Ohio University Chillicothe to host Black History Month program on Feb. 19

In conjunction with the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library and the Ross County Chapter of the NAACP, Ohio University Chillicothe will host a Black History Month program focused on the theme of "A Century of Black History Commemorations," on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin with a social gathering during which attendees are invited to enjoy light refreshments outside the Bennett Hall Auditorium. A collection of hats owned by the late Queen Lester, who was an active member of the local NAACP and League of Women Voters chapters, as well as many other community organizations, will be on display in the Patricia Scott Memorial Art Gallery in Bennett Hall.

The program will begin in the Bennett Hall Auditorium at 7 p.m. and feature a talk by local historian Alicia Gray and musical performances by Lawrence Greene and Unified Gospel Choir, under the direction of Ric McConnell. A long-time educator and community leader, Gray now serves as special collections librarian, archivist and grants coordinator at the Ross County Historical Society. Greene is the founder of Ugata Drum and Dance based in Athens County's multiethnic hill country. He will bring drums and welcome participants to play along to Kuku, a traditional West African rhythm he learned while working with a therapeutic drumming program outside of Atlanta, Georgia almost 25 years ago.

The national theme for Black History Month 2026 is “A Century of Black History Commemorations." All OHIO students, faculty, staff, alumni and community residents are invited to attend this Black History Month event.