Feb. 1 marks the beginning  of Black History Month, a dedicated time to acknowledge the critical ways that African, African-American, and Pan-African people and cultures have contributed to U.S. history.

Black History Month dates back to 1915, when Carter G. Woodson—a distinguished Black author, editor, publisher, and historian—founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). Eleven years later, Woodson branded the first “Negro History Week” to raise awareness of African American history. In 1976, Albert Broussard, a professor at Texas A&M University, morphed Woodson’s ideals into a month-long celebration: Black History Month. 

2023’s Theme: Black Resistance

The theme for this year explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings," since the nation's earliest days. 

This theme helps us honor the institutions and affiliations that have lobbied, litigated, legislated, protested, and achieved success. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History shares that “meaningful, lasting change created through action such as protests, faith, education, health care, sports, music and politics cannot be understated.”

Get Involved

Colorado State University System

Within the CSU System, Colorado State University’s Black/African American Culture Center (B/AACC) is hosting a month of programs and events highlighting Black History Month. With community programming extending beyond CSU and into the Fort Collins community, B/AACC is offering events that are open to the public, both virtually and in-person.  

Across the Nation

  • Feb. 8: Online Class via the Library of Congress | African Americans in Business: Doing Historical Company Research

  • Feb. 9: Online Book Discussion via the The National Portrait Gallery and DC Public Library | Art AfterWords: "Voices of the Civil Rights Movement: Black American Freedom Songs 1960-1966"

  • Feb. 13: Children’s Webinar via the National Museum of African American History & Culture: Kids Learning Together – Celebrating Black Children’s Characters

  • Feb. 16: Webinar via the National Archives | Saying It Loud: 1966—The Year Black Power Challenged the Civil Rights Movement

In addition to the events listed above, CSU Global will continue to amplify the voices of our Black students, alumni, faculty, and staff throughout the year. Bookmark the CSU Global blog or follow us on social media to stay updated!