Rice University will celebrate Black History Month starting Feb. 1 and lasting into March, observing the month’s 100-year anniversary with a series of discussions, fellowship opportunities and special festivities highlighting the richness of Black culture.
“Black History Month at Rice is designed to be dynamic, expansive and reflective of the many dimensions of Black culture and identity,” said Avery Hartwell, associate director of student engagement in the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence. “Further, the programming invites members of the broader Rice community to engage with the history, contributions and lived experiences of Black Americans to better understand their impact on the nation’s past and present.”
The birth of Black History Month began in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be “Negro History Week.” This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln Feb. 12 and Frederick Douglass Feb. 14, both of which Black communities had celebrated since the late 19th century. It transitioned into Black History Month when it was officially recognized by the U.S. government in 1976 as President Gerald Ford expanded the previous weeklong celebration into a full month.
At Rice, 2026 marks more than 60 years of Black student excellence. The university initiated the process of desegregation when Raymond L. Johnson was admitted as a graduate student in 1963 and began coursework in 1964, making him Rice’s first Black student. The milestone began a legacy of perseverance, achievement and leadership that continues to shape the university today. This year’s Black History Month celebration at Rice honors the pioneering Black students, faculty and staff who played such an important role in the university’s growth, development and present stature.
Moving beyond a singular narrative, the monthlong programming highlights the richness of Black history, creativity, scholarship, labor and community life. The celebration stands both as a tribute and a call forward, honoring those who came before while creating space for dialogue, joy and collective growth for generations to come.
To add to the excitement for this year’s festivities, Rice hosted a T-shirt design contest. Camille Quarterman, a sophomore from Martel College majoring in visual arts, created the winning design, which can be seen on T-shirts at Black History Month events throughout the month.
The event schedule is as follows:
Recurring events:
- Black History Month book displays during regular library hours, Feb. 1-28, Fondren Library’s first floor near the East and West entrances.
- Thursday hangouts, 3:30-5:30 p.m., every Thursday in February, Multicultural Center.
Standalone events:
- Third annual kickoff showcase, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 2, Grand Hall.
- Slavery, Segregation and the Second Founding of Rice University book event, 6 p.m., Feb. 3, Room 130, Kraft Hall.
- Basketball tailgate, 7-8 p.m., Feb. 10, West Gym in Tudor Fieldhouse.
- A Burdensome Experiment: Race, Labor and Schools in New Orleans after Katrina, 1 p.m., Feb. 11, location to be determined.
- Black History Month coffee chat, 2-5 p.m., Feb. 18, Multicultural Center.
- George Washington University professor Quito Swan’s presentation, 1 p.m., Feb. 19, location to be determined.
- Black History Month social, 5-7 p.m., Feb. 19, Tudor Fieldhouse.
- Black History Month talk featuring professor Eric McDaniel, 12-1:30 p.m., Feb. 25, Room 100, Herring Hall.
- Black History Month closing event, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Feb. 27, Academic Quad.
- Soul Night (Sincerely Carter — A Love Story), 5:30-10 p.m., Feb. 28, Grand Hall.
- Black Excellence Gala, 6-8 p.m., March 8, Grand Hall.
For more information about Rice’s activities during Black History Month, please visit aie.rice.edu/bhm/2026.