bell bottoms, leg warmers or parachute pants as we take you on a musical journey on Friday afternoons in February. We will play your favorite R&B hits of the ‘80s, ’90s and early 2000s. Submit your favorite songs and you may hear them on the radio: https://www.marshall.edu/caas/black-history-month-power-hour/.For additional information, contact Shaunte Polk, at polk4@marshall.edu or Destiny Tomblin at tomblin89@marshall.edu
For event updates, visit www.marshall.edu/woodsonlyceum.