Heritage Programming

FIU Centers for Student Engagement Black History Month banner image

Florida International University commemorates Black History Month (BHM) by recognizing the distinctive contributions and vibrant histories of people of African descent, with the aim of celebrating and enriching the Black cultural aesthetic through events, discussions, and cuisine. To mark BHM, the Centers for Student Engagement, in collaboration with campus departments and student organizations, organize a variety of events throughout February to honor the diverse traditions of the African Diaspora through programming, exhibits, and celebrations.

Click the dropdown menu below to view the full schedule of events.

Heritage & Awareness Months

  • Black History Month

    Black History Month Events

     

    Monday, February 3rd

    BSU Fashion Show
    Doors open at 6:30 p.m. | GC Ballrooms

    Come be part of an exciting event that celebrates creativity, style, and culture, featuring stunning designs and vibrant themes. Watch as talented individuals showcase their work, with models bringing unique creations to life for an unforgettable experience.

    For more information: Black Student Union, bsu@fiu.edu

    Tuesday, February 4th

    BHM Kick-Off Block Party
    4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | GC First Floor

    Check out all the FIU resources available, as well as Black owned businesses selling a variety of products: books, clothing, shoes, skincare, hair products, and more. Enjoy live performances and compete in interactive games.

    For more information: Chery Pratas, cpratas@fiu.edu

    Wednesday, February 5th

    No Diddy: Money, Power, Sex
    1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | WUC 255 & Zoom

    Join us for an engaging Man Cave Discussion that explores current events and high-profile scandals involving public figures like P. Diddy, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and Matt Lauer. We’ll dive into the complexities of these controversies, analyzing the common themes to provide a deeper understanding of the issues at play.

    For more information: Jeff McNamee, mcnameej@fiu.edu

    Thursday, February 6th

    Coffee Hour "Global Diasporas & Dual Identities: Navigating Cultural Expectations in a New Land"
    12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Virtual

    In collaboration with the African Students Association, African and African American Diaspora Studies Graduate Association, and African Graduate Students. Join us as we will explore the challenges of living between cultures, the intersection of African and African American experiences in the U.S., and strategies for maintaining cultural identity while adapting to new societal norms.

    For more information: Chery Pratas, cpratas@fiu.edu

    Thursday, February 6th

    NSBE Black History Month Panel

    5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | GC 355

    Join us as Black graduates share their journeys in the engineering and tech industries, offering insights into their career paths, challenges, and success strategies. The panel will be followed by a dinner, providing an opportunity to network and engage in meaningful conversations—don't miss this inspiring and empowering evening!

    For more information: NSBE, Nsbe@fiu.edu

    Friday, February 7th

    BSU Homecoming

    7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | MMC

    Join us for a celebration of Black pride, unity, and creativity at BSU's outdoor Homecoming event. Alumni, students, and the community will unite to connect, honor our culture, heritage, and legacy, all in a joyful, family reunion-style tribute.

    For more information: Black Student Union, bsu@fiu.edu

    Saturday, February 8th

    A Community Film Screening of Counted Out
    12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Black Archives Lyric Theater

    The Bob Moses Research Center proudly announces the Miami premiere of the groundbreaking documentary Counted Out, which addresses the critical issue of math literacy; features stories from MDCPS students; explores the vital role of math in shaping opportunities; seeks community action; and honors the Civil Rights and Math literacy of Bob Moses. Register at: CountedOut.eventbrite.com

    For more information: Joan Wynne, Ph.D., wynnej@fiu.edu

    Monday, February 10th

    What is Love?
    7:00 p.m. | GC 140

    Join us for an inspiring conversation focused on love. We’ll dive into the depths of God’s love, discuss how our faith encourages us to love one another wholeheartedly, and reflect on how we can uphold our moral integrity.

    For more information: Rev. Paola Lemus Bustillos, Paola@unitedwesley.org

    Tuesday, February 11th

    BSU Mind Body and Soul Food

    6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | BBC Bayview Club Room

    Join us for an engaging forum exploring the impact of food on Black people's upbringing, in collaboration with Black Women in Law. We’ll dive into how certain foods are integral to our culture, uncovering regional variations and the special events tied to them, all while enjoying interactive conversations, games, and delicious soul food.

    For more information: Black Student Union, bsu@fiu.edu

    Thursday, February 13th

    Mastering AI Assignments

    5:00 p.m. | go.fiu.edu/TeachWithAI

    Join the Black Faculty Association for an informative webinar aimed at equipping faculty with the tools to effectively integrate AI into the classroom. This workshop will focus on using ChatGPT to enhance course preparation and delivery, helping you stay ahead and become the educator your students need in the age of AI.

    For more information: Maria Reid, Ph.D., mreid@fiu.edu

    Thursday, February 13th

    BSU Culture Fest
    6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | BBC Panther Plaza

    Immerse yourself in the vibrant fusion of African Diaspora cultures at Culture Fest! Enjoy lively energy, mouthwatering food, and an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community.

    For more information: Black Student Union, bsu@fiu.edu

    Monday, February 17th

     

    Trending Topics: State of Black America
    4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | SIPA II 102

    The Women’s Center, in partnership with the Black Staff Association and Black Faculty Association, presents a panel discussion on the intersections of race, politics, and popular culture. The event, Trending Topics, will address current issues affecting the Black Diasporic community, offering insightful discussions and educational resources for further exploration.

    For more information: Brittany Davis, bridavis@fiu.edu

    Monday, February 17th

    Golden Occasion
    7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | GC Ballrooms

    The Tau Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated is hosting a banquet aimed at raising funds and increasing awareness about cancer, its impact on the community, and prevention efforts. The event will include a catered meal, along with various entertainment, as the organization works to reach its fundraising goal.

    For more information: Tashaun Williams, takwilli@fiu.edu

    Tuesday, February 18th

    BSU Melanin Market

    10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | BBC Panther Square

    Celebrate Black excellence and entrepreneurship at this event showcasing Black-owned businesses at BBC. Explore a diverse range of fashion, beauty, art, food, and more, all while supporting creativity, fostering connections, and empowering the community.

    For more information: Black Student Union, bsu@fiu.edu

    Tuesday, February 18th

    A Litany For Survival: Public Reading

    1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Glenn Hubert Library, Front

    Come celebrate the shared birthday of two iconic literary giants: Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison! Bring your favorite works by these authors to share, and enjoy readings (2-3 minutes each). Books by Lorde and Morrison will be available for use during the event and can be borrowed through FIU Libraries.).

    For more information: Shelby Powell, shpowell@fiu.edu

    Tuesday, February 18th

    Resilient Rhythms Symposium
    4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | GC 150

    Join CSE, in collaboration with the Global Indigenous Forum, Pride Student Union, African & African American Diaspora Studies, and the Center for Women & Gender Studies, for the inaugural BHM Symposium. The event will feature two panel discussions—an Afro-Indigenous panel and a Black & Queer panel—exploring resilience, creativity, and empowerment, followed by a keynote address from Kali Reis, an Emmy-nominated actress, boxer, and advocate, who will share her inspiring journey. The symposium will conclude with an exclusive, invite-only VIP experience with Kali Reis.

    For more information: Chery Pratas, cpratas@fiu.edu

    Wednesday, February 19th

    A Litany For Survival: Public Reading
    12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Green Library, GL220

    Come celebrate the shared birthday of two iconic literary giants: Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison! Bring your favorite works by these authors to share, and enjoy readings (2-3 minutes each). Books by Lorde and Morrison will be available for use during the event and can be borrowed through FIU Libraries.

    For more information: Adriana Harris, adharris@fiu.edu 

    Wednesday, February 19th

    Man Cave: "Africa to the Americas: Links that can’t be broken"
    1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | GC 305

    Join the Men's Engagement Center as we explore the ideas, inventions, and influential figures brought to the Americas from Africa. This program aims to educate students on our historical, technological, and literary connections to the African continent, offering a meaningful way to celebrate Black History Month by reconnecting with the roots of our shared heritage.

    For more information: Jeff McNamee, mcnameej@fiu.edu

    Wednesday, February 19th

    Savor the Soul: Echoes of the Past, Voices of the Future
    4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | GC Pit & GC 100

    Join SGA for an event celebrating Black history, heritage, and talent through the elegance of jazz, the creativity of art, and the richness of cuisine. This event highlights our community’s resilience, passion, and excellence, while also honoring the pain, struggles, and triumphs of our people.

    For more information: Martavius Lyons: mlyon018@fiu.edu

    Wednesday, February 19th

    The Collective: Women in Hip Hop
    6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | GC 305

    The Collective will lead a discussion on the rising presence of women in hip-hop and how they are reclaiming their voices and sexual representation in the industry. This conversation will explore the evolution of women in hip-hop over the past few decades and the shifts that have occurred.

    For more information: Brittany Davis, bridavis@fiu.edu

    Thursday, February 20th

    AADS Spring Mixer: Freedom Routes
    12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Labor Center Conference Room 309

    This interactive mixer provides a unique space for students, faculty, and staff to come together, share stories, and engage in meaningful conversations about Black history and culture. Featuring faculty speakers and student presentations, attendees will learn about key moments and figures in the Black freedom struggle while connecting with peers, celebrating heritage, fostering dialogue, and exploring the routes to freedom that continue to inspire change today.

    For more information: Kathleen Applyrs, kapplyrs@fiu.edu

    Thursday, February 20th

    BSU Open Mic Night
    6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | GC Ballrooms

    Join us for a jazz-themed, lounge-style event celebrating the talents of Black FIU students. The evening will feature a variety of performances, including poetry, songs, dance, and acting, followed by an Indy desk concert-style karaoke session with a live band, along with small appetizers served throughout the event.

    For more information: Black Student Union, bsu@fiu.edu

  • Women's History Month

    Observed annually in March. A list of related programming and events will be available here when the observance begins. 

  • Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

    Observed annually in May. A list of related programming and events will be available here when the observance begins. 

  • Pride Month

    Observed annually in June. A list of related programming and events will be available here when the observance begins.

  • Caribbean American Heritage Month

    Observed annually in June. A list of related programming and events will be available here when the observance begins.

  • Hispanic Heritage Month

    Observed annually from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. A list of related programming and events will be available here when the observance begins.

  • Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month

    Observed annually in November. A list of related programming and events will be available here when the observance begins.