Pepperdine University Commemorates Black History Month with Events and Resources Throughout February
In observance of Black History Month, Pepperdine University will host a variety of events and activities on campus and virtually to honor and educate the community on the triumphs and trials of African Americans throughout US history.
Black History Month, an annual celebration that grew out of “Negro History Week,” is the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every US president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, and other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, have devoted a month to celebrating Black history. Each year since its inception, US presidents have endorsed a theme relating to Black History Month. This year’s theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence of African Americans in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression."
The Pepperdine community is encouraged to participate in the following 2024 Black History Month events and activities:
Pepperdine Black Network: Wisdom for the Workplace
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM | The Lighthouse
Presented by the Seaver College and Graziadio Business School Black Student Associations, the Black Alumni Association invites faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents to attend a leadership seminar and networking mixer. The event will feature a panel of alumni speakers, including Asia Bribiesca-Hedin ('93), Lexi Aguayo ('20), Olivia Robinson ('20), and Devin Bristow ('20), who will share their wisdom for the workplace from a Pepperdine Black alumni perspective. Following the speaker sessions, attendees are encouraged to mingle together, learn from one another, and build their network of Waves. Light bites and refreshments are included with registration.
Film Screening and Panel Discussion of Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | 6 PM to 8 PM | Elkins Auditorium
Sponsored by the Office for Community Belonging, the Center for Faith and Learning, Student Affairs, and Intercultural Affairs, Pepperdine will host a screening of the multi-award winning documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom. This film shares Rasool Berry’s journey through Texas as he engages with descendants of enslaved people emancipated on June 19, 1865. Following the screening, a discussion with Berry, along with Pepperdine faculty across the University’s five schools will follow. All are invited to attend and engage in a process of learning, relearning, and unlearning. Refreshments will be provided. Register to attend.
Leading Edge Conversations: A Discussion with African American Business Leaders: Resilience, Innovation, and Opportunity
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 | 6 PM to 7:30 PM | Zoom
In recognition of Black History Month, the Graziadio Alumni Network invites the community to hear from prominent Graziadio Business School alumni Britta Wilson (EdD '16, MBA '92), Quincy Newell (MBA ’12), and Phillip William Sheppard (MBA '22, PKE 147) as they discuss the impact of being successful Black business leaders in America. The conversation will uncover the unique journey each panelist encountered on their road to becoming trailblazers. Register to attend the virtual event.
Graduate School of Education and Psychology Center for Partnerships and Learning | Series of Events
- Black History Month Student Panel
- Friday, February 9, 2024 | 5:30 PM to 7 PM | Zoom
- Black History Month: Dance with Dr. Julio Hansen
- Friday, February 16, 2024 | 6 PM to 7:30 PM | Zoom and In-Person Room 333
- Black History Month: Dana Rice on Music
- Friday, February 23, 2024 | 5:30 PM to 7 PM | Zoom
- Black History Month: Denise Gordon on Food
- Thursday, February 29, 2024 | 5:30 PM to 7 PM | Zoom
Civil Rights Movement Collection Display | February 2024 | Payson Library
Pepperdine Libraries will offer a selection of books about the Civil Rights Movement throughout the month of February. Learn more about the Black History Month collection on the Pepperdine Libraries website.
Visit Pepperdine’s Black History Month website to learn more about upcoming events and discover a variety of contributions and technological advancements developed by African American inventors and thought leaders that have greatly impacted our daily lives.