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SXU Celebrates Black History Month

Date:02/04/2026
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Celebrate a variety of fun, educational, and interconnective events for Black History Month with Saint Xavier University (SXU) this February. Students, staff, faculty and the community are invited to participate in activities that will foster meaningful conversations and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions made by the Black community.  

"Our Mercy heritage calls us to work together to create a more equitable society for all. As a community, we must collaborate to foster understanding, empathy and action -- this Black History Month and beyond. As we take some time to reflect upon the integral role of African Americans in the past and present of this great nation, let us use Black History Month to not only celebrate but commit to ensuring that the stories of African Americans are integrated into our shared national narrative," said Keith Elder, Ph.D., president.

Black History Month Library Display 

All month long, the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library will display curated works selected by librarians, faculty, staff and students, ranging from children's books and literature to scholarly monographs. 

Black Down Memory Lane

Walk through the decades, starting with the Harlem Renaissance, and continue through the new millennium in the Butler Reception Room, all month long.

Thursday Food Specials – February 5, 12, 19 and 26 

Every Thursday in February, the SXU Diner will serve a special menu curated for Black History Month.  

Soul Sound Thursdays - February 5, 12, 19, and 26

Join Tracy Baker and the Master's Collective in the SXU Diner Atrium as they share Black history through Black music.

Style and Chat – February 10

Come out to the Wiseman Student Lounge from 2 to 4 p.m. and learn about BeHer and Men of Vision (previously known as Black Male Initiative) for a Style and Chat and Barbershop Talk. The collaborative effort will bring the programs together with meaningful conversations, styling, and free haircuts for selected students. Priority for haircut signups will be given to past BMI participants, but the event is open to all.

Wild 'N Out: Black History Month Edition – February 18

Join us for Wild 'N Out: Black History Month Edition in McGuire Hall from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. This engaging and high-energy event celebrates Black culture, history and community. Inspired by friendly competition and creativity, this interactive program will feature games, trivia and crowd participation centered on Black history, cultural knowledge and shared experiences.

Black and Latinx Student Summit - February 21

Join Cougar Scholars on a road trip to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). This summit is an incredible opportunity for students to engage in meaningful conversations, network, and connect with university students from the Chicagoland area. This year, the keynote address will be poet, songwriter, and performing artist Jamila Woods.

Ernest Crim III: Celebrating 100 Years of Black HisTory - February 25

Saint Xavier University proudly celebrates 100 years of Black history with a powerful conversation in the Wiseman Student Lounge from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. led by Ernest Crim III, Emmy-nominated producer and award-winning educator. Through storytelling, overlooked historical narratives, and meaningful dialogue, Crim will help us reflect on this centennial milestone and explore why Black history still matters today.

BUILT Different: Black Excellence - February 25

Come network in the Butler Reception Froom from 2 to 5 p.m. with successful entrepreneurs, bloggers and influencers, politicians, activists, medical professionals, and more!

BSU Annual Fashion Show - February 26

The Black Student Union is proud to present its Sixth Annual Fashion Show, a vibrant celebration of Black culture, creativity, and self-expression. Join us in McGuire Hall from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for an unforgettable night filled with music and models who own the runway with confidence and grace. Don’t miss out on a night of style, culture, and community!

Please join us this month to connect with our learning community and spend time uplifting one another through sharing in culture. For more information, contact the Office of Family and Community Engagement at familysupportFREESXU.