Featured Image Artist Statement:
“Black art is a beautiful representation of what draws communities and cultures together. My first love was always drawing and art ever since I was little and to be able to share it with others has always been something I was passionate about. When I see other black artists create and share their vision of the world and the communities they live within, I want to work toward having just as much courage to share my own visions. Seeing art in the community, no matter what community you come from, is what connects each of us. Whether it be clothing, music, films, graphic design, you name it. When we share our passions and creativity it generates a chain reaction of inspiration that allows us to build stronger relationships within our communities and hold each other up through any circumstance. Black art is a beacon for all walks of life, demonstrating the integrity, power, and beauty that lives within all black people. I’m so glad to have had this opportunity to share the beauty I see in Black Art with you all and I am excited to see so much more of it in the future!”
-Parker Sulcer
Graduating Senior in 2024
Black History Month is a time to pay respects to those that have come before us. They have paved the way for Black liberation, love, and excellence. They have empowered the present. We pull strength from the successes and lessons of our ancestors and continue to move forward as we envision our future. It is the youth and our future children who will build a better, Blacker tomorrow. They will carry the torch with their flame as they blaze the next trail.
Thank You to Our Contributors:
- ACLU
- African Diaspora Committee
- Alumni Association
- American Geographical Society
- Black Student Cultural Center
- Black Student Union
- Campus Activities Board
- College Entrepreneurs Organization
- Fraternity and Sorority Life
- Honors College Equity Team
- Institute of World Affairs
- LGBTQ+ Resource Center
- Lubar Entrepreneurship Center
- Military and Veterans Resource Center
- Minority Women Entrepreneurs
- National Society of Black Engineers
- Student Health and Wellness
- Student Involvement
- Student Leadership Programs
- Union Cinema
- University Advancement
- University Recreation
- UWM Archives
- UWM Libraries
- UWM Special Collections
- WiscAMP STEM-Inspire Program
- Women’s and Gender Studies
Black History Month Events 2024:
February
UWM Libraries Distinctive Collections: Black History Pop-Up Exhibit
Thursday, February 1 | Gallery Exhibition
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | UWM Libraries (Archives, Special Collections, and American Geographical Society Library)
For this year’s Black History Month, UWM’s Distinctive Collections (Archives, Special Collections, and American Geographical Society Library) are hosting a month-long pop-up exhibit featuring an array of rare and unique materials that show the diverse cultures and histories of Black Americans throughout the United States and in Milwaukee.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Georgia Brown: browngl@uwm.edu
Sponsored by UWM Archives, UWM Special Collections, American Geographical Society Library and UWM Libraries
Black Student Cultural Center Winter Gathering
Thursday, February 1 | Social Gathering
1-3 p.m. | Bolton Hall 176
Connect with Students, Faculty and staff! Come eat, network and jam out!
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Black Student Cultural Center: bcc-staff@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Black Student Cultural Center, WiscAMP STEM-Inspire Program, Ronald E. McNair, Black Student Union and National Society of Black Engineers
Black History Month Kickoff
Tuesday, February 6 | Celebration
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Union Concourse
Live music by Milwaukee’s B~Free and Quinten Farr Duo, cheesecake from Baked Dreams Creations, crafts, a vendor fair featuring Milwaukee’s Black-owned businesses, and more to celebrate the start of Black History Month at UW-Milwaukee.
For more information contact Sociocultural Programming: sociocul@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Sociocultural Programming, Black Student Cultural Center, African Diaspora Committee and Women’s Resource Center
Diverse Ideas: w/ CopyWrite Magazine Creatives
Thursday, February 8 | Casual Conversation
12-1 p.m. | Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, Nicholas Innovation Commons
The Lubar Entrepreneurship Center & the Black Student Cultural are proud to welcome UWM Alumni Lexi Brunson & CopyWrite Magazine for Diverse Ideas during Black History Month. CopyWrite Magazine is comprised of an “unapologetic group of creatives.” who are “in business to change the community.” This group of creatives offers space, and events, as well as highlight stories and showcase unrealized artistic potential throughout our community. Hear all about their new location on MLK and how they continue to creatively impact the communities they serve.
For more information contact Lubar Entrepreneurship Center: trammel4@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, Black Student Cultural Center and Minority Women Entrepreneurs
Establishing and Growing the Black Community
Thursday, February 8 | Conversation
1:30–3:30 p.m. | Bolton Hall 176
We would like to invite you to a purposeful conversation designed for students to speak about their thoughts, feelings, and ideas to create and strengthen the Black community in our space and on campus. This conversation will be facilitated by BSCC staff. Faculty and staff are welcome to attend and contribute to the conversation and network with students.
For more information contact Derrick Langston: langsto5@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Black Student Cultural Center
African American Film Series: The Hate U Give
Thursday, February 8 | Film Screening
6-8 p.m. | Union Cinema
Join us for a powerful community film screening of “The Hate U Give,” a gripping adaptation of Angie Thomas’s bestselling novel. This thought-provoking movie explores themes of racial injustice and activism through the eyes of Starr Carter, a young African American girl navigating the complexities of her dual identity. Come together with friends to engage in a meaningful conversation about social justice, empathy, and the impact of our voices in creating positive change.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Sociocultural Programming: sociocul@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Sociocultural Programming and Union Cinema
Under African Skies
February 9, February 16, & February 23 | Stargazing
7-8 p.m. | UWM Planetarium
Experience stars, stories, and cultural perspectives across the expansive African continent. Each Friday from Feb 9 – 23 will feature a different guest speaker who will talk about their country, culture, and connections to the night sky. Enjoy treats from Immy’s African Cuisine after the programs. Each program will include an indoor stargazing session of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions.
February 9: Eritrea with Fessahaye Mebrahtu
February 16: Nigeria with Franca Ohikhuare and Vitalis Nwashindu
February 23: Kenya with Susan Murabana
For more information or to request accommodations, contact UWM Planetarium: planetarium@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the UWM Planetarium, Institute of World Affairs and Sociocultural Programming
Power of the Vote!
Tuesday, February 13 | Workshop
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bolton Hall 170
Are you aware of the Wisconsin primary election happening on February 20th? No worries! Join Leaders Igniting Transformation (L.I.T.) on February 13th in BSCC and February 15th in the RHC to get a crash course. Play Family Feud-style games tailored to voter education and learn why this election is important! Bring a friend, enjoy some food, and play for bragging rights.
For more information contact Leaders Igniting Transformation: tiara@litmke.org
Sponsored by the Black Student Cultural Center, Roberto Hernandez Center and Leaders Igniting Transformation
Black History Month in the Military
Tuesday, February 13 – Thursday, February 15 | Exhibit
8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Union Concourse
This three-day event highlights the contributions of Black Veterans in U.S. military history, nationally, in Wisconsin, and locally. View posters with the Veterans and their stories, see the family contributions of UWM faculty and staff members, and honor your own family story.
For more information contact the Military and Veterans Resource Center: mavrc@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Military and Veterans Resource Center and Centers for Advocacy and Student Engagement
Tuesday Tea: Black History Month Edition
Tuesday, February 13 | Casual Conversation w/tea
4-5 p.m. | Union 3rd Floor Lounge
Join us for a casual pop-in series to chat about spicy topics and piping hot takes that have gone untouched in Leadership and Higher Education with a focus on Black History Month topics.
For more information contact Student Leadership Programs: skindzel@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Student Leadership Programs
Lyrical Sanctuary Featuring Cedric Hoard
Wednesday, February 14 | Workshop, Open Mic & Performance
6-6:45 p.m. | Creative Writing Workshop | Union 143
7-9 p.m. | Open Mic & Feature Performance | Fireside Lounge
For more information contact or to request accommodations, contact Sociocultural Programming: sociocul@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Sociocultural Programming
Power of the Vote!
Thursday, February 15 | Workshop
12:30-2 p.m. | Bolton Hall 183
Are you aware of the Wisconsin primary election happening on February 20th? No worries! Join Leaders Igniting Transformation (L.I.T.) to get a crash course. Play Family Feud-style games tailored to voter education and learn why this election is important! Bring a friend, enjoy some food, and play for bragging rights.
For more information contact Leaders Igniting Transformation: tiara@litmke.org
Sponsored by the Roberto Hernandez Center, Black Student Cultural Center and Leaders Igniting Transformation
Success Mindset
Thursday, February 15 | Workshop
1-2 p.m. | Bolton 176
Attend a workshop with guest facilitator Desiree Cocroft on how you can build your confidence and stand in your strengths.
For more information contact Lubar Entrepreneurship Center: trammel4@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, Black Student Cultural Center, & Minority Women Entrepreneurs
A Night with Divine Nine Greek Life – CANCELED
Thursday, February 15 | Informational
6:30-8 p.m. | Union Fireside Lounge
Come learn more about Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, learn the history of the organizations, what it means to be a member, how to join, and embrace our incredible Milwaukee National Pan-Hellenic community. All are welcome to learn, have fun, and enjoy light refreshments. Interested in learning more? Reach out to greeklife@uwm.edu.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Sierra Skindzelewski: skindzel@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life
Black History Month Trivia Night
Thursday, February 15 | Trivia
7-8:30 p.m. | Union Gasthaus
Join us for a fun night of Black history trivia in the Gasthaus! Teams can be made up of 2-6 players, and if you don’t have a team, we will gladly help you make some new connections with some fellow Panthers who also want to challenge their trivia knowledge. The top 2 teams will receive UWM Union Gift Cards!
For more information contact Derrick Langston: langsto5@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Black Student Cultural Center and Student Involvement
Black Feminist Symposium
Friday, February 16 | Conference
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lubar Entrepreneurship Center
The annual Black Feminist Symposium aims to present the UWM campus and community with resources, workshops, and engaging discussions that center the theory and practice of Black feminism in an accessible way.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact the Women’s Resource Center: wmncntr@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center, Black Student Cultural Center, Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, ACLU, Women’s and Gender Studies, Sociocultural Programming and UWM Libraries
Claude McKay, from Harlem to Marseille
Monday, February 19 | Film Screening
7-8:30 p.m. | Union Cinema
“A life journey through the 1920s, from Harlem to Marseille, France, via Jamaica, Russia and Morocco, in the footsteps of the Jamaican American writer and Harlem Renaissance rebel, Claude McKay. “
For more information or to request accommodations contact Union Cinema: cinema@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Festival of Films in French and the Union Cinema
Sisters Like Me: Our Beautiful Black Hair
Tuesday, February 20 | Conference
4-6 p.m. | Union Fireside Lounge
Sisters Like Me is an annual program that provides the opportunity for Black women-identified students to share their unique cultural experiences with other members of the community at UWM. Sisters like me invite Black women from the campus and community to facilitate community and bonding. Join us in welcoming our keynote, St. Clair Detrick-Jules, author of My Beautiful Black Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories from the Sisterhood who will also be facilitating workshops on identity and storytelling.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact the Women’s Resource Center: wmncntr@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center, Black Student Cultural Center and Sociocultural Programming
Social Good Morning
Thursday, February 22 | Casual Conversation
10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Lubar Entrepreneurship Center
Social Good Morning is a one-hour intimate discussion with a local social innovator. Interested parties are invited to meet with like-minded people to ask questions, network, and be inspired.
For more information contact Lubar Entrepreneurship Center: trammel4@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, Black Student Cultural Center, & Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization
Race, Justice, Power Undergraduate Conference
Friday, February 23| Conference
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lubar Entrepreneurship Center
Undergraduate students from across UWM’s majors will give creative and research-driven presentations on their experiences and explorations of race and racism.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact the Honors College Equity Team: honors-antiracism@uwm.edu
Sponsored by the Honors College Equity Team and Student Involvement
2nd Annual Black History Month Alumni Mixer
Monday, February 26 | Celebration
5-7 p.m. | Rise & Grind Cafe, 2737 N. Doctor M.L.K. Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Join the UWM Alumni Association and the Black Student Cultural Center for our second annual UWMAA Black History Month Alumni Mixer. Appetizers will be provided by the UWMAA, and beverages will be available for purchase. Please visit give.uwm.edu for registration information.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact the Black Student Cultural Center at pryor@uwm.edu
Sponsored by University Advancement, the UWM Alumni Association and Black Student Cultural Center
Distinguished Lecture Series: An Evening with Jessamyn Stanley
Tuesday, February 27 | Lecture
6-7:30 p.m. | Union Wisconsin Room
Founder of Underbelly Yoga, Jessamyn Stanley is showing the world that yoga and fitness is for everybody. Jessamyn Stanley is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed voice in wellness, known for her insights on 21st-century yoga and intersectional identity. Her yoga platform, Underbelly Yoga, is a place for people who may feel displaced, discouraged, or overlooked due to not seeing themselves reflected in the health and fitness community. She’s known for her inclusive approach to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Stanley is the author of two books, a regular contributor to SELF magazine, hosts the podcast Dear Jessamyn, and has been featured by countless national and international media outlets for her work.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Student Involvement: activities@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Student Involvement, in partnership with UWM Student Health and Wellbeing, the UWM Women’s Resource Center, UWM LGBT Resource Center, University Recreation, and other campus partners
Black History Month Closing Celebration
Thursday, February 29 | Celebration
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Union Concourse
Come celebrate Black History Month with art displays, music and performances in the concourse! We’ll have Ko-Thi Dance Company performing at 1 p.m.!
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Sociocultural Programming: sociocul@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Sociocultural Programming, the Black Student Cultural Center, & Military and Veterans Resource Center
March
African American Film Series: Black Panther Wakanda Forever
Thursday, March 7 | Film Screening and Discussion
6-8 p.m. | Union Cinema
In the wake of T’Challa’s legacy, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” explores the evolution of Wakanda. New characters vie for the throne, blending action with cultural depth in a narrative that expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This sequel offers a compelling exploration of Wakanda’s enduring legacy and the spirit of the Black Panther.
For more information or to request accommodations, contact Sociocultural Programming: sociocul@uwm.edu
Sponsored by Sociocultural Programming and the Union Cinema
Black History Month at UWM is coordinated by a team of campus stakeholders offering a variety of programs that recognize and celebrate the history, culture and contributions of Black people who’ve paved the way for those to come.
Black History Month is observed in February. First was celebrated as Black History Week in 1926. Dr. Woodson G. Carter, a scholar known as the Father of Black History Month, initially chose the birth week of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass before being expanded to a month-long celebration in 1970.
This publication is sponsored by UWM Union Sociocultural Programming.