Black History Month
UTC Black History Month 2025
Join us for these events and continue to check the calendar for event updates.
This year the Office of Multicultural Affairs has selected the theme of “A Celebration of Firsts". There will be emphasis on the landmark experiences of African Americans. This month will showcase the intellectual and collective impact of African Americans who have championed excellence and innovation in their respective fields.
Black History Month Timeline
When: February 1st - February 28th, 2025
Where: Lupton Hall Suite119, Multicultural Center
Description: Enjoy a visual timeline of contributions and accomplishments inside the Multicultural Center. Learn more about the impact of those who have offered contributions from the UTC campus, local community, and more.
Black History Month with UTC Library
When: February 1st - February 28th, 2025
Where: Click here to see featured media
Details: The library has created online displays of resources for Black History Month. Streaming ebooks, feature films and documentaries.
Black History Month Kickoff Celebration and Taste of Black Chattanooga
Date: Monday, February 3, 2025
When: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall, 1st Floor
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Student and Family Engagement, and Student Success Programs
Description: Join us as we start our Black History Month Celebration with a kickoff and the 4th Annual Taste of Black Chattanooga—hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Office of Student and Family Engagement, and the Office of Student Success Programs. The event will offer a showcase from student organizations and cuisine options from local vendors.
International Teatime – Black History Month
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
When: 3:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall, 1st Floor
Sponsor: UTC Center for Global Education and Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: The Center for Global Education hosts International Teatime. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to enjoy several types of tea while exploring Black History at UTC.
Unity, Scholarship, Service: The Legacy of Black Greek Life
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
When: 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum
Sponsors: Bessie Smith Cultural Center, UTC Office of Multicultural Affairs, and National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chattanooga
Description: This remarkable evening will highlight the history and legacy of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), showcasing its significant cultural influence. This event will be a chance to connect with the community, educate participants, and celebrate the rich traditions of Black Greek Life.
**Registration is Required to Attend This Event**
First Friday – Food Truck Friday
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
When: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Oak Street
Sponsors: UTC Office of Multicultural Affairs, UTC Office of Student and Family Engagement, and Mocs Dining
Description: The Food Truck Friday event will allow the campus community to visit and share in the cuisine offerings from local food truck vendors.
National Black HIV Awareness Day Outreach
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
When: 12:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall First floor
Sponsors: UTC Center for Wellbeing and National Society of Black Women in Medicine
Description: The Center for Wellbeing and National Society of Black Women in Medicine
as they provide resources regarding HIV Awareness.
Why Not Win? with Larry Thornton
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
When: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Wolford Family Center (UTC Mckenzie Arena)
Sponsors: Gary W. Rollins College of Business and WNW Institute
Description: Join Larry Thornton, President of Thornton Enterprises, Inc., as he shares his journey to becoming the first African American McDonald’s franchisee in Birmingham. With over fifty years of experience, Larry will reflect on the lessons from his book Why Not Win?, offering insights on success, leadership, and how to apply these lessons. He will also discuss his leadership philosophy and the impact of the Why Not Win Institute, which fosters growth at universities and high schools nationwide.
An Evening with Professor Molefi Kete
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
When: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: University Center Auditorium
Sponsors: UTC Africana Studies Department
Description: The Africana Studies Program’s John Henrik Clarke and Medgar Wiley Evers Lecture Series presents “An Evening with Professor Molefi Kete Asante.” Dr. Asante is a renowned scholar, author, humanitarian, founder of the theory of Afrocentricity and professor in the Department of Africology at Temple University. He will give a public talk in the University Center Auditorium on February 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Identities in the Workspace
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
When: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 119, Multicultural Center
Sponsors: Career Connections and the Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: Explore the intersection of identity and professional life in this panel discussion. Identities in the Workplace brings together diverse voices to share their personal experiences, challenges, and successes while navigating their unique identities in various industries.
National HIV Awareness Day Outreach with CEMPA
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
When: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: TBA
Sponsors: CEMPA Community Care, UTC Center for Wellbeing, and UTC Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: The Center for Wellbeing and Office of Multicultural Affairs hosts Cempa Community Care as they provide resources regarding HIV Awareness, along with the CEMPA HIV testing van for all to come out to receive free HIV tests, and more information about the CEMPA Community Care mission.
Showtime at UTC – Open Mic & Trivia Night
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
When: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 1st floor
Sponsors: UTC Black Faculty and Staff Association, UTC Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Office of Student and Family Engagement
Description: Second annual night of karaoke, trivia, games, and more, in the spirit of the Apollo Theater of Harlem. A space where creativity and talent coexist.
Beauty in the details, sounds and sights of nature
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2024
When: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Hunter Museum of American Art
Sponsors: Hunter Museum of American Art
Description: This in gallery experience inspired by the photographs in The Long View: From Conservation to Sustainability | Works from the Bank of America Collection features imagery, music, fashion design and movement from Christopher Shaw, Swayyvo and Vee Rhodes.
Fresh Friday – Freshmen Edition
Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
When: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 119 - Multicultural Center
Sponsors: UTC Office of Multicultural Affairs and Student Success Programs
Description: The Fresh Friday networking event provides an opportunity to connect first year students with various activities to build community, develop relationships, and share experiences.
Global Spotlight featuring Somalia
Date: February 22, 2025
When: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 1st Floor
Sponsor: UTC Center for Global Education & Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: The Center for Global Education enthralled with learning more about Somalia. Join us and guest speakers to learn more about this country.