Jya Marshall, Staff 

In an era of glitter rose bouquets and Valentine’s Day baskets for your partner, it can be easy to forget what February is truly about – Black History Month.  

What was once originated as Negro History Week, the month-long celebration gained extended recognition in 1976 by U.S. president Gerald Ford, to “honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, Black History Month continues to commemorate the historic pioneers of the past, but also acknowledges the current resilient activists, contributors and notable figures leading the advancement of African Americans.   

The African American Student League (AASL), along with other collaborating organizations, aims to actively carry on the celebratory legacy here at La Salle through a plethora of events, spirit week activities and educational programs for all students and administration to get involved in and enjoy. Some events include interactive panel discussions, arts and crafts, trivia games, art shows, student performances, tasty treats, savory eats and more. To keep track of all upcoming events, refer to the Black History Month calendar for all important dates.  

Yet, if you are looking to continue the celebration beyond West Olney Avenue, the city of Philadelphia has Black history woven within its infrastructure and therefore, many opportunities to commemorate the trailblazers of the past. Click here for a guide to Black History Month in Philadelphia. There are also ways to celebrate Black History Month even in the comfort of your own home which include: supporting Black businesses and entrepreneurs, read(ing) Black authors, watch ) a Black film or documentary, donate to a Historically Black University or charitable organization, explore podcasts by Black artists, explore music by Black artists and educate yourself on Black history and culture.  

Black History Month grants an opportunity for all  to admire and highlight the significant contributions of Black Americans undeterred by systemic racial oppression and discrimination. I urge my fellow peers and the La Salle administration to join the African American Student League in celebrating Black History Month and attain “the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all of us.” 

 Read on for a brief outline of some of the great events to come at La Salle:  

Thursday, February 1st: African American Student League General Body Meeting  

Location: Dunleavy (3rd Floor of Union Building) 

Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 

Event Details: The African American Student League will be kicking off Black History Month on Thursday, February 1st at their General Body Meeting. Get a glimpse of what Black History Month is all about by joining them for some sweet treats and an informative overview of upcoming events and how to get involved.  

Monday, February 5th: Black History Month Reception  

Location: La Salle University Art Museum (Lower Level of Hayman Hall) 

Time: 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. 

Event Details: Interested in the arts? Galleries within the La Salle University Art Museum will feature 14 works from the permanent collection by African American artists, highlighting the impact of major Black artistic movements. Enjoy snacks, drinks and discussions to learn more about these amazing artists!  

Tuesday, February 6th: Unapologetically Black Education: Strategies for Dismantling Systems of Domination  

Location: Dan Rodden Theatre in the Union Building 

Time: 5  p.m. – 6:30pm 

Event Details: Gain unique perspectives on promoting an unapologetically Black educational experience that empowers and liberates, contributing to a vision of equity and justice in education by attending this panel discussion on Tuesday, February 6th. This event will explore transformative insights from a diverse panel including scholar, Dr. Christopher Rogers, high school educator, Hannah Gann, elementary educator, Tia James, and parent activist, Martiza Guridy, as they collectively share strategies to challenge and dismantle systems of domination within the education system.  

February 12th – 16th: Black History Month Spirit Week  

Monday, February 12th: 50 Years of Hip-Hop – Dress as your favorite Hip Hop artist/group 

Tuesday, February 13th: Sunday’s Best Dressed – Dress like your church-going relatives 

Wednesday, February 14th: Black Love – Dress in red or pink to celebrate Valentine’s Day 

Thursday, February 15th: My Hair is My Crown: Embrace your natural hair 

Friday, February 16th: Black Students Matter: Dress in all black or your African American Student League Shirt 

Monday, February 12th: Paint & Sip 

Location: Compass Club (2nd Floor of Union) 

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  

Event Details: Come reset, refocus and recenter with the African American Student League. Enjoy painting canvases, mocktails and karaoke! 

Tuesday, February 13th:  Black History Month Trivia & Games 

Location: Union 

Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm 

Event Details: Think you are an expert? Come test your Black history knowledge on Tuesday, February 13th from 12:30pm to 2:00pm in the Union and win prizes and treats!  

Thursday, February 15th: Ted Talk – Black Love Edition 

Location: Dan Rodden Theater 

Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm 

Event Details: Attend this Ted Talk discussion led by the Black Excellence Group and the African American Student League. Bring all your questions, shareable experiences, knowledge and the tea on Black love.  

Sunday, February 18th: Soul Food Sunday 

Location: Dunleavy (Third Floor of Union) 

Time: 4:00pm – 8:00pm 

Event Details: Black History Month would not be complete without an event catered to our palates. Join the African American Student League on Sunday, February 18th for a soul food dinner and games!  

Wednesday February 21st: Book Discussion of Black Liberation Through Action and Resistance: MOVE 

Location: Music Room 

Time: 3:30pm 

Event Details: Dr. Frederick V. Engram, an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, will be coming to La Salle to discuss his first book, Black Liberation Through Action and Resistance: MOVE. Attend this event and learn about ways that racism impacts African Americans in both systems of higher education and the criminal justice system.  

Thursday, February 22nd: Family Feud 

Location: Dan Rodden Theatre 

Time: 6:00pm 

Event Details: Survey says…You do not want to miss this event! Hosted by On The Quad, this event encourages student organizations to join this event as a team, however all students are welcomed to attend as audience members or participate in the popular  

Tuesday, February 26th: Black Town Hall  

Event Details: Want your voice heard? Attend the Black Town Hall on Tuesday, February 26th and engage in a discussion with special guest speakers, La Salle University President Dr. Dan Allen and Vice President of Student Development & Campus Life, Dr. Gaby St. Leger, about the Black experience in many areas. More details about this event will be released soon. 

Thursday, February 29th: Black Showcase 

Location: Dan Rodden Theatre 

Time: 6:00pm 

Event Details: On February 29th, the African American Students League will be elevating the stage with a celebration of Black excellence at the Black Showcase. Join us for an evening of student performances and refreshments.