News 2024: Celebrate Black History Month with UMass Dartmouth

The campus community celebrates Black History Month 2024 through in-person cultural and educational events

2024 marks the 48th 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 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.

Frederick Douglass Community Read-a-Thon

This event honors Frederick Douglass, a one-time New Bedford resident and an early advocate for African American civil rights and the human rights of women and Native peoples. All are welcome.

• Sunday, February 4
• 2 to 6 p.m.
• First Unitarian Church, 71 8th Street, New Bedford
• Contact:  New Bedford Historical Society at 508-979-8828
• Sponsored by the New Bedford Historical Society

AHA! Night Jazz Jam with Manny Escobar

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center invites musicians and music lovers for a jam session led by sax player and music educator Emmanuel “Manny” Escobar. Admission is free.

• Thursday, February 8
• 6 to 7 p.m.
• Co-Creative Center, 137 Union Street, New Bedford
• Contact: Co-Creative Center Box Office at 508-994-2900
• Sponsored by Mass Cultural Council

2024 Black History Month Programming: Eden Soares

Meet Eden Soares, artist, illustrator, muralist & graphic designer, whose colorful and captivating murals and works of art capture the history and culture of New Bedford.

• Saturday, February 10
• 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, 33 William Street, New Bedford
• Contact: Rufai Shardow at 508-996-4095
• Sponsored by New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

57th Annual Share the Dream Banquet

Celebrating past and present College Now students

• Saturday, February 10
• 4 p.m. Social Hour
• 5 p.m. Dinner
• Marketplace at UMass Dartmouth
• Contact: Craig Elkins (508-999-8747)
• Sponsored by College Now, the Chancellor’s Office, and the UMassD Alumni Association

The 1850 Ladies

Join the 1850 Ladies, aka Ruth and Abby, as they explore both Boston and New Bedford anti-slavery societies and how they used crafting to raise money to support abolitionist causes. Admission is free.

• Saturday, February 17
• 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, 33 William Street, New Bedford
• Contact: Denise Delucia at 508-996-4095
• Sponsored by New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

2024 Black History Month Show

Celebrating UMass Dartmouth students

• Saturday, February 17
• 5:30 p.m.
• UMass Dartmouth Campus Auditorium
• Contact: Donna Moore (508-999-9222)

Frederick Douglass Unity House 35th Annual National African American Read-In

Join the UMass Dartmouth community in reading or listening to your favorite African American authors, poets, and spoken word artists.

• Thursday, February 22
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• LARTS Atrium
• Contact: Donna Moore (508-999-9222)
• Sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Unity House, BH4S, and the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement
  

For a complete list of events, visit the Black History 4 Seasons website. Please contact Black History 4 Seasons Council co-chairs Peggy Dias or David Gomes with questions or concerns.