Black History 2026: Roots. Triumph. Resistance.
In alignment with our mission to foster a supportive environment for all students, the UIS Diversity Center values and encourages individuals of all backgrounds and identities to engage with our programs and initiatives.
Black History Month Events
For additional details about the month please visit our UIS Connections Page.
Monday, February 2 | 6:00–7:00 PM
BHM Opening: Candle Light Vigil
Hosted by Diversity Centers
Location: Union North Ballroom
Kick off Black History Month with an evening celebration honoring Black culture, history, and excellence through various art forms and community reflection. During our annual vigil, we hope to create space for connection, healing, and collective care. This opening ceremony sets the tone for a month of education, empowerment, and unity on campus! For questions or any specific accommodations, please contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333. *Open to all UIS students only
Tuesday, February 3 | 6:00–7:20 PM
Celebrate & Create
Hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Diversity Centers
Location: Student Life Center
Join the Women of Color Initiative and the Alpha Phi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. For an extraordinary eventful evening of cultural influence appreciation through choice of Karaoke, Arts and Craft in honor of Black History Month. There will be prices and other treats.
Wednesday, February 4 | 3:00–5:00 PM
LGBTea Movie Night
Hosted by Gender & Sexuality Student Services
Location: Diversity Centers Lounge (SLB 22)
Join us for our LGBTea social gatherings in the Diversity Center (SLB 22 - Legacy Campus) on Wednesday, February 4 2026 at 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. to watch a Short Film surrounding queer black identities. LGBTea offers a comfortable, accepting, and non-judgmental social atmosphere for students with marginalized gender and/or sexual identities and allied peers. Students hang out, watch movies, make plans for the weekend, and discuss. We will have light snacks and refreshments! For questions or any specific accommodations, please contact us at gss@uis.edu or 217-206-8316. *Open to all UIS students only
Wednesday, February 4 | 12:00–2:00 PM
Pie a BMCS Member
Hosted by Black Male Collegiate Society
Location: Student Union North Entrance
Ever wanted to pie a BMCS member? Now’s your chance. Stop by between classes for some laughs, photos, and a fun midweek break while supporting BMCS.
Thursday, February 5 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Karaoke Society
Hosted by Black Male Collegiate Society
Location: Student Union Sports Grill
Whether you can sing or not, grab the mic and have fun. Karaoke Society is all about confidence, energy, and letting loose with the BMCS family.
Friday, February 6 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Purge Night
Hosted by Black Male Collegiate Society
Location: UHB
End the week with high-energy games, challenges, and competition in a late-night BMCS-style Purge. Come ready to move, compete, and have fun.
Saturday, February 7 | 5:00–8:00 PM
PHAM Fashion Show
Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. & Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Location: Student Union Ballroom
Celebrate Black History Month in style at the PHam Fashion Show, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.! This exciting event will showcase the creativity, culture, and influence of Black fashion through dynamic designs of various local designers and a celebration of Black excellence. Join us for an unforgettable evening of fashion and empowerment as we honor the legacy and artistry of Black culture. Don't miss it
Sunday, February 8 | 12:00–2:00 PM
BMCS Induction Ceremony
Hosted by Black Male Collegiate Society
Location: Student Union Ballroom
Join us as we officially welcome our newest members into BMCS. This induction celebrates growth, commitment, and the start of a new chapter with the BMCS family.
Monday, February 9 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Buzzword Battle: Trivia Night
Hosted by Black Women of Excellence & Esteem (Honeybeez)
Location: LRH Greatroom
Get ready to put your brain to the test, honeybeez! Join us for a fun, fast-paced night of trivia, and friendly competition. From clever clues to surprise categories, you never know what buzz-worthy questions you’ll face! Bring your A-Game. Win prizes. Enjoy good vibes with the Honeybeez.
Monday, February 9 | 2:00–9:00 PM
Roots to Roux to Rhythm: Black Storytelling through Cuisine & Music
Hosted by Diversity Centers
Location: U of I Campus
Roots to Roux to Rhythm: Black Storytelling through Cuisine & Music is a tri-campus event hosted by UIUC, UIS, and UIC. This celebration explores the power of food and music in connecting traditions, politics, and social justice across the African diaspora. Enjoy a catered dinner and a fireside chat with Chef Anderson and Prof. Smith, followed by a live performance from alumna Yanna Cello blending classical and trap influences. Engage in meaningful conversations about culture, identity, and coalition building while connecting with peers from across the University of Illinois System. Space is limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and celebrate together. Sign up today on UIS Connection to secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable experience! For questions or any specific accommodations, please contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333.
*Open to all UIS students only
Tuesday, February 10 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Bible and Bows
Hosted by Black Women of Excellence & Esteem (Honeybeez)
Location: TBD
Take a moment to connect with the Honeybeez to connect as a community around spirituality and culture.
February 10 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Revolution in Verse: Celebrating Audre Lorde
Hosted by Women’s Center & Queer Student Alliance Program
Location: Diversity Center Lounge (SLB 22)
Join us as we celebrate the life and impact of Audre Lorde, a queer Black poet and activist whose words sparked truth, courage, and change. This event will highlight her fight for justice, her powerful voice in confronting racism and homophobia, and the legacy she left for future generations. Come learn, connect, and be inspired by the strength and vision she carried throughout her work.
Wednesday, February 11 | 5:30–7:15 PM
Black Women in STEM: Lip Gloss Lab
Hosted by Black Women of Excellence & Esteem (Honeybeez)
Location: Student Union Ballroom
Black Women in STEM: Lipgloss Lab is an empowering, hands-on workshop designed to highlight the brilliance, creativity, and innovation of Black women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This event blends beauty with STEM by guiding participants through the science behind cosmetic creation—specifically, crafting their very own custom lip gloss. Through interactive instruction, attendees will explore key STEM principles such as chemistry, formulation, product testing, and design. While mixing pigments, oils, and shimmers, participants gain real-world insight into the cosmetic science industry and the many STEM pathways that shape it.
Thursday, February 12 | 5:15–6:30 PM
Bee Gentle: Mental Health Night
Hosted by Black Women of Excellence & Esteem (Honeybeez)
Location: Student Union South Ballroom
Come out and have a good time and release stress with the Honeybees.
Friday, February 13 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Bee Heard: Black Voices Spoken Word Night
Hosted by Black Women of Excellence & Esteem (Honeybeez)
Location: Student Union South Ballroom
Bee Heard is a spoken word night dedicated to uplifting and honoring Black voices (Real stories, performance, and a space for creativity and connection.)
Monday, February 16 | TBD
Cuffing Season
Hosted by Black Student Union
Location: Student Life Center
As a part of BSU week this event will inform and give advice about sex, relationships, and everything in between.
Tuesday, February 17 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Family Feud with BSU
Hosted by Black Student Union, Delta Sigma Theta, Diversity Centers,
Location: Student Union Sports Grill
Get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition! The Black Student Union is bringing the classic game show Family Feud to campus on February 17th. Gather your friends, form a team, or be placed on one when you arrive. Put your quick thinking to the test as you battle it out to see who can guess the most popular answers. Whether you’re playing or cheering from the audience, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Come out, show your support, and let’s see who will be crowned the BSU Family Feud champions!
Wednesday, February 18 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Black History Engagement Tabling: Trivia, Games, & Prizes
Hosted by Black Student Union & Student Activities Committee
Location: Student Union North Entrance Table
We’ll be hosting mini-interviews for the upcoming Black Hair Show, sharing promo for the rest of BSU Week, including our Service Project and the Ebony Ball, and playing Black History trivia along with other fun games. Stop by, participate, and win some great prizes while connecting with the BSU community!
Wednesday, February 18 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
My Hair, My Excellence
Hosted by Student Activities Committee
Location: Student Union Ballroom
Celebrate Black beauty, culture, and creativity with the Student Activities Committee at My Hair, My Excellence, an interactive Black hair showcase honoring the artistry, history, and excellence found in every strand. This event will feature live hair exhibitions, engaging games and activities, and powerful performances, including spoken word. Through storytelling, movement, and creative expression, we uplift the cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression, confidence, and community. Come experience the magic, the movement, and the meaning behind every curl, coil, and crown. Join us in affirming that our hair is not just style, but excellence.
Thursday, February 19 | TBD
POCI Movie Night
Hosted by Diversity Center
Location: TBD
A film screening centering People of Color narratives, followed by discussion and reflection.
Friday, February 20 | 7:00–10:00 PM
Ebony Ball
Hosted by Black Student Union
Location: Student Union Central Ballroom
Come out and help us celebrate our annual Ebony Ball. This year we will be celebrating the 13th year of BSU hosting this event. Ebony Ball is to celebrate Black excellence, Black culture, and Black History through a dance/ball. We invite all to come and celebrate this month with us.
Saturday, February 21 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Black and Latinx Summit
Hosted by Diversity Center and Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Location: U of I campus
This is a conference opportunity hosted on the U of I campus. We will provide transportation for students to attend. Sign up today on UIS Connection to secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable experience! For questions or any specific accommodations, please contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333. *Open to all UIS students only
Sunday, February 22 | TBD
Line Dance Workshop
Hosted by Black Student Union, Starettes Majorette Dance Team
Location: Student Union North Ballroom
Join the Starettes and the Black Student Union for an energizing, Black Line Dance Workshop! This collaborative event celebrates Black culture, rhythm, and movement through the joy of line dancing. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the floor for the first time, this workshop is open to all skill levels. Come learn popular line dances rooted in Black tradition, connect with new people, and enjoy a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Expect good music, great vibes, and a chance to move, laugh, and build community. Get ready to step, slide, and groove—Starettes and BSU style! Make sure to follow the Starettes and BSU on Instagram for the livestream for all of those who cant be there in person !!
Tuesday, February 24 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Reflections of Resistance
Hosted by Art Student League, BSU, Diversity Center, GSSS, POCI, Sociology /Anthropology Department, Sociology Club, Student Union, Visual Arts Department, and Women’s Center
Location: Student Union Full Ballroom
Join us for our second annual Reflections of Resistance event; A Multi medium art event for Black History Month 2026. A reception as well as a viewing from 5pm-8pm on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 in the Student Union Ballroom. In collaboration with the UIS Art Student League, Black Student Union, Diversity Center, Sociology/Anthropology Department, Student Union, Visual Arts Department, POCI, and Women’s Center; Reflections of Resistance: A Celebration of Culture and Creation will feature works from students, staff, and faculty. Refreshments and food will be provided. *Open to the entire UIS community* For questions or accommodations, please contact us at gss@uis.edu or 217-206-8316.
Wednesday, February 25 | TBD
Roots of Resilience: Crafting our Strength
Hosted by Gender and Sexuality Student Services
Location: Diversity Center (SLB 22)
Join us for our LGBTea social gathering by GSSS and the Women's Center in the Diversity Center Lounge (SLB 22 - Legacy Campus). We will be crafting trees while talking about resilience, building roots in strength, and creating joy. LGBTea offers a comfortable, accepting, and non-judgmental social atmosphere for students with marginalized gender and/or sexual identities and allied peers. Students hang out, watch movies, listen to music, make plans for the weekend, and play games (Just to name a few!). We will have light snacks and refreshments! For questions or any specific accommodations, please contact us at gss@uis.edu or 217-206-8316. *Open to all UIS students only
Thursday, February 26 | TBD
Project Alpha
Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Location: Diversity Center
Sexual awareness for young men and women promoting safe sex and aids awareness
Friday, February 27 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Star Jam
Hosted by Starettes Majorette Dance Team
Location: Student Life Center
A high-energy dance showcase celebrating Black culture, rhythm, and performance.
Saturday, February 28 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Black History Month Closing Program
Hosted by Student Activities Committee & Diversity Center
Location: Student Life Center
Join the Student Activities Committee as we honor the culmination of Black History Month with an evening of celebration, reflection, and community pride. This closing event will feature a live performance showcasing Black artistic excellence, followed by a collective reflection on the impact, challenges, and triumphs highlighted throughout the month. Guests will also enjoy a special photo and video recap capturing the powerful moments, programs, and voices that shaped this year’s BHM experience. This gathering is not only a celebration, it’s an affirmation of the continued legacy, creativity, and resilience of the Black community on our campus. Come commemorate the month with us, uplift one another, and carry the energy forward into the rest of the year. For questions or any specific accommodations, please contact us at diversity@uis.edu or 217-206-6333. *Open to all UIS students only