Black History Month
UTC Black History Month 2023
Join us for these events and continue to check the calendar for event updates.
Black History Month Timeline
When: February 1st - February 28th, 2023
Where: Lupton Hall 119 - Multicultural Center
Description: Enjoy a visual timeline of contributions and accomplishments inside the Multicultural Center Learn more about the origins of Black History Month as we celebrate with music, the culture, the arts, the cuisine, and the heritage within American history.
Black History Month with UTC Library
When: February 1st - February 28th, 2023
Where: Click here to see featured media
Details: The Library has created some online displays of resources for Black History Month. Streaming feature films and documentaries.
“Unity, Power, and Freedom!”: Black Student History at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga"
When: February 1st – February 28th, 2023
Where: UTC Library - Andrew Roth Grand Reading Room (LIB 402), Click here to see featured media
Description: With a title echoing a call for membership issued by the Black Student Association in 1970, Special Collections' first exhibit of 2023 celebrates Black student history at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Featuring images from Chattanooga City College records, Black Student Association records, Moccasin yearbooks and more, view this exhibition to learn about UTC’s Black students and organizations and the ways they have shaped campus culture.
THE PAST, PRESENT, AND THE FUTURE OF AFRICANA STUDIES AT UTC Library Collection
Where: Click here to see featured resources
Details: The Library has created some online displays of resources for Africana Studies.
Black History Month Kickoff Celebration featuring the Taste of Black Chattanooga
Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2023
When: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: University Center- Chattanooga Room
Sponsor: UTC Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Student Success Programs, the Division of Diversity and Engagement, and the History Department
Description: Join us as we kickoff our Black History Month Celebration with a Pep Rally Style celebration featuring performances from Tyner Academy - Future Ready Institute students,UTC Littleton H. Mason Gospel Choir, UTC Ladies of Gold, and UTC NPHC fraternities and sororities, immediately followed by the 2nd Annual UTC Taste of Black Chattanooga- with signature cuisine from local Chattanooga area vendors.
Participating Vendors:
- Cold Fusions
- King's Elderberry
- Mac's Subs and Fries
- Mama Red Cooks
- Shey Natural Smoothies
- Slim + Husky's
- The Island Vibe
- The Oatmeal Experience
- TRowe Creative Kitchen
- Windy City Eatz
2023 UTC Taste of Black Chattanooga Awardee
- TRowe Creative Kitchen
Documentary Screening: Eyes on the Prize
Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2023
When: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 119 - Multicultural Center
Sponsors: Africana Studies and Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: The Multicultural Center and Africana Studies will host a 2-day marathon screening of the award-winning 1987 documentary series “Eyes on the Prize.” Produced by Blackside, the series offers a lens on the events of the 1950s and 1960s, giving viewers new insights into what creator Henry Hampton called “the remarkable human drama that was the Civil Rights Movement.” Including footage of landmark figures including Reverend Ralph Abernathy, Coretta Scott King, and Kwame Ture (also known as Stokely Carmichael), this series is a must-see for students of Black history! Screenings will start at 11AM and will continue until we run out of steam (around 3PM each day). Come for the duration or stop in for half an hour to learn something new! Refreshments and information about the Africana Studies program (and swag!) will be available. You can find more information about the documentary series here.
International Tea Time – Black History Month
Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2023
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 different types of tea while learning about different cultures and the Black History at UTC.
Documentary Screening: Eyes on the Prize
Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2023
When: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 119 - Multicultural Center
Sponsors: Africana Studies and Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: The Multicultural Center and Africana Studies will host a 2-day marathon screening of the award-winning 1987 documentary series “Eyes on the Prize.” Produced by Blackside, the series offers a lens on the events of the 1950s and 1960s, giving viewers new insights into what creator Henry Hampton called “the remarkable human drama that was the Civil Rights Movement.” Including footage of landmark figures including Reverend Ralph Abernathy, Coretta Scott King, and Kwame Ture (also known as Stokely Carmichael), this series is a must-see for students of Black history! Screenings will start at 11AM and will continue until we run out of steam (around 3PM each day). Come for the duration or stop in for half an hour to learn something new! Refreshments and information about the Africana Studies program (and swag!) will be available. You can find more information about the documentary series here.
Documentary Screening: Shared Legacy: The African American- Jewish Civil Rights Alliance
Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: UC Auditorium
Sponsors: Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, and Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: The crucial historical lessons of Black-Jewish cooperation are revisited and revived in this utterly fascinating, urgent call to action. Common cause was found in the turbulent '60s Civil Rights era, as Jewish leaders backed Dr King's efforts at racial equality and harmony. Yet, the relationship has frayed in recent years, as a once mighty bond of support and respect has seemingly faded, been forgotten or ignored. Pivotal events come alive through a treasure trove of archival materials, narrated by eyewitnesses, activists, Holocaust survivors, and leaders of the movement.
Spirituals: Celebrating the Music, Life, and Legacy of Roland Hayes
Date: February 13, 2023
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: UTC Fine Arts Center - Roland Hayes Concert Hall
Sponsors: Division of Diversity and Engagement & Department of Performing Arts
Description: Acclaimed tenor Jackson Caesar presents a portrait of Roland Hayes, including stories from his life and performances of his music.
Showtime at UTC – Open Mic & Trivia Night
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
When: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 1st floor
Sponsors: UTC Black Faculty and Staff Association, Student and Family Engagement, and Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Description: A night of karaoke, trivia, games, and more, in the spirit of the Apollo Theater of Harlem. A space where creativity and talent coexist.
Black Entrepreneurship in Chattanooga - The Challenges and Rewards
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2023
When: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Mocsync Event Link -TBA
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Affairs and Rollins College of Business
Description: This is a panel of entrepreneurs in Chattanooga. They will discuss their background, motivation, and success as Black entrepreneurs as well as the unique challenges for Black entrepreneurs in Chattanooga. Panelist may also provide some tips and encouragement for others who wish to become entrepreneurs.
Culture Books and Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry Organization presents Black History Festival
Date: Saturday, February 18, 2023
When: 11:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Newly renovated East Lake Community Center
Culture Books RSVP/Volunteer/Donate Here
Sponsors: City of Chattanooga Department of Equity and Community Engagement, EPB.com, Paragon Printing, Sankofa Chattanooga, and Festival of Black Arts and Ideas
Description: Culture Books (Founder - Erica Richardson, UTC Alumna) is partnering with Rhyme N Chatt Interactive poetry organization to bring a Black History Festival to Chattanooga. First of its kind. We will be at the newly renovated East Lake Community Center for this event. We also have The Pops Up Project coming to perform with their youth, along with Project Motion from CCA and Barger Academy, A live Wax museum of iconic History Makers with the help of Michael Howard and the Chattanooga Prep young men, African Princesses and dance, Poetry with a twist and local artists coming to do live art and showcase their work, The Tennessee Dance Theatre will be bringing ballet, and so much more! We will be giving away books and subscription boxes to attending families. We have some amazing vendors and authors being showcased. Also, every book purchased will be from authors local to Chattanooga. All thanks to our sponsors and people who believe in the work that we are doing in the community. EPB, Festival of Black Arts and Ideas, Sankofa Chattanooga, Paragon Printing and the City of Chattanooga’s Department of Equity and Community Engagement!
What's The Tea? Conversations surrounding the influence of Black culture on the fashion industry today.
Date: Monday, February 20, 2023
When: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 1st Floor - Multicultural Center
Sponsor: The Center for Women and Gender Equity (WAGE)
Description: During this event we will be having open discussions regarding how the black culture has effected today's fashion industry also while making charm bracelets.
Documentary Screening- Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023
When: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 119 - Multicultural Center
Sponsors: Veteran and Military Affairs and Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: Many people don't know that African Americans played an integral role in the fight for our country's independence. Anchored by sit down interviews with NBA legend, best-selling author and esteemed activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as well as numerous esteemed historians and supported with archival material, "Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution" will cover both sides of the fight, highlighting black heroes of the American Revolution who stood up against British rule to help establish the United States of America, and, conversely, black loyalists who fought for the Crown—and the promise of freedom. The documentary will also present Abdul-Jabbar's personal journey, revealing his own unique discovery of important historical figures like Crispus Attucks and others and how they helped change the perception of his own heritage. Executive produced by Abdul-Jabbar and Deborah Morales.
How Faith Frames Perceptions of Race
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023
When: 7:00 p.m.
Where: EMCS Benwood Auditorium
Mocsync Event Link -TBA
Sponsors: Department of Political Science and Public Service, Department of Social, Cultural and Justice Studies, The House, Intervarsity, UTC NAACP and the Walker Center for Teaching and Learning
Description: Panel discussion with Dr. Michelle Deardorff, the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government and Department Head of Political Science and Public Service at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Dr. Andra Gillespie, Associate Professor (Political Science), Graduate Faculty of Emory Sociology, and the Director of The James Weldon Johnson Institute of Emory University, exploring the impact of faith on perceptions of race. Dr. Darrell Walsh, Assistant Professor of Sociology of UTC will moderate the discussion.
Cinema Night: Culture and Cuisine
Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
When: 7:00 p.m.
Where: Lupton Hall 1st Floor
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: The screening will be in Lupton Hall and check-in will start at 7:00 p.m. The movie will begin around 7:45 p.m. Traditional style meal of southern fried fish and spaghetti, as supplies last. This event is open to currently enrolled UTC students, faculty, and staff only. Please bring your current UTC ID or event pass to check-in to the event.
Mental Health in the Black Community
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023
When: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Multicultural Center, Lupton Hall 119
Sponsors: Counseling Center and Office of Multicultural Affairs
Description: Come out and join us as we discuss mental health in the black community. There will be food, fellowship, and conversation that encourages education and the need for mental wellness. Mental health has not always been an open conversation, but the more we talk about it and normalize the subject, the better we can show up and take care of ourselves. What has your experience been around mental health? Are there questions you would like to ask, or would you benefit from simply listening? We want to create a warm and welcoming environment for ALL students to come out and discuss. We look forward to seeing you.
Global Spotlight featuring Sudan
Date: Monday, February 27, 2023
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 Sudan. Join us and guest speakers to learn more about this country on February 27, 2023. from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in Lupton Hall, 1st Floor Lobby.
Black Renaissance: The Rebirth of the Black Woman
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
When: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Honors College - Guerry Center Reading Room
Sponsor: Office of Multicultural Affairs, Honors College, and Center for Career and Leadership Development
Description: Black women historically experience inequitable perceptions/standards in public and private spaces. Those perceptions have created personal behaviors and tactics among black females to dispel those negative myths associated with anger and femininity. These standards have impeded the Black woman’s ability to be socially and emotionally free in professional and sometimes group settings. Join us as we discuss how these standards have impacted us throughout our life experiences and how we are actively working to change the “Strong Black Woman” narrative through creating healthy boundaries, practicing self-care, and learning how to be our authentic selves without the labels.