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Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month

In February 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson initiated Negro History Week to address the omission of Black contributions in American textbooks and academia. This observance has evolved into Black History Month, a federally recognized event, but faces challenges amid current historical erasure efforts. Woodson’s Association for the Study of Negro Life and History aimed to promote the scientific study of Black history, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Black individuals’ achievements. Despite legislative attempts to restrict Black history education, organizations like churches and community centers continue to educate about Black history, emphasizing the need for diverse narratives.

How can you celebrate here in Utah?

Here is a list of some events happening for Black History Month.

At Millcreek Commons

The Time Inbetween: Black History Month Scavenger Hunt & Interactive Art Piece

Feb 1–28 | 9am–9pm | Granite Credit Union Adventure Hub

Explore Black history across Millcreek all month long. The Time Inbetween is a Black History Month scavenger hunt that takes you out into the community to learn, explore, and visit local spots with Curly Me!, and add your mark to the community interactive art installation by A.U.M Gallery. Join the fun & learning – pick up a scavenger card at the Granite Credit Union Adventure Hub at Millcreek Common.

A Black History Museum Curated by Sema Hadithi African American Cultural & Heritage Foundation

Feb 1–8 | 11 am–9 pm | The Grandview

This year for Black History Month, Sema Hadithi African American Cultural & Heritage Foundation is partnering with Millcreek City to present two exhibits highlighting African American women and men in Utah’s history. This curated museum exhibition showcases their resilience and achievements. Visitors will learn how Utah continues to benefit from the works of these historic individuals.

Register/RSVP: Eventbrite

Learn more about: Sema Hadithi

Skating, Stories & Snacks

Feb 7 | 10 am-2 pm | Granite Credit Union Adventure Hub

A family storytelling event presented by Curly Me!, followed by free public skating and snacks at the rink.

Schedule:

10–11 am Welcome and introductions, followed by Move & Groove activities and light snacks

11–11:45 am Storytime

12–12:30 pm Get your skates and gear up

12:30–2 pm Enjoy skating fun on the rink

Learn more about: Curly Me!

Utah in the Black Motorist’s Safety Travel Guides Panel

Feb 7 | 10 am-4 pm | Millcreek City Hall Community Forum

Sema Hadithi African American Cultural & Heritage Foundation presents a panel on the history of The Green Book and Utah’s role in providing safe stops for Black travelers during segregation.

Morning Session 10 am–12:30 pm features student research on Utah’s safe stops and why they were essential. Afternoon Session 2 pm–4 pm highlights Women of the Green Book with Jessica Guynn, exploring the role women played in creating safe spaces.

Morning Session Register/RSVP: Utah in the Black Motorists’ Safety Travel Guides | Eventbrite

Afternoon Session Register/RSVP: Women of the Green Book | Eventbrite

IN COMMUNITY: A Celebration of Black History Makers in Utah

Feb 7 | 7–10 pm | The Grandview

A collaborative celebration bringing together all Millcreek BHM partners for an evening of food, music, art, and recognition. This event will highlight Black history-makers in action and include a community honoree ceremony celebrating history makers in Utah today.

Shades of Community: Utah Black Artists Exhibition by A.U.M Gallery

Feb 21–28 | 11 am–9 pm | The Grandview

Showcasing Black artists across Utah through visual art, photography, and mixed media.

Black Student Union Skate Night

Feb 27 | 7–10 pm | Millcreek Common

Hosted by the University of Utah BSU, a youth-led evening of skating, music, and joy. Come students one and all! Free admission; skate rentals $5

Learn more about: University of Utah BSU

Building Utah’s Black History with Heritage Builders: Black History Initiative in Partnership with RISE Academy

Feb 28 | 10 am | The Grandview

A daytime program centered on heritage building and community storytelling, presented by Heritage Builders: Black History Initiative in Partnership with RISE Academy.

Learn more about: RISE Academy

Register Here: Building Connection Through Expression” | Eventbrite

Black Butterflies in Kent: 365 Poetry

Feb 28 | 6 pm | The Grandview

An evening of live poetry and reflection hosted by 365 Poetry, featuring Utah’s Black poets, food, and cultural celebration. Meet the artist of the Shades of Community: Utah Black Artists Exhibition at the opening mixer. Mixer 6PM – 7PM Program 7PM-9PM

Learn more about: 365 Poetry

Shades of Community: Utah Black Artists Exhibition Showcase

Feb 28 | 6 pm | The Grandview

Come meet Black artists across Utah showcasing visual art, photography, and mixed media.

At the University of Utah

Unplug UEmbodying Joy: Poetry WorkshopDate: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

 Collegiate Room – Union Building

Description: Join us for Embodying Joy: Poetry Workshop, an Unplug U event, focused on reflection and creative expression. Participants will be encouraged to write their own pieces and engage in shared poetry during an optional open mic. Notebooks and light refreshments will be provided. No RSVP is required. This event is open to all and free to attend. See you there!

Virtual PresentationA Line of Inquiry from Lived Experience: Researching Blacks in BalletDate: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

*RSVP Required*

Description: Join CCE and the Office of Undergraduate Research, for a presentation with Professor Deans, a former professional Black ballet dancer, as she shares discoveries from her research on the history of Blacks in ballet. Drawing from her own experiences, she will discuss the methods she used to uncover and document this often overlooked legacy and what it was like to write about something deeply personal.

Women’s Basketball GameDate: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM

 Jon M. Huntsman Center

Description: Join us at the Women’s Basketball game on February 7 as the Black Student Union partners with Athletics for a special game-day experience. Watch as the U of U takes on Iowa State. Representatives from the Black Student Union will table on the concourse and be recognized on the court as part of an audience hype moment celebrating student involvement and community.

Citations:

“Black History Month.” Millcreek Common, millcreekcommon.org/bhm. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

“Black History Month 2026.” Culture, culture.utah.edu/events/black-history-month.php. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

 

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