Skip navigation

Black History Month

Johns Hopkins SAIS is proud to celebrate Black History Month, which honors the unique and extraordinary experience of Black Americans in the United States—and the centrality of this experience in the history of the United States, its culture, its prosperity, its past, its present, and its future.

The SAIS community will celebrate the month with a variety of virtual and in-person events and activities across Johns Hopkins University. Among the organizers and presenters of these activities are the Student Diversity Coalition (SDC), Black Student Union (BSU), the SAIS Dean’s Office, the JHU Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the JHU Black Faculty and Staff Association.
 

BHM Logo

Celebrating Black History Month 2023

We encourage everyone in our SAIS community to participate in these activities scheduled throughout the month of February. We will continue to update this list as new opportunities arise.

Events Taking Place at Johns Hopkins SAIS

BSU General Body Meeting

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 | 5:30pm - 7:00pm

The Black Student Union (BSU) holds its first general body meeting of the semester Wednesday, February 1 from 5:30pm - 7:00 pm in Global Careers Conference Room (Nitze 226). Among the agenda items are plans for Black History Month, E-board elections, a Black Graduation Ceremony, and the rest of the year!


BSU & SGA Black History Month Happy Hour

Friday, February 3, 2023 | 4:30pm - 8:00pm

The SAIS BSU and SGA host a Happy Hour to start Black History Month at the Nitze building Friday, February 3rd at 4:30 pm in the Nitze Auditorium.


Dean's Speaker Series: A Conversation with Travis Adkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, USADF

Thursday, February 16, 2023 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

In celebration of Black History Month, join SAIS Dean James B. Steinberg for a conversation with Travis Adkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United States African Development, in Kenney Herter Auditorium.

Register


Visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture

Saturday, February 18, 2023 | 10:00am 

Join the SAIS Black Student Union for a trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture on Saturday, February 18th at 10:30am. We will meet outside the museum at 10:00am on the 18th. Please fill out the following Google Form to reserve your ticket. Reserve your ticket now as spots are limited! The last date to reserve your tickets is Wednesday, February 15th at 11:59 pm EST. 
 
Reserve your tickets


BSU End of Black History Month Happy Hour

Friday, February 24, 2023 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm 

To round out the end of Black History Month 2023, the SAIS Black Student Union will have an End of BHM Happy Hour Friday, February 24th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Meet us at The Park at 14th (920 14th St NW) to celebrate the end of a wonderful Black History Month and to network with fellow students, alumni, and faculty.


SAIS Black Alumni Panel 

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm 

In celebration of Black History Month, the SAIS Development and Alumni Relations Office, the Office of Admissions, and the Black Student Union are pleased to invite you to a panel discussion featuring Black SAIS alumni reflecting on their career paths and leadership roles post-graduation. Program details coming soon. A networking mixer will follow the official program. 
 
Register


Events Taking Place Around Washington, D.C.

Sweet Home Café Black History Month Chef’s Table

Friday, February 3, 2023 | 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Chef Kyre is a creative vegan recipe innovator and is passionate about plant-based eating. As a chef, his mission is to positively influence his community to make healthy eating choices.  
 
Learn More


Poetry Workshops at the National Museum of African American History & Culture

The National Museum of African American History & Culture is holding multiple free online poetry workshops throughout the month: February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23.


NMAAHC Kids Learning Together: Black Characters Celebration

The National Museum of African American History & Culture is holding these free online events at 11 a.m. each day on February 4, 10, 13, and 21.


Historically Speaking: Next Generation of Black Leaders in Genetic Science

Thursday, February 23, 2023 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm 

The National Museum of African American History & Culture presents the third in a series of four discussions organized in collaboration with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). During this program, panelists will explore the work of African American millennial scientists conducting groundbreaking research. Chris Williams, STEM Education Specialist at NMAAHC, will lead a conversation with scholars Tina Lasisi, Carter Clinton, and Jameson Floyd. 
 
Learn More


Events Taking Place Around Johns Hopkins University

Black History Month: The Power of Children

Saturday, February 11, 2023 | 11:00am - 3:00pm

Explore the influence of Black art in America and celebrate African American heritage through dance, music, and visual art at this family program co-hosted by Homewood Museum and Inheritance Baltimore. Participants will be able to imitate the style of famous African American artists, including Tom Miller, David Driskell, and Romare Bearden. There will be a live drum call, a brief remembrance ceremony, and a dance performance by Baltimore School for the Arts student Edward Lee III.

Register


The Resiliency of Black Sound and Rhythm

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | 11:00am - 2:00pm 

On behalf of Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Peabody Student Affairs, and The Black Faculty & Staff Association, the institution-wide Black Heritage Celebration will convene on February 28, 2023 at 11:00am-2:00pm at the George Peabody Library (GPL). 
 
The event theme is “The Resiliency of Black Sound and Rhythm,” and will feature Dr. Marco Merrick (keynote speaker). You will experience live performances by Morgan State University Gospel Choir, spoken word artist Lady Brion, and amazingly talented student vocalists and instrumentalists from the Peabody Institute. And you will enjoy a catered lunch and visit the local and regional vendor expo. 
 
Please see the link below to register and feel free to circulate in your networks. This event is open to everyone. For questions, please contact Center for Diversity & Inclusion-Communications at [email protected]
 
Register