News 2023: Celebrate Black History Month

The UMassD community celebrates Black History Month 2023 through virtual and in-person cultural and educational events

2023 marks the 47th annual observance of Black History Month in the United States. During the celebration of the United States Bicentennial in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” While February is designated as “Black History Month,” the contributions of Americans of African descent in the areas of literature, philosophy, law, science and medicine, politics, music, athletics, visual and performing arts, etc., continue to influence the evolution and development of our society all year long.

UMass Dartmouth’s Black History 4 Seasons Council, in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, the Frederick Douglass Unity House, and other University and community partners, have organized virtual, on-campus, and community events to celebrate Black History Month. We invite all members of the UMass Dartmouth family and the public to join in the festivities as we celebrate Black History Month as a University community.

Winter Welcome Open House
Thursday, February 2, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Frederick Douglass Unity House
Contact: Donna Moore
Sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Unity House

Underground Railroad: New Bedford’s Most Powerful Protest
Hear the stories of six of New Bedford’s agitators from the City’s Abolitionist and Anti-Slavery history. 
Thursday, February 9, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Visitor Center at 33 William St, New Bedford
Contact: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Sponsored by the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park & BH4S

56th Annual Share the Dream Banquet 
Celebrating past and present College Now students
Saturday, February 11 at 4 p.m.
The Marketplace, UMass Dartmouth
Tickets must be purchased to attend.
Contact: Craig Elkins
Sponsored by College Now, the Chancellor’s Office, and the UMassD Alumni Association

The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass in New Bedford
A conversation between Abby Almy, one of New Bedford’s 1850s Ladies, and Frederick Douglass
Saturday, February 18 at 2 p.m.
Virtual – Register here.
Contact: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park
Sponsored by the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park & BH4S

A Celebration in Music and Dance
Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m. 
First Unitarian Church, 71 Eighth Street, New Bedford
Contact: Marjorie Waite
Sponsored by Bethel 200 Concert Committee & BH4S

Frederick Douglass Unity House 34th Annual National African American Read-In
Join the UMass Dartmouth in reading or listening to your favorite African American authors, poets, and spoken word artists.
Thursday, February 23, from 12 to 3  p.m.
Contact: Donna Moore
Sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Unity House & BH4S

Black Entrepreneurship Then and Now
Join us as we highlight 21st-century Black Entrepreneurship in New Bedford
Saturday, February 25, from 2 to 3:15 p.m.
Corson Maritime Theater, 33 William Street, New Bedford
Contact: Samia Walker
Sponsored by the Entrepreneurship for All, Southcoast

For a complete list of events, visit the Black History 4 Seasons website.