Throughout the month of February, the United States celebrates Black History Month. At NC State, we join in this important celebration now and throughout the year. There are many opportunities to learn more about and honor the rich heritage and tremendous contributions of Black, African and African American people, to our university, our state and our nation.

NC State’s African American Cultural Center is celebrating 30 years in the Witherspoon Student Center this year. The center is focusing events throughout the year on the theme of connection and community building. After so much time apart and in virtual spaces throughout the pandemic, this theme and the accompanying events offer our community opportunities to reconnect, learn and grow together. A few highlights during Black History Month include:

• The Women’s Center and the African American Cultural Center are co-hosting the HERMonies: Black Sounds, Black Voices, Black Movements exhibit, which highlights the important role Black women artists have played in advancing social justice.
• The African American Cultural Center, the Eta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the NC State chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council are sponsoring the March Like Martin event on Feb. 25. The event will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as organizers march from Talley Student Union to Harris Field in front of the Witherspoon Student Center.

These are just a few of the ways you can get engaged in exploring and celebrating Black history. For more events and opportunities, please see this calendar listing, subscribe to the Diversity Digest, and take time to explore all that our four community centers provide to the NC State community.

Without doubt, there remains much to do in the world and here at NC State to achieve true equality for all.