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Guided by the theme A Century of Black History Commemorations, this year’s observance honors pivotal milestones that underscore the enduring significance of Black history, collective resistance, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and liberation.

100th Anniversary of Negro History Week

At the heart of this year’s commemoration is the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week, established in 1926 by historian and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Created to challenge the exclusion of Black experiences from formal education, Negro History Week laid the foundation for what would later become Black History Month. One hundred years later, we honor Woodson’s visionary legacy by continuing to uplift Black histories, contributions, scholarship, and cultural knowledge across our campus and beyond.

70th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

This year also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956)—a defining moment in the modern Civil Rights Movement. Sparked by Rosa Parks and sustained by the courage, discipline, and collective action of Black community members, the boycott demonstrated the transformative power of organized, nonviolent resistance. Its legacy continues to inform contemporary movements for racial justice, civic engagement, and community empowerment. 

In recognition of the 70th anniversary, the Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI) and Inclusive Excellence’s Center for Equity, Education, and Belonging (CEEB) are collaborating on a three-part program series, beginning with an Eyes on the Prize community viewing and discussion, continuing with a Learning and Action Community (February–April), and culminating on April 9 with a panel and community conversation on civil resistance and the enduring legacy of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Programming Calendar

Throughout the month, Inclusive Excellence invites the campus community to engage in programs and initiatives that reflect the histories, legacies, and futures of Black, African, Afro-Caribbean, and diasporic communities. calls us to reflect on the contributions of the Black community to American society, while imagining a future rooted in action, accountability, and collective care.

Dance Guest Artists Split Bill: Afmohip / Barbie Diewald

Saturday, January 31 | 7:30 pm

Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts
Free admission for Salem State students, faculty, and staff

This evening of dance features new work and repertory by Joanne “Jojo” Caidor (Visiting Lecturer in Dance, ����ֱ��) and Barbie Diewald (Associate Professor of Dance, Mount Holyoke College).

Afmohip, directed by Jojo Caidor, presents repertory celebrating the beauty and diversity of the African Diaspora through Modern and Hip Hop dance. Joined by an intergenerational cast, Barbie Diewald shares an excerpt from A Lexicon for Lesbian Aesthetics, a contemporary work informed by archival research on lesbian and queer women choreographers of the 1980s and 1990s.

City of Salem Black History Month Flag Raising

Monday, February 2 | 3:30 pm
City Hall Chambers | 93 Washington Street, Salem, MA

Community members are invited to City Hall for the raising of the Black Heritage Flag. This program will include remarks from community leaders, elected officials, and Salem State students.

BHM Exhibit: Black Futures: How To See in Total Darkness 2.0

January 20-February 20, Winfisky Gallery, George H. Ellison Campus Center

Artists: Dell M. Hamilton, Karmimadeebora McMillan, Jamal Thorne

Curator: Ari Montford | Co-Curator: Jameel Radcliffe

• Artist Talk and Reception: Wednesday, January 28 | 12:30 pm, 1:30–3:00 pm
• Evening Reception: Friday, February 6 | 6-7:30 pm

This exhibition continues the Black Futures conversation by centering voices of provocation in a cultural climate that questions free speech and expression as foundational to a collective and inclusive democracy. Featuring Boston-based artists, the exhibition explores how race, gender, social relations, history, and culture shape both figurative and abstract artistic practices. Rather than offering easy answers, Black Futures 2.0 invites viewers into complex questions about meaning, representation, and possibility.

Gallery Hours: Weekdays, 10 am-4 pm
Location: 1 Meier Hall Drive, Salem, MA
Contact: Ken Reker, kreker@salemstate.edu

BHM Karaoke Night 

Tuesday, February 3 
Starbucks Café
Hosted by Black Student Union

Eyes on the Prize: Viewing and Discussion

Wednesday, February 4 | 4:30–6 pm
Ellison Campus Center MLK Jr. Room

Join us as we commemorate the  with a community viewing of Eyes on the Prize, Episode 1, the iconic documentary series on the Civil Rights Movement.

This episode helps us understand this historic boycott — and the students, workers, and community members— who came together to challenge injustice and ignite a movement that transformed the nation. The evening will include a screening of the episode followed by a facilitated reflection. We’ll discuss the courage, organizing, and resilience that defined the boycott and the lessons that still resonate today. 

This event is open to all students, faculty, staff, and guests. Light refreshments will be served!

Hosted by the Center for Teaching Innovation and Inclusive Excellence

BHM Movie Night

Thursday, February 5 
Ellison Campus Center Veterans Hall
Hosted by Black Student Union

Healing a BEE Sting: Navigating the Political Climate as Women of Color

Thursday, February 5 | 4:30–6 pm
Ellison Campus Center MLK Jr. Room
 

Join BEES for an engaging discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities facing women of color in today’s political landscape. This session will provide a platform for honest conversation, shared experiences, and collective reflection on how current events, policies, and societal shifts impact personal and professional lives. Attendees are encouraged to connect, learn from one another, and discuss strategies for resilience, empowerment, and advocacy. Whether you want to listen, share, or simply engage with a community of like-minded women, this event offers a meaningful space to be heard and supported.

Hosted by Bold, Empowered, Educated Sisters (BEES)

City of Salem BHM Community Celebration 

Saturday, February 7 | 12:30–4 pm
Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 

Join the City of Salem for an afternoon of reflection, history, and celebration. The program opens with a keynote address by Vick Breedy, local author, poet, entrepreneur, and self-care advocate, and recipient of the Local Black Excellence Award. At 1:00 p.m., anti-racist educator and organizer Toni Waldron will present on the Freeman Family of West Gloucester, highlighting archival silences and the importance of preserving Black history. At 2:30 p.m., enjoy live music by Coco Brown and The Invitation featuring Craig Powe. Free food from Ivory Bakery, family-friendly activities, live caricatures, and a Black Pop-Up Market and Resource Fair will be available throughout the afternoon.

Hosted by the City of Salem

Culture, Dance, and Music at Old Town Hall

Sunday, February 8 | 1:30–4 pm
Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 
Join the City of Salem at 1:30 pm for an interactive session led by world-class dance instructor Greg Coles. Trained in ballet, jazz, modern, African, and Latin dance, Coles will introduce the djembe drum and explore its role in African culture, storytelling, and community through movement and rhythm. Following the session is live music by Coco Brown and The Invitation featuring Craig Powe, led by Nicole Harris at 2:30 pm. The afternoon also includes free food from Ivory Bakery, hot chocolate, all-ages activities, and a Black Pop-Up Market and Resource Fair from 1:30 to 4 pm.

Boston Busing: Advocacy, Resistance, and Lived Experience

Friday, February 13 | Ellison Campus Center MLK Jr. Room 

Featuring Lew Finfer, Co-Chair of the Boston Desegregation and Busing Initiative and Director of Massachusetts Action for Justice, this program explores advocacy efforts to improve schooling, community resistance, and the lived experiences of desegregation in Massachusetts.

• Boston Busing: Advocacy and Opposition: 9:25-10:40 am
  Join us for a discussion on the organizing and activism that emerged to confront unequal schooling in Boston, as well as an examination of the public backlash and opposition to the busing policy.

• BHM Lunch & Learn: Boston Busing Oral Histories
  Doors open at 12 pm | Program: 12:15-1:30 pm

  Join us for our Black History Month Lunch and Learn, centered on Boston’s busing era. Lunch will be served at noon, and the program will begin at 12:15 pm with an overview of the history of Boston busing, setting the stage for a personal reflection from our presenters who will share their experiences during this pivotal period. This program invites our campus community to gather for conversation, reflection, and learning over lunch.

  Sponsored by the Departments of Politics, Policy & International Relations and History, Inclusive Excellence, and the BATES Center for Global Education.

Barbershop Talk

Wednesday, February 25 | 5-9 pm
ECC Veterans Hall
Hosted by The Brotherhood

BHM Dinner

Thursday, February 26 
Ellison Campus Center Veterans Hall
Hosted by Black Student Union