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Officially recognized by the United States government in 1976, Black History Month is a nationwide commemoration of the notable contributions Black Americans have made in shaping U.S. history. Every February, museums, universities, and nonprofit organizations pay tribute to Black history with specialized programs and activities. Honor this cultural celebration by participating in one of these Tri-State events throughout the month of February.
Black History Month at USI
Various days/times during the month of February
University of Southern Indiana, 8600 University Blvd.
The University of Southern Indiana’s Multicultural Center will host a myriad of events available to the Evansville community to coincide with Black History Month. Events include an oratorical competition at 5 p.m. on Feb. 8 in Traditions Lounge, a debate competition at 5 p.m. on Feb. 10 in Traditions Lounge, speaker and founder of “Tasteful Thoughts” Shirval Moore at 6 p.m. on Feb. 15 in Carter Hall, and a soul food tasting and lecture by Sodexo Executive Chef Gregory Dillard at 3 p.m. on Feb. 16 in Carter Hall.
usi.edu/multiculturalcenter/events/black-history-month
EVPL Black History Month Programs
Various days/times during the month of February
All participating EVPL locations
Black History Month activities hosted by the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library include a scavenger hunt, spotlight on young adult Black authors, Black History Month Teen trivia, and a family movie night. Book bundles curated to highlight Black History Month can be reserved and picked up at any EVPL location during February. At EVPL Central, guests can learn about the impact of healthy lifestyles through an interactive exhibit curated by DeAndre Wilson, a local activist and founder of the Keep Rolling Campaign.
evpl.org/posts/black-history-month-2022/
John M. Caldwell Memorial Lecture Series
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 19
EVPL Central, Browning Rooms A and B, 200 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The Soul Writer’s Guild of the Evansville African American Museum will host a lecture honoring the memory of the Rev. John M. Caldwell on Feb. 19. Caldwell was a pastor of Zion Baptist Church and in 1967 became the first African American elected to the Evansville City Council. The lecture is free and open to the public.
evvafricanamericanmuseum.wordpress.com
Taste of History
7 p.m. Mar. 12
University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Ave.
This Evansville African American Museum event will feature Nicholasville, Kentucky, resident Michael Crutcher Sr. in a one-man production about Frederick Douglass. A soul food dinner will be served, with bar service available. Admission costs $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members.
evvafricanamericanmuseum.wordpress.com
Lyles Station Centennial Celebration
1 p.m. Feb. 19
Lyles Station Historic School and Museum, 953 N. County Road 500 W., Princeton, Indiana
To celebrate Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of the founding of Lyles Station School and Museum, Lyles Station will host a free program with guest speaker Eunice Trotter. The first Black woman to serve as an editor at the Indianapolis Star, Trotter is also a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame and is considered a Southwestern Indiana Black history expert. Her recent book “Black in Indiana” details the process of ending slavery in Indiana. A viewing of the film “An Eagle on His Button,” which explores the story of a group of local African American farm boys from Southern Illinois who fought in the Civil War, will take place following the Trotter’s presentation. Free tours of the museum and viewing of local art will be offered as well on Saturday.
Crossroads Christian Church Unity Concert
5 p.m. Feb. 20
Crossroads Christian Church, 10800 Outer Lincoln Ave., Newburgh, Indiana
Presented by the United Churches of Evansville and Crossroads Christian Church, this Unity Concert celebrating Black History Month will include music from gospel artists George Dean and G4, Aero Ju, Marcellus Barnes, and Crossroads Worship Band. The concert is free and open to the public. An offering will be taken during the concert to benefit youth programs at the Evansville African American Museum.