Celebrated annually in the US from February 1 to February 28.
Originally conceived as a week by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 and officially designated as a month in 1976 by President Ford. Black History Month is a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the contributions, achievements, and legacy of African/Black people in the US.
Below are opportunities and information to learn and engage in.
The Black History Month Kickoff engages and connects students, faculty, and staff with Texas State University and community resources.
The event will include campus departments, student organizations, and support services, as well as off campus organizations and vendors.
“The Negro Baseball Leagues - An American Legacy" lecture presentation by filmmaker, author and performer Byron Motley brings to life an era that was prosperous and exciting!
A recent resurgence and interest in the Negro Leagues have sparked this lecture series.
Audiences of all ages marvel at the information of stories of men and women who simply wanted to “Play Ball” but were ostracized simply because of the color of their skin.
The Black History Month Cookout promises to be a fun and deliciously fulfilling event to conclude our celebrations for the month.
The event will be catered by Chartwells, and feature music by DJ Aarooo, games, performances, and brief remarks.
Wed., February 26, 2025
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Round Rock Campus: Avery 2nd floor
Join us for a creative and interactive way to honor Black History Month! Design and create your own custom buttons inspired by Black leaders, culture, and history.
Dana Jean Smith, Helen Jackson Franks, Georgia Hoodye Cheatham, Gloria Odoms Powell, and Mabeleen Washington - these five women made history as the first Black students to enroll at Southwest Texas State University on February 4, 1963.
Learn More: First Five: The Women Who Integrated the College - Texas State University Special Collections and Archives
Shirley Harris graduated from Edwards High School in Gonzales in 1961, was one of six children, and the first in her family to get a college degree. Her father was a minister at Wesley Chapel AME Church. Harris was the first Black graduate of Southwest Texas State College on May 26, 1967. She was focused and fearless in her leap forward representation for racial equality on campus.
Learn More: Shirley Ruth Harris - Texas State University Special Collections and Archives
Elvin Holt Drive on the Round Rock Campus is named for Dr. Elvin Holt, Professor Emeritus. The first tenured Black professor in the Department of English, he taught from 1983 to 2020 and earned multiple teaching awards in his 37 years at Texas State. The street was named for him in honor of his work in multicultural curriculum development.
Learn More: Elvin Holt - Texas State University Special Collections and Archives
The University Star presents “The 11% Project”, an examination of Black students at Texas State through History, Election, Hometowns, Activism, Creatives, Mentorship and 10 years from now.
Learn More: The University Star - “The 11% Project”
