Rice University will celebrate Black History Month with a series of more than 30 events, starting Jan. 31 and lasting into March. Themed African Americans and Labor, this month’s programming includes a series of discussions, film showings, fellowship opportunities and special festivities highlighting the richness of Black culture. The events also provide individuals outside the African American community a glimpse into the daily lives of Black Americans to appreciate the broader spectrum of contributions and experiences.
Black History Month is an annual celebration in February recognizing the involvement and achievements of African Americans throughout the country’s history. The month provides an opportunity to highlight the Black community’s struggles, triumphs and cultural impact, fostering a deeper understanding of the African American experience.
“As I step into my second year leading Rice’s Black History Month committee, I’m thrilled to bring the same energy as last year while finding ways to amplify our previous efforts,” said Avery Hartwell, associate director of diversity, equity and inclusion for student engagement. “With the return of signature events like the kickoff celebration and the cookout, the committee has worked hard to elevate these experiences to ensure the entire Rice community not only learns about Black history but enjoys it as well.
“This year’s theme focuses on highlighting the contributions of key figures in the labor movement, such as A. Philip Randolph. Our aim is to create programming that educates, inspires and engages everyone. One of the key messages driving our efforts this year is ‘Black History Month is for everybody.’ It’s our hope that this sentiment shines through in everything we do.”
The event schedule is as follows:
- Second annual Black History Month Kick Off Showcase, reception at 5:30 p.m., showcase at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 31, Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center.
- Black Lives Matter in Latin America, 7 p.m., Jan. 31, Room 301, Sewall Hall.
- Archiving Black Intellectual Histories at Rice, Feb. 1-28, Digital or physical archival submissions will be added to Rice Archives at the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.
- Black History Month Book Displays, regular library hours, Feb. 1-28, across from the Circulation Desk near the Woodson Research Center.
- Thursday Hangouts, 3:30-5:30 p.m., every Thursday in February, Multicultural Center.
- Documentary Screening: “Black Lives Matter in Latin America,” 2 p.m., Feb. 1, African American History Research Center.
- Roots and Reflection: Insights from Black Mental Health Professionals, 5:30-6:45 p.m., Feb. 6, location to be determined.
- Opening Reception, Phillip Pyle II, “Spectrum Sammy,” 6-8 p.m., Feb. 6, Flex Studio, Moody Center for the Arts.
- Haiti and the World: Global Encounters of the Past, Present and Future; 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. both days; Feb. 7, Room 108, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies; Feb. 8, Room 510, O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science. This event will be a hybrid between in-person and online presentations.
- Black History Month Chat, 2-5 p.m., Feb. 7, Multicultural Center.
- Rice Black Professional Network Mixer, 4-7 p.m., Feb. 7, Frnds at Rice Village.
- RBMA Valentine’s Day X Black Women’s Appreciation, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Feb. 11, Multicultural Center.
- “Color That Moves: The Fashion Palette of Stephen Burrows,” 4 p.m., Feb. 11, Herman Brown Hall.
- Black & LGBTQ+ Film Series: “Rustin,” 7:30 p.m., Feb. 11, Vator Lounge, Brown Residential College (on the first floor of Brown College’s tallest building).
- Spades Saturday, time to be determined, Feb. 15, McMurtry Magister’s House.
- Let’s Groove Tonight, 8 p.m., Feb 18, Brown College Magister House.
- Celebrating Black Excellence, 5-7 p.m., Feb. 19, Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center.
- Hump Day Kickback, Noon-2 p.m., Feb. 19, Academic Quad (rain location TBD).
- Soul Night, 6 p.m., Feb. 19, Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center.
- Exploring Houston’s Historical Black Press: Advancing Research, Preserving Legacy, multiple sessions between 1-5 p.m., Feb. 20, Kyle Morrow Room, Fondren Library.
- Comic Book Pop-up Shop, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Feb. 20, Multicultural Center.
- “COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War,” 6 p.m., Feb. 20, Room 100, Herring Hall.
- Open Mic: The Work of the Artist, reception at 5 p.m., open mic at 6-7:30 p.m., Feb. 24, Anderson Clarke Center.
- 2025 Black History Month Social, 5 p.m., Feb. 24, Tudor Fieldhouse Patio.
- “Separate and Nonexistent: Black Southerners and Graduate Education During the Era of Legal Segregation,” Noon, Feb. 27, Room 119, Rayzor Hall.
- Mastering Professionalism in the Workplace, 12:15-1 p.m., Feb. 27, Room 107, Huff House.
- Grillin’ & Chillin’: A Black History Month cookout celebration, 3 p.m., Feb. 28, Sid Richardson College.
- Timbral Xperience, 11:30 a.m., March 1, Duncan Recital Hall in Alice Pratt Brown Hall.
- Black Excellence Gala, 7 p.m., March 1, Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center.
- Africayé, dinner 4-5 p.m., show 6-8 p.m., March 2, Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center.
- Black Vocal Works: A Celebration of Poetry in Song, 7:30 p.m., March 8, Duncan Recital Hall in Alice Pratt Brown Hall.