Events
Black Heritage Month
The mission of Black Heritage Month is to educate both the USF and Tampa Bay community on the importance of the history and significance of the Black culture. Celebrated February 1st - March 1st, Black Heritage Month provides an educational atmosphere for students, staff, faculty, and alumni to celebrate and commemorate the contributions that the Black community has made to society.
2024 University CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Explore the events below then for more Black Heritage Month events.
Black Heritage Month Kickoff Showcase at Bull Market
911±¬ÁÏÍødnesday, January 31 | 9 AM - 2 PM | MSC Plaza
This week's Bull Market showcases Black student organizations and officially kicks
off the Black Heritage Month calendar! This year's kickoff features swag and performances
from student organizations.
Hosted by: Office of Multicultural Affairs & the Marshall Student Center
Black Wall Street
Thursday, February 1 | 6 PM - 8 PM | MSC 4200
Join us for "Black Wall Street," an empowering event designed to equip you with the
knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, build wealth, and secure
your financial well-being. "Black Wall Street" is more than an event; it's an investment
in your future. Take the first step towards financial independence and prosperity
by joining us on February 1st. Together, we'll empower the next generation of Black
leaders to make smart financial decisions, achieve their dreams, and build a legacy
of financial success. Don't miss this opportunity to change your financial trajectory
and secure a brighter future!
Hosted by: Office of Multicultural Affairs & the Black Leadership Network
Soul fest
Monday, February 5 | 12 PM - 2 PM | MSC Plaza
Join us for an afternoon of African American cultural enrichment and celebration at
Soul Fest. This vibrant event showcases the talent, rich heritage, and flavorsome
cuisine that define African American culture. Come explore a marketplace filled with
unique vendors, savor soul food from Mr. B's, and groove to the soulful melodies that
have shaped generations
Hosted by: Office of Multicultural Affairs & The Black Student Union
urban talk
Tuesday, February 6 | 6 PM - 8 PM| MSC 3707
Join us for a night of hot topic discussions amongst the black community at USF. Gain
insight to how the black community navigate conversations of love, race, politics,
mental health, and more. The panel will consist of students and will allow those in
attendance to interact with them during the discussion.
Hosted by: Office of Multicultural Affairs & The Black Student Union
Melanated Melodies
Monday, February 12 | 7:30 PM - 9 PM | MSC Oval Theater
Calling all poets and poetry lovers! 911±¬ÁÏÍø, Faculty, and Staff. Join us for our open mic event, Melanated Melodies, where you’ll hear beautiful poems centered around black history, heritage and culture.
Hosted by: Office of Multicultural Affairs
caribbean carnival
Monday, February 19 | 12 PM - 2 PM | MSC Plaza
Caribbean Carnival is your passport to an afternoon filled with the rhythms and flavors of the Caribbean. Join us as we come together to celebrate our shared heritage, indulge in tasty cuisine, and dance to the smooth rhythms that define our culture. Don't miss out on this spectacular celebration of Caribbean culture!.
Hosted by: Office of Multicultural Affairs
qtBlack & Ballroom
Thursday, February 22 | 6 PM - 8 PM | MSC Ballroom
Get ready to listen to the unheard voices of the Black LGBTQ+ community. Hear the stories of Black LGTBQ+ poets from their soul impacting words, enjoy an exciting House Battle and express your true self at the QTBlack and Ballroom Extravaganza! This electrifying event is a vibrant celebration of the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ culture, showcasing the beauty, resilience, and creativity of our diverse community. This event is a celebration of love, identity, and the power of community. Join us for a night of unapologetic self-expression, fun performances, and unforgettable memories. QTBlack and Ballroom is a testament to the strength and beauty of our diverse community.
Hosted by: Office of Multicultural Affairs
The history of afro-cuban influence in tampa bay
Tuesday, February 27 | 4:30 PM - 6 PM | MSC 3707
Join us to learn about the history of Afro-Cuban Influence in Tampa Bay, curated and hosted by LGSO with the help of the USF Library Special Collections Tampa. Susan Greenbaum, Professor Emerita USF Anthropology, will present about the history and contributions of Afro-Cubans in Tampa. Her research and collaboration with this community began in the mid 1980s and continued until the early 2000s. She worked in partnership with members of La Unión Martà y Maceo, which was founded in 1900. They had many records and documents and arranged dozens of interviews. The initial purpose of the research was to establish the role of the community and organization in Ybor City’s history. The project lasted decades with many efforts, still ongoing, to meet that goal. Her book, More than Black: Afro-Cubans in Tampa, was published in 2002 by the University of Florida Press.
Hosted by: Latin Graduate Student Organization
Milestones through black History
911±¬ÁÏÍødnesday, February 28 | 12 PM - 2 PM | MSC Atrium
Free cookies, stickers, and Trivia!
Hosted by: Marshall Student Center
The Black Gala
911±¬ÁÏÍødnesday, February 28 | 6 PM - 9 PM| MSC Ballroom
Prepare to be dazzled and inspired at the Black Gala, an elegant and formal evening
that celebrates the richness of Black culture while providing a space for deep reflection,
collective progression, and to celebrate the closing of Black Heritage Month. This
event is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and contributions of the Black
community and an opportunity to unite in the pursuit of a brighter future.
Hosted by: Office of Multicultural Affairs
the african american experience in florida portal
Supported and created by the USF Libraries Special Collections in Tampa and St. Petersburg, the is part of a long-term project to highlight current and future materials that advance the conversation about the African American experience in Florida.
Interested in becoming a sponsor for Black Heritage Month 2024 Please contact Pilar Walker for more information.