SRU celebrates Black History Month with more than 15 events, including guest speaker Joselyn Mitchell-Parker

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Celebrate Black History Month

Slippery Rock University will host more than 15 events and programs, Feb. 1-22, to recognize Black History Month, including guest speaker Joselyn Mitchell-Parker.

Jan. 27, 2025

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University will host more than 15 events and programs, Feb. 1-22, to recognize Black History Month, including a speaking appearance by researcher, artist and advocate Joselyn Mitchell-Parker, Feb. 20.

SRU's Black History Month programming reflects a dedication to creating welcoming spaces where students, faculty and staff can thrive. These events embrace diverse perspectives, foster belonging and promote inclusive engagement, aligning with the goal of preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.

"Through participation in this year's Black History Month events, we hope the SRU community gains a deeper understanding of the significance of Black history Month and the rich legacy of African Americans," said Kyria Micaletti, SRU assistant director of multicultural development. "Black History Month is not only a time for remembrance but also a celebration of the many ways Black individuals have shaped our society, from the arts and sciences to politics and social movements. By hosting these events, we aim to inspire continued appreciation for the groundbreaking contributions African Americans have made, fostering a greater sense of unity, respect and understanding within our community."

The following Black History Month events are organized by SRU's Office for Inclusive Excellence, with support and coordination from many student organizations and campus groups.

More information is provided with links to CORE, SRU's online platform for student organizations and events. All events are free and open to the public, except those noted in the descriptions.

  • Think Fast, 6-8 p.m., Feb. 1, in Building F Greater Room, hosted by the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Rock the Weekend. Think Fast is a quiz game that tests participants' knowledge of Black history and culture through fun trivia questions for a chance to win $200 in cash while celebrating Black History Month with friends.

  • Black Action Society Ebony Ball Spirit Week, Feb. 3-7, across the SRU campus:
    • Feb. 3: Black Out (wear all black)
    • Feb. 4: Dress as a Meme
    • Feb. 5: Decades (dress in throwback clothing)
    • Feb. 6: PTSO Day (dress in your best clothing)
    • Feb. 7: Black Cartoon Character
  • Black Action Society Ebony Ball, 7-10 p.m., Feb. 8, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom, hosted by the Black Action Society and Rock the Weekend.

  • FDI/BAS/BFSA Black History Month Social, 5-7 p.m., Feb. 10, in the Smith Student Center, Ballrooms B andC, hosted by the Black Action Society, Frederick Douglass Institute and the Black Faculty and Staff Association. FDI joins the members of Black Action Society and the Black Faculty and Staff Association to gather for a night of food, laughter, games and fun.

  • African American Heritage Day Basketball Games, women's game at 5:30 p.m. and men's game at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 12, in the Morrow Field House. The Office for Inclusive Excellence and the Athletics Department will host entertainment to celebrate African American heritage during timeouts and breaks between the SRU women's and men's basketball games.  

  • BIPOC Arts Celebration, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 12, at the Miller Theater in the Performing Arts Center, hosted by the BIPOC Performing and Visual Arts Club and the SRU Music, Dance, Theatre and Art Departments.

  • Movie Night, 7 p.m., Feb. 16, Smith Student Center Theater, hosted by Black Action Society.

  • Art and Fashion Show, 5-7:30 p.m., Feb. 17, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom, hosted by the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Jump Start.

  • Black-Owned Business Pop-Up Shop, 6-8 p.m., Feb. 19, in the Smith Student Center Ballroom, hosted by the Black Action Society, with vendors selling goods and services from area Black-owned businesses

  • Versus of Liberation: Mental Health and the Power of Words with Guest Speaker: Joselyn Mitchell-Parker, 5 p.m., Feb. 20, in the Smith Student Center Room 321, hosted by the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and the SRU Counseling Center. Mitchell-Parker, the founder and CEO of the SPEAK Project Ohio and a scholar of multicultural and equity studies, will be speaking on the importance of self-expression as a part of the mental health journey. She will be performing original pieces of her spoken word and assisting students in engaging in their own self-expression exercises.

  • Roller Rink, 6-10 p.m., Feb. 22, in the Aebersold Recreational Center, hosted by the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Rock the Weekend.

  • Body Traffic, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 22, at the Byham Theatre in Pittsburgh, hosted by the Frederick Douglass Institute and the SRU Dance Department. Tickets can be purchased online.

In addition to Black History Month events, applications for several scholarships that give preference to Black students will be opened or have deadlines in February. For more information on each, visit the Miscellaneous Scholarships page on the SRU website.

  • Dr. Gaither Scholarship Award Deadline, Feb. 22, contact Franklyn Charles at franklyn.charles@sru.edu for more information.
  • Terry Banks Scholarship Application opens Feb. 1, contact the Office for Inclusive Excellence at oie@sru.edu for more information.
  • SRU Retention Scholarship Application opens Feb. 1, contact the Office for Inclusive Excellence at oie@sru.edu for more information.

For more information about Black History Month programming at SRU, contact the OIE at oie@sru.edu or 724.738.2700.

MEDIA CONTACT: Aaliyah Thomas | 724.738.4854 | news@sru.edu

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