February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans to culture and society. Austin Community College District (ACC) commemorates the month with multiple events open to ACC faculty, staff, students, and the community. 

This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts: How the Arts shaped Black culture. The events are sponsored by ACC’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Center, African-American Cultural Center, and Black Representation of Achievement through Student Support (BRASS) program.

ACC hosts a kickoff celebration for its 2024 Black History Month event series on Thursday, February 1, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the TRHT Center (ACC Highland Campus, Building 4000). 

Other events planned in February include:

Understanding My Love for African Americans and the Arts: An East Austin Journey With Professor Roland Hayes
Thursday, February 8 | 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
ACC Eastview Campus African-American Cultural Center
Join a lively discussion with Professor Roland Hayes to learn about African-American history and culture.

Salon/Barbershop Talk: What Defines Culture?!
Thursday, February 15
Highland Campus, Building 4000 | Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center
Participants will join an interactive discussion examining the elements of culture and behavior, both learned and innate, and how they have and will continue to shape perspectives and preserve diverse traditions and rich artistry.

Art Exhibition: Celebrating Local Black Art and Artists
Thursday, February 22 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Eastview Campus, Building 2000 | African American Cultural Center
Local artists will present work, discuss factors influencing and inspiring their art, and share what it means to be a Black artist in a rapidly gentrifying space.

Essay Contest

The college also hosts a Black History Month essay contest on African-Americans and the Arts. Essays must be received via email by 5 p.m., Monday, February 19th. Please send to [email protected]. The top two essays will be awarded a $50 and $25 prize, respectively. 

More details on the events and essay contest are available on ACC’s Black History Month webpage.

Tags: Black History Month