Peruse materials related to Black history & African-American student life at Ohio University from collections of University Archives, Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.
Black History Month
Why We Celebrate
Black History Month is a time to recognize the important contributions of the Black community throughout American history and society, and resilience in the face of discrimination.
Throughout the month of February, Ohio University celebrates Black History Month. The national theme for 2023 is “Black Resistance,” recognizing the historic and ongoing oppression that Black Americans have faced and resisted in all forms. We use this month as a call to our OHIO community to study the history of Black Americans and help cultivate an environment where Black life can be sustained, protected and respected.
Join us throughout the month for events, lectures and presentations to celebrate and discuss “Black Resistance."
There are no events to show at this time.
JANUARY 17–AUGUST 6, 2023 (MULTIPLE DATES)
Centering Black Artists (series)
Location: Kennedy Museum of Art
The Kennedy Museum of Art's new exhibit highlights the work of Black artists in KMA's collections. Immerse yourself in the works of artists like social realist Jacob Lawrence, color field painter Sam Gilliam and abstractionist Martin Puryear, as well as Kara Walker, Lorna Simpson and Glenn Ligon, whose work explores the nature of race representation and narrative in contemporary art.
Speakers and Guests
Tynita M. White — Featured Speaker
Tynita M. White serves as a Policy Analyst in Columbus Public Health’s Center for Public Health Innovation. In her role, Tynita works with partners in and outside the health sector to advance policy, programs and services that improve health and equity, reduce health disparities, raise the life expectancy of the community, and focus on racism as a public health crisis. Most recently, she served as the Program Administrator of the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (OLSC) Fellowship Program for almost a decade. Tynita is a two-time alumna of Ohio University where she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science (2011) and graduate degree in Public Administration from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs (2013).
In a fireside chat on Monday, February 20, from 12–1 p.m., Tynita will speak on the topic of "Fearlessness, Pride, and the Pursuit of Social Justice" before inviting attendees to further explore key themes through dialogue.
Dr. Myiesha Taylor — Featured Speaker
Dr. Myiesha Taylor is a board-certified emergency medicine physician specialist and a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Taylor is a founding member of Artemis Medical Society which aims to support and mentor women physicians of color, globally. For her work with Artemis, Dr. Taylor was honored by Disney Junior with the naming of the mother character, Myiesha McStuffins, in the highly acclaimed children’s TV show "Doc McStuffins". Dr. Taylor has been featured in "NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt" in the "Inspiring America" segment, selected as a 2014 Dallas Women’s Foundation Young Leader Award honoree, featured in three Disney Junior "Get Inspired" Black History Month interstitials, and she serves as a Women’s Media Center She Source expert.
This event is co-hosted by OHIO's Division of Diversity and Inclusion and the following Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Departments: Biomedical Sciences, Primary Care, and Specialty Medicine. Join us to welcome Dr. Taylor on Tuesday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Being Black at OHIO
In celebration of Black History Month, we invited members of our OHIO community to share what "Being Black at OHIO" means to them. We hope to amplify our Black students, faculty and staff and discuss the truths and realities of Black Resistance.
Samba Bah, Doctoral Student
Christine Blay, Second-Year Student
Chelsea Tano, Third-Year Student
Alesha Davis, Third-Year Student
Arthur Bargainer, First-Year Student
Bose Maposa, Graduate Student
Black History in Athens
Black History at OHIO
Explore Black History
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Black History Tour of Athens
This virtual tour focuses on achievements of African Americans in Athens, many of which emplaced the foundations for future successes of African Americans in and outside of our community.
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Reading List from Alden Library
Alden Library offers a collection of general and subject-specific materials on anti-racism.
Black History Month Committee Members
The Division of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank Black History Month committee members for their contributions — including their time and energy — that ensure a successful month of celebration.
2022-2023 Committee Members
- Dr. Duane Bruce – Executive Director of the Division of Diversity and Inclusion
- Vanessa Morgan Nai – Assistant Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Micah McCarey – Director, LGBT Center
- Lisa Flowers-Clements – Assistant Director of Advising and Scholarship Compliance, Multicultural Center
- Steven Hollis – Digital Marketing Designer, University Communications and Marketing
- Jordan Schmitt – Content Marketing Specialist, University Communications and Marketing
- Joi Foy – Multicultural Student Organization Coalition President and student representative
- Re'Aija Grice – Diversity Leadership Ambassador and student representative
Connect with Us
Follow the Division of Diversity and Inclusion and its offices on social media!