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Every February, the U.S. recognizes the profound impact of African Americans on the nation’s history and culture. What began as Black History Week—established by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson—grew into a month-long celebration in 1976 during the country’s bicentennial. That year, President Gerald R. Ford called on Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

At Rollins, we’re observing Black History Month and this year’s “African Americans and Labor” theme with a diverse lineup of events on campus and in the community that offer a host of ways to honor and celebrate cultural heritage with thought-provoking conversations, themed celebrations, and more.

From student-led events to academic introspection, discover a few of the ways the Rollins community is both honoring the triumphs and transformational work of Black Americans throughout U.S. history.

Olin Library

Throughout February, tables near the Olin Library main entrance will feature a curated display centering on Black-led romance stories written exclusively by Black authors.

Black romance authors bring rich, diverse stories that celebrate love, identity, and cultural depth. These writers highlight both the passion and complexity of relationships, exploring themes of race, resilience, and self-discovery. Their work offers a powerful representation of love in all its forms, reflecting the richness of Black experiences.

Read select featured titles from the display or throughout Olin Library, including Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola, Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown, and Sweethand by N.G. Peltier.

Critical Coursework

The contributions of people of African descent in the U.S. reach across every subject and field. Art history professor Melanie Nguyen teaches both African American Art and African American Art History, highlighting the important contributions of African American artists to the broader history of art but also examining the power of visual representation to both shape and challenge narratives about race and identity.

In sociology professor Matt Nichter’s Introduction to African & African American Studies, students learn about the sweeping histories and cultures of Africa and the African diaspora. This course incorporates an analysis of historical and contemporary issues facing Africans and African Americans by integrating international perspectives and traditional archival research.

Critical media and cultural studies professor Lisa Tillmann teaches Advocacy & Social Justice Research. The course critically analyzes social systems—criminal justice, economic, and educational, for example—and the ways in which privilege and inequality manifest. The course culminates in a team project where students identify a systemic problem, research that problem as well as evidence-based solutions, and develop and deliver advocacy campaigns and presentations to real policymakers.

“The goal is not to lock students into sadness or moral outrage,” says Tillmann. “Instead, I try to mobilize them into a goal of social change where they advocate for new policies to real people who have a stake in the process.”

Campus Center Cuisine

• When: February 4 | 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Where: The Marketplace

Dining Services celebrates Black History Month with a mouthwatering spread that pays tribute to the American culinary palate. Try dishes like Memphis ribs, collard greens, buttermilk fried chicken thigh, fried catfish, vegan hoppin’ John and cornbread, Southern pecan pie, and blueberry cobbler. Come hungry and ready to dig in.

Afrobeats Dance Workshop + Black Theatre and Dance History Trivia

• When: February 4 | 4–6 p.m.
• Where: Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre

Join us in the Dance Studio for an Afrobeats dance workshop from Kirmari Kasambayi, a dancer, choreographer, performer, and dance teacher. Kasambayi shares her love of African dance with others in hopes that they can receive a connection to Africa as well as some of the physical and mental benefits of dance. No experience? No problem. The dance class is beginner-friendly and open to all.

Then head next door to Tiedtke 107 for our third annual Celebration of Black Theatre and Dance History Jeopardy. The game, created by Ani Henry-Walker ’25, includes media clips and the opportunity to watch artists perform as you compete with a team (yes, there will be prizes and snacks). Join us for one or both events—everyone in the Rollins community is invited.

BSU Movie Night

• When: February 5 | 7–9:30 p.m.
• Where: Kathleen W. Rollins Hall, screening room

Join us for an inspiring evening of fellowship, history, and celebration. The Black Student Union and the Upsilon Pi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are coming together to host a special Black History Month movie night featuring the documentary Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. This powerful film chronicles the rich legacy and enduring impact of the first African American sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University. Through captivating storytelling and archival footage, Twenty Pearls highlights the remarkable women who paved the way for change and exemplifies the importance of unity, service, and leadership in the fight for social justice.

Following the movie, join a thought-provoking discussion about the themes of the documentary and how they connect to the broader celebration of Black history, empowerment, and resilience. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is open to all students and faculty.

Trivia Night

• When: February 18 | 8–9 p.m.
• Where: Dave’s Boathouse

Brought to you by the Center for Campus Involvement, Curtis Earth will be hosting trivia night in Dave’s Boathouse: Black History Month edition! Grab a friend and test your knowledge to win a prize.

Olin After Dark

• When: February 19 | 4–7 p.m.
• Where: Olin Library, Room 230

Uplift members of our community and learn about Black history while enjoying snacks and other fun activities. Olin After Dark is a weekly program where students can come to unwind in the Olin Library with an activity every Wednesday night.

5-Minute Difference

• When: February 20 | 12:30–2 p.m.
• Where: Outside the Campus Center

Facilitated by the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, join JUMP (Join Us in Making Progress) for a 5-minute service project to celebrate Black History Month. Participants will complete a community word search with names of important figures from Black history as well as create a display of their own role models and inspirations.

Soul Food Sunday

• When: Sunday, February 23 | 4–6 p.m.
• Where: Rice Family Pavilion

Fill up on delicious soul food like fried chicken, black-eyed peas, yams, and collard greens while engaging in meaningful conversations around the importance of food in African American culture at this much-anticipated event sponsored by the Black Student Union.

“Fiat Lux: Focusing Your Light” with Clay Rivers

• When: February 27 | 5–6:30 p.m. 
• Where: Annie Russell Theatre

Come meet actor, artist, and author Clay Rivers ’86 after his run playing the role of Death in the Annie Russell Theatre production of Everybody. Rivers’ multifaceted career has taken him from Disney World to Hollywood to the stages of New York City. A graduate of Central Florida’s Jones High School and Rollins, Rivers is the founder and president of Our Human Family, a nonprofit that advocates for racial equity, allyship, and inclusion. In this candid conversation, Rivers demonstrates how everything from fixed circumstances to tragedies to triumphs can pave the way to self-acceptance.

• Black Student Union |
• Arts & Culture |
• Center for Leadership & Community Engagement |
• Campus Life