Black History Month

Join In Shenandoah’s Celebration
of Black History

Black History Month

A Wide Variety of Events Held Throughout February Explore the Richness of Black Life, History, Culture, Accomplishment and More!

2025 Schedule 0f Events

Black Music Mondays

Mondays Feb. 3, 10, 17, & 24 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Brandt Student Center, Lobby

Listen to and learn about music with African and African American roots on Mondays throughout February, courtesy of The Mosaic Center for Diversity. Learn about the origins of your favorite music while you listen! For more information, contact mosaiccenter@su.edu.

Black History Bingo with CAN

Friday, Feb. 7 | 10 p.m.
Brandt Student Center, Food Hall

Play bingo and win prizes featuring items from Black- and African American-owned businesses at undergraduate bingo night on Feb. 7 in the Brandt Food Hall, located in the Brandt Student Center. The event is hosted by the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in partnership with Campus Activities Network (CAN). Bring your friends and join the fun! For more information, contact the Mosaic Center at mosaiccenter@su.edu or CAN at can@su.edu.

She Is The Narrative

Saturday, Feb. 8 | 6:30 p.m.
Glaize Studio Theatre

“She is the Narrative” gives voice to the voiceless through history and present times. Directed by Desirée Dabney ’14 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting), “She is the Narrative” explores historical events, personal experiences and finding your voice when you are voiceless due to the color of your skin. This exploration leads an audience to discover, think and develop actions, celebrate black history together, cry, laugh, reflect, and rejoice. The performance will be followed by a Q&A with the artists. This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by Shenandoah University’s Black History Month committee.

Dabney is a professional actor, singer, director, teacher, and executive director of Theatre Diva Productions in Richmond, Virginia. She serves as assistant professor and head of musical theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University.

A Glimpse into Black History & Musical Context

Friday, Feb. 14 | 10 a.m.
Goodson Chapel-Recital Hall

This lecture-recital features Conservatory students Nicole Stroh and Susanna O’Herron performing works by Black composers spanning from 1895 to present day. From classical to rhythm and jazz, Stroh and O’Herron provide contextual information about the composers and various cultures around the world, challenging attendees to investigate their own interests, question what they know to be familiar, and grow appreciation for more roots in music. For more information, contact Aimee Gee at agee@su.edu.

Douglass Day Transcribe-a-Thon

Friday, Feb. 14 | noon-3 p.m.
Smith Library

Douglass Day is held annually on the chosen birthday of Frederick Douglass and the occasion is marked by celebrating and creating Black history together! Enjoy a cupcake while learning to transcribe historical documents from the African American Perspectives Collection at the Library of Congress. Collectively, we make important moments in Black history more accessible to everyone! For more information, contact Aimee Gee at agee@su.edu.

Frederick Douglass in Five Speeches

Friday, Feb. 14 | 3:30 p.m.
Stimpson Auditorium, Halpin-Harrison Hall

Celebrate Douglass Day by learning about its namesake with this HBO documentary inspired by David Blight’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography. Actors Nicole Beharie, Colman Domingo, Jonathan Majors, Denzel Whitaker, and Jeffrey Wright draw from five of Douglass’ legendary speeches to represent different moments in the tumultuous history of 19th-century America. The film runs 58 minutes, followed by a brief discussion and Q&A. For more information, contact Aimee Gee at agee@su.edu.

Sunday Chapel

Sunday, Feb. 16 | 7 p.m.
Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall

The Office of Spiritual Life hosts a special Black History Month service. A guest speaker will share a reflection, including scripture, music, prayer, fellowship, and communion.

Movie Night

Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 9 p.m.
Goodson Chapel – Recital Hall

Gather your friends for a free movie night! Pizza provided and an optional discussion will follow the screening

National Museum of African American History and Culture Trip

Sunday, Feb. 23 | 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Only 45 seats are available for this trip to Washington, D.C., to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Registration is required for this excursion sponsored by the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, as space is limited. Participants will arrive at the National Museum at approximately 10:30 a.m., explore the museum and the National Mall until approximately 5 p.m., and return to campus by 6:30 p.m. Lunch will not be provided; dining options will be available in and around the National Mall.

Black Student Union Bowling

Thursday, Feb. 27 | 6:30 p.m.
Northside Lanes

The Office of IDE and the Black Student Union have reserved bowling lanes for Shenandoah University students to have fun over a game of bowling. Registration is limited to the first 20 registrants. Meet at Northside Lanes (6 Richards Avenue, Winchester, VA 22601) for this event. Transportation is not provided. Contact us at mosaiccenter@su.edu with questions.

Talent Showcase

Friday, Feb. 28 | 7 p.m.
Hal Herman Lab Theatre, Ruebush Hall

Join the Office of IDE, in partnership with the Black Student Union, Student Government Association, and Shenandoah Conservatory Student Council for an unforgettable evening of spectacular performances. Register to showcase your talent! Students of any major on campus come together and share their talents with one another.