Black History Month

Black History Month at Oberlin, recognized since 1967, has helped to foster greater awareness of the history, politics, culture, and economics of the African diaspora. Our annual celebration features prominent civic and political leaders, scholars, and musicians of African descent, as well as events in arts, literature, and performance aesthetics that make our observance more enriching. The theme of Oberlin’s 2021 Black History Month celebration is “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black”. Our theme is inspired by the Nina Simone song of the same name, which was an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement and written in memory of playwright and writer Lorraine Hansberry.

Noted scholar Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926, now known as Black History Month. His extensive research on black life and culture continues today through the organization he founded: the Association for the Study of African American Life and History or ASALH.

See full event schedule