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.
Celebrate Black History Month through art and performance! Share your voice through spoken word, poetry, or and music. This event is open to all, come perform, reflect, and connect.
February 1-28, 2026
San Marcos Campus:
Alkek Library 3rd Floor
Join us in celebrating Black History Month with an inspiring art exhibit! The showcase will feature pieces highlighting the Black history of Texas State University, along with creative works from talented students in the School of Art and Design.
Join us for Tunes at Noon staring DOFY an eclectic blend of soulful, funky and rhythmic Freeform/Freestyle to please your ears.
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.
February 17, 2026
San Marcos Campus:
Harris Dinning Hall
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”
