Roanoke College is proudly celebrating Black History Month with a series of events planned to educate our community, recognize the achievements of Black Americans and celebrate their role in American history.
The national theme for Black History Month this year is “African Americans and Labor,” and it is meant to highlight the contributions of Black citizens in the workforce throughout history.
The college kicked off its recognition of Black History Month at Maroon Madness last week with a special performance by local members of Delta Sigma Theta during halftime of the women’s basketball game.
The following events are also taking place this month:
“Victory Stadium: How a Lawyer, a Minister, and Twenty Football Players Helped End Segregation in Virginia and Professional Sports”
Feb. 13, 7-8 p.m.
Logan Gallery in the Bank Building
Open to Roanoke College community and general public
Join law professor Alex Long for a look at the remarkable history of a landmark NFL game played at Victory Stadium in Roanoke City in 1961.
At the time, Virginia state law demanded segregated seating for the event. But two local leaders – an attorney and a minister – worked to bring national attention to that injustice by organizing the first successful civil rights boycott of a professional sporting event.
Long serves as the Williford Gragg Distinguished Professor of Law for the University of Tennessee College of Law. His scholarship has been published in numerous journals, and his most recent book, "Professional Wrestling and the Law," was published in 2024 (McFarland).
This event is co-sponsored by Roanoke College's anthropology concentration program and the Center for Studying Structures of Race in honor of Black History Month.
“Forget Me Not” Open Hours
Feb. 17, 3:30-5 p.m.
Former enslaved person quarters behind Monterey House
Open to Roanoke College community and general public
Copenhaver Scholar-in-Residence Clover Archer, who brought her “Forget Me Not: Peyton Lewis” exhibition to Roanoke College in partnership with the college’s Center for Studying Structures of Race, will return for open exhibit hours. Archer is also spending time in individual classes. Click here to read more about this project.
Jamaican Dinner
Feb. 17, 3 p.m.
Outside Chalmers Hall
Open to all students
The Black Student Alliance and Tangles are hosting a Jamaican dinner that will take place outside Chalmers Hall at 3 p.m. Join them for a diverse celebration of culture including food, music and mini hair kits.
Art Dedication Ceremony
Feb. 23, 4 p.m.
The Rock in front of Sections
Open to the Roanoke College community
The Black Student Alliance is hosting an art dedication ceremony for the enslaved workers who contributed to the infrastructure of Roanoke College. After meeting at the Rock, the group will move to the Bank Building to present artwork, discuss Black history, and honor the enslaved people who contributed to the campus. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Movie Screening: “The Last Black Man in San Francisco”
Feb. 24, 5 p.m.
Grandin Theatre
Open to all students
The Black Student Alliance has reserved seven seats for this screening and is providing transportation to Grandin Theatre. The group will meet at Bast at 5 p.m. To sign up for a spot, please visit this link.