Mississippi University for Women will celebrate Black History Month with events designed to honor the rich cultural heritage of the African American community and provide opportunities for the entire campus community to engage in meaningful conversations.

“Celebrating historical months is a way for the university to collectively come together and celebrate Black history and culture. It is an opportunity for collaboration and creativity for departments and student organizations. The variety and range of events are especially exciting, and I believe all the topics being engaged are very relevant and important in our present historical moment,” said Lilith Osburn-Cole, coordinator of student experience for The W.

Kicking off the month-long celebration is the MUW Art Galleries exhibit featuring the work of Lukuise Swanigan. “Reflections of the Past” invites attendees to immerse themselves in the visual representation of African American history, providing a unique perspective and an opportunity for reflection. The exhibition will run until Feb. 27.

In collaboration with the Student Government Association, The W will host an informative session on internship opportunities with the Southern Poverty Law Center, offering students a chance to engage with impactful initiatives Thursday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Gail P. Gunter Room, Fant Library.

Hosted by the Fant Library and the Dean of Students Office, author and lecturer St. Clair Detrick Jules will lead a compelling conversation exploring the significance of black hair and fostering self-love Monday, Feb. 12, from 6-7 p.m. in the Gail P. Gunter Room, Fant Library.

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the World Health Organization will be in Hogarth Dining Hall, providing education and materials on the history of health experiments conducted on the African American community.

“Where’s the Love in D9” Brunch and Learn, presented by the Department of Student Life and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), aims to promote unity and understanding within the D9 Greek organizations Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 2-4 p.m.

Join the Department of Music for an evening of celebration through a captivating Black History Month concert, showcasing the talents of The W’s musical community on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Poindexter Hall.

On Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m., the Department of Health and Kinesiology, in collaboration with Omega Psi Phi, will host a crucial conversation on mental health within the African American community.

Engage in a thought-provoking discussion led by the IDEA Committee focusing on Jesmyn Ward’s impactful work, “Let Us Descend.” The event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. in the Gail P. Gunter Room.

Dr. Jody Skipper, author of “Behind the Big House: Reconciling Slavery, Race, and Heritage in the U.S.,” will deliver an enlightening lecture exploring the representation of slavery in Mississippi Thursday, Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium.

About The W

Located in historic Columbus, Mississippi, The W was founded in 1884 as the first state-supported college for women in the United States. Today, the university is home to 2,227 students in more than 70 majors and concentrations and has educated men for 40 years. The university is nationally recognized for low student debt, diversity and social mobility which empowers students to BE BOLD.

Be Bold. Tower with Blue.