SXU Observes Black History Month With Exhibits, Events All February

CHICAGO – Saint Xavier University will be celebrating Black History Month this February. Students, faculty and staff are hosting an array of activities and events fostering meaningful conversations and celebrating the incredible, innovative achievements and contributions made by the Black community. “Black Resistance” is the theme of this year’s observance, which starts Wednesday and continues through the month.

Highlighted events are listed below. For a full list of events, visit the SXU website.

Black History Month Library Display

All month long, the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library will display #OwnVoice works selected by librarians, faculty, staff and students, ranging from children's books and literature to scholarly monographs.

DEI Lunch-and-Learn – Monday, February 13

The virtual February DEI lunch-and-learn at noon will feature Dr. Darvelle Hutchins, senior director of culture, diversity and inclusion for the New Orleans Saints.

Coffee Shop Series: Behind the Filter – Thursday, February 16

Join the community at noon in the Wiseman Student Lounge for a panel discussion on cultural suspension and authenticity, where invited panelists will discuss their experiences with "code switching."

A Journey of the Black Experience – Thursday, February 16

Join the community at 2 p.m. in the Butler Reception Room for an art exhibit featuring recent SXU graduate Tatyanna Taylor '22, who will discuss the complexities of race and Black and African American identity through her own artwork series of digital illustrations.

Black Down Memory Lane – Wednesday, February 22

Check out the Wiseman Student Lounge to walk through the decades, starting with the Harlem Renaissance and continuing through the start of the new millennium.

Sixth Annual Convening of Black Excellence – Thursday, February 23

This event, held in the Butler Reception Room at 6:30 p.m., offers students a great networking opportunity with successful Black professionals and pioneers in the Chicago area.

Ninth Annual African American Achievement Awards – Saturday, February 25

The Ninth Annual African American Achievement Awards will take place in McGuire Hall at 5 p.m. and recognize the contributions and achievements of Black students, faculty and staff at SXU. All guests are welcome to attend the reception directly following the awards ceremony in the Butler Reception Room.

"Black History Month is an opportunity to highlight, celebrate and build up the legacy and Black excellence our ancestors have left for us,” said Shavonn Nowlin, associate director of Residence Life for SXU. “We hope that everyone will find time to come to an event to learn, develop and challenge themselves out of their comfort zones. The goal is to create space to celebrate our Black history 365 days of the year."