February is Black History Month, and the University of Delaware community will host a series of events, lectures, book giveaways, exhibitions and more to celebrate the critical contributions and activism of Black Americans.

Attend the annual Black History Month dinner.

What: UD’s Biden Institute and Center for Black Culture will host a dinner with a keynote from Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania State Representative and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.

When: Thursday, Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Trabant University Center Multipurpose Rooms.

Know this: This Black History Month celebration was created to give students an opportunity to engage with prominent Black leaders representing career fields including law, politics, business, healthcare and more. Following the opening remarks, students will have the opportunity to join smaller table discussions with leaders in a variety of interest areas.

More info: Register online.

Learn about Black food and storytelling.

What: Join SDI for Black Diasporic Food and Storytelling as a Form of Social Activism, a night of Jeopardy, free food and great conversation. Explore the resilience of the Black diaspora through the historical and cultural significance of food.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Perkins West Lounge.

Know this: RSVP on SDI’s StUDent Central Page. 

More info: Follow SDI on Instagram for more information.

Participate in a book giveaway.

What: In celebration of Black History Month, Student Diversity and Inclusion will give away Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry and The Deep by Rivers Solomon. These books invite readers to reflect on how history and memories are essential to understanding identity and the meaning of heritage.

When: All month.

More info: Participate in the Black History Month book giveaway online or visit the physical entry location at the Center for Intercultural Engagement (Perkins 261).

Exchange hair products.

What: Student Diversity and Inclusion invites students, faculty and staff to participate in a community hair exchange. Bring any hair products in good condition that didn’t work for your hair, and try a new product that didn’t work for someone else.

When: Feb. 2-17.

Where: Center for Intercultural Engagement (Perkins 261).

Know this: PS It’s Natural will be coming to give out free samples of its hair products early in the month. Keep an eye on SDI’s Student Central Page and SDI’s Instagram for more information.

Explore an exhibition.

What: Lifting As We Climb: Churches, Schools and the Formation of Delaware's Free Black Communities, an exhibition that draws from UD’s Special Collections to chronicle the resilience of Black communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Against a backdrop of limited rights and opportunities for Black Americans, this exhibition examines how churches and schools fueled the formation and development of Delaware’s free Black communities in the years leading up to and following the American Civil War.  

When: Feb. 2-Aug. 7, during Morris Library’s regular hours.

Where: Morris Library Information Room.

Know this: The exhibition is free and open to the public.

More info: More information can be found on the events calendar.

Attend an event with the Center for Black Culture.

What: Stay tuned for a CBC and SDI collab — Let’s Talk Community Care.

When: Thursday, Feb. 26.

Where: Trabant University Center Multipurpose Rooms.

More info: Keep an eye on SDI’s StUDent Central page for more information.