William Sturkey, associate professor in the History Department, and Danita Mason-Hogans, civil rights activist and historian, will discuss the history of race and memory at UNC-Chapel Hill from 1789 to the present, exploring the basic elements of Chapel Hill’s racial history and explaining why the study of that history remains so fraught with controversy.
2 p.m.
Hyde Hall, University Room
Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States as far back as 1926 when American historian Carter G. Woodson established the commemoration to honor the contributions made to our nation by people of African descent. The second week of February was chosen for this commemoration to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. As part of the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, the weeklong celebration was expanded to a month. Ever since U.S. presidents have proclaimed February as National African American History Month.
Numerous events are held across campus (both virtually and in person) at UNC-Chapel Hill during Black History Month in recognition of the historical background that has shaped the contributions of African Americans to our country. These include panel discussions, lectures, discussions, and more.