Led by the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education, the programming brings together students, faculty and campus partners for learning, celebration and connection.
Throughout February, Elon University recognizes the history and legacy of the Black community across campus. The Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE), in collaboration with campus partners, will host a series of events to commemorate the month.
This year’s theme, “History in the Making,” highlights the power, creativity and resilience of Black individuals who continue to shape the world today. Black history is not confined to the past, it is a living story unfolding daily in our communities, classrooms, workplaces and beyond. From leaders advancing justice and equity to innovators influencing art, science, politics and culture, the theme honors those actively shaping the future. History in the Making reminds us that progress is not only remembered — it is created.
“As we reflect on the legacies that paved the way, we also recognize and uplift the changemakers of today who carry that torch forward, ensuring that the story of Black excellence, empowerment and endurance continues to inspire generations to come,” Abdul-Malik Harrison, assistant director of the CREDE, said.
This year will include the annual kickoff event, carnival, Black History Honth basketball game, Black Solidarity Conference and return of the Tiny Shelf Concert. New this year, the CREDE, in collaboration with the Truitt Center for Spiritual and Religious Life and the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society (CSRCS), will host an interactive exhibit exploring the history of Black American Muslims.
If you have any questions, please contact Abdul-Malik Harrison at aharrison16@elon.edu or (336) 278-7243.
Black History Month 2026 Events at Elon
Black History Month Kick Off
Monday, Feb. 2 | 5:30–7 p.m.
McKinnon Hall
The Empowerment Experience
Thursday, Feb. 5 | 5:30 p.m.
Belk Library, KLC 127
The EmpowerMENt Experience invites male-identifying students to explore and redefine masculinity through engaging activities and a culminating discussion to better understand healthy manhood.
Honoring the Legacy of Imam WD Muhammad: Roots, Routes and Resistance
Wednesday, Feb. 4 & Thursday, Feb. 5 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
McBride Gathering Space
Join Muslim Life, the CSRCS, and the Truitt Center for an interactive exhibit exploring the history of Black American Muslims, aligned with this year’s Black History Month theme, “History in the Making: Honoring our Roots, Routes, and Resistance.” The walk-through traces the community’s roots, its growth from Chicago, and the role of Islam as a pathway of resistance for Black Americans.
Black Table Talk
Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 5:30–7 p.m.
McBride Gathering Space
Tiny Shelf Concert
Friday, Feb. 13 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Belk Library
A Tiny Shelf Concert that highlights the rich cultural contributions of Black artists and Elon Jazz Studies! Come through, be inspired, and honor Black excellence through the power of music!
African American Literature Read-In
Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 5–6:30 p.m.
Belk Library 113
Gather to read aloud or just listen as folks share favorite works by African American writers. Poetry, stories, excerpts, quotes, etc. Light refreshments provided!
Black History Month Basketball Game
Friday, Feb. 20 | 7 p.m.
Schar Center
Cheer on your Lady Phoenix as they face off against Campbell. Come for the game, stay for the opportunity to win some cool prizes!
Carnaval Celebration
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 5:30–7 p.m.
McKinnon Hall
Carnival is a lively celebration of music, dance, costumes, and parades, celebrated worldwide—most famously in Brazil—and in places like Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Colombia and Bolivia, each with its own unique traditions.
Black Solidarity Conference
Friday, Feb. 27 | Noon–5:30 p.m.
McKinnon Hall
The Elon University Black Solidarity Conference is dedicated to bringing together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate community, explore Black identity and intersectionality, and strengthen solidarity across campus.
Africa Night
Saturday, Feb. 28 | 6–8:30 p.m.
Alumni Gym
African Night celebrates the rich diversity of Africa under the theme “One Continent, Many Stories” through music, dance, food and performances, offering an opportunity to connect with our community, explore vibrant cultures, share traditions, and honor the beauty and unity of African heritage.