Join us for a month-long series of events celebrating Black History Month!
FEBRUARY 1 TO 28, 2025
BLACK HISTORY MONTH grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans in 1915. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) first celebrated national "Negro History Week" in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Following the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's, every American president has designated February as "Black History Month" and endorsed a specific national theme since 1976. Today, we continue to recognize and celebrate the significant achievements made by the African Americans, who contributed to our society and the world.
Date & Time
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All DayEvent Descriptions
Premiere Event: Film Screening – A Walk in Her Shoes
Thursday, January 30
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SCI 201
Complimentary screening of the documentary A Walk in Her Shoes which pays homage to the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. Students, faculty, and staff can watch this screening as a prequel to the event on February 4, 2025 when the documentary producer Metra Lundy will speak to the Rider community. Light refreshments to be served.
(Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Program and Center for Diversity and Inclusion)
Premiere Event: Groove and Glide
Saturday, February 1
Noon to 4 p.m.
Student Recreation Center
Join us for Groove and Glide, an exciting roller-skating event that kicks off Black History Month in style! We're bringing a skating rink right to campus for everyone to enjoy. In the SRC lobby, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Black community's connection to roller skating through interactive stations designed to educate, inspire, and engage.
Participate in a fun scavenger hunt to uncover the significance of roller rinks in Black history and culture. Complete the hunt to earn a custom water bottle, which you can decorate with Black History Month and skate-themed stickers. Don’t forget to grab a mini Black History Month pin to show your pride!
The interactive stations include:
- Roll Through History Station: Explore the powerful legacy of roller rinks in Black communities.
- The Soulful Soundtrack of the Rink: Name that Tune: Test your knowledge of iconic songs by Black artists that have inspired skate culture.
- Pouring into Our Legacy Station: Get creative and personalize your water bottle with meaningful designs.
- Strides and Smiles Photo Backdrop: Snap a photo at our Black History Month-inspired photo station complete with props to commemorate the day!
Don’t miss this unforgettable blend of fun, learning, and celebration as we honor the cultural impact of roller skating within the Black community. Grab your friends, lace up your skates, and let’s glide into Black History Month together!
(Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Recreation Programs, Student Entertainment Council)
Additional Co-sponsors: Black Men Unified, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Saturday, February 1 through February 28
Black History Month Spotlight Series: Food. Community. Connections.
Muller's Pub and Daly Dining Hall
Test your Black Culture knowledge with weekly Black History Month Trivia Nights. Each week will be a different category centered around Black culture. Invite your friends and compete as teams to see who knows the most Black culture knowledge!
(Rider Dining)
Monday, February 3
Flag Raising Ceremony
11 a.m.
Bart Luedeke Center (BLC) Plaza (in front of the BLC)
(Black Student Union)
Premiere Event: Overcoming Adversity: How the American Heroine, Harriet Tubman Saved My Life
Tuesday, February 4
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SCI 201
Documentary producer, personal trainer, and author Metra Lundy, will speak to the Rider community about how she re-traced the steps of Harriet Tubman in a quest to overcome one of the biggest obstacles in her life. Hot chocolate to be served.
(Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Program and Center for Diversity and Inclusion)
Wednesday, February 5
BMU General Body Meeting/Who Let Them Cook?
7 - 8 p.m.
BFH 314
Join BMU for their first general body meeting of the semester. The meeting will be followed by a program called “Who Let Them Cook?” This will highlight various influential Black figures and will end with a Kahoot!
(Black Men Unified)
Saturday, February 8
A Halftime Celebration of Black Excellence
7 p.m.
Alumni Gym
Join the National Pan-Hellenic Council while they perform at halftime during the Men's Basketball game!
(Rider University Athletics)
Tuesday, February 11
Black Greek 101
7 - 9 p.m.
Mercer Room
Black Greek 101 is an educational event designed to introduce students to the history, values, and significance of historically Black fraternities and sororities. Attendees will learn about the Divine Nine organizations, their contributions to culture and community, and the process of joining. This event aims to foster a deeper understanding of Black Greek life while promoting unity and empowerment among students.
(National Pan-Hellenic Council)
Wednesday, February 12
Eyes that look but don't see: Research and Teaching in an Era of Uncertainty
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Zoom (Zoom link available via event registration)
Join us for Eyes That Look but Don’t See: Research and Teaching in an Era of Uncertainty, a compelling webinar hosted by the College of Education and Human Services. Penn State policy expert, Dr. Adrienne Dixson, will discuss implications for research and teaching in an era of growing censorship on issues of equity in research and teaching. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with transformative ideas and solutions.
(College of Education & Human Services)
Wednesday, February 12
NPHC Talent Show
7 - 9 p.m.
Cavalla Room
The NPHC Talent Show is an event where students from Rider University can show off their talents. Whether it's singing, dancing, poetry, or something else, the stage is open for everyone to share what they've got. It's a fun and energetic event that brings the whole campus together to celebrate creativity and culture.
Admission: $5 per person
(National Pan-Hellenic Council)
Thursday, February 13
NPHC Party
7 - 9 p.m.
Cavalla Room
This is a fun event where everyone can come together and enjoy a good time while supporting NPHC initiatives and activities. This is a fundraiser to raise funds for NPHC. There will be music and food.
Admission: $3 for Greeks; $5 for Non-Greeks
(National Pan-Hellenic Council)
Monday, February 17
Exploring Afro-Latinidad
8 p.m.
LAH 129
Celebrate Black History Month with us and learn about the Black Latinx community with a chance to win a prizes!
(Phi Sigma Sigma, Rider Dominiricans, Black Men Unified, Lambda Theta Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma)
Tuesday, February 18
A Journey in Time
7 p.m.
Location: TBD
Join us to learn about the journey of independence for many of the countries within Africa.
(Rider African Student Association)
Wednesday, February 19
Movie Night at the Library: The Black Emperor of Broadway
6 p.m.
Library Classroom 1
Please join us for a film screening of The Black Emperor of Broadway, directed by Arthur Egeli and released in 2020.
"Based on a true story, Charles S. Gilpin was the first African-American to star in a leading role in a stage play during a time where roles of color were previously played by white men in blackface. As Gilpin rose to fame and recognition, tensions were high between he and playwright Eugene O’Neill which ultimately lead to parting ways, though his acclaimed performance has changed Broadway forever."
(University Library)
Friday, February 21
BMU Kickback
7 - 9 p.m.
BFH 304
Join Black Men Unified for their kickback. You will be able to participate in and learn about cultural Black games. Come hang out; snacks and drinks provided!
(Black Men Unified)
Sunday, February 23
Soul Food Sunday
4:30 p.m.
Daly Dining Hall
Gather with us for an evening of community and culture as we savor the rich history and flavors of soul food. This beloved culinary tradition, rooted in early African-American heritage, continues to bring people together and nourish the soul. Celebrate the legacy with us over a delicious meal!
(Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Dining Services)
Premiere Event: Gospel Fest
Sunday, February 23
5:45 - 7 p.m.
Close out Black History Month with an uplifting celebration of gospel music, dance, and spoken word. Feel the energy, joy, and inspiration as talented performers from Rider University and the local community come together to deliver a truly unforgettable experience. This free event is open to the public—don’t miss this vibrant tribute to Black culture and artistry!
(Center for Diversity & Inclusion)
Monday, February 24
Harlem Renaissance Paint n' Sip
7:30 p.m.
BFH 310
(Black Student Union & Black Men Unified)
Tuesday, February 25
Black Business Expo
3 - 7 p.m.
SRC
(Black Student Union)
Tuesday, February 25
Haitian Trivia Night
7:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Join the Haitian Students Association for trivia and the chance to win an incredible prize. Snacks will also be provided!
(Haitian Students Association)
Wednesday, February 26
Dear Black Man Panel
Time and Location: TBD
Join us for the opportunity to hear from Black dads and professionals about their experiences growing up, working in professional environments, and their answers to general life questions.
(Black Men Unified)
Thursday, February 27
Round Table Discussion
7:30 p.m.
Mercer Room
(Black Student Union)
Friday, February 28
Loving Our Curly, Kinky Strands
11:30 a.m.
SRC Lobby
(Black Student Union)