With February here, Penn State is hosting a variety of events in honor of Black History Month. We’ve got you covered with the list, so you don’t miss a thing!

Terri Lyne Carrington, “We Insist! 2025,” Featuring Christie Dashiell: February 5

A night of jazz will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, at Eisenhower Auditorium. “We Insist! 2025” will star jazz drummer Terri Lynne Carrington and four-time Grammy Award-winning musician and vocalist Christie Dashiell. The concert will feature reimagined songs from the free jazz era, including “Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite.” Roach’s 1960 album was added to the National Registry by the Library of Congress in 2022, and to this day, its message retains significant meaning. For more information, click here.

The Joyfull Cirque Kalabanté Edition: February 10

Enjoy a meal and live performance at the Joyfull Cirque Kalabanté at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, at the Hintz Family Alumni Center. This event is open to all and celebrates art, cultural backgrounds, and histories. A program, entertainment, and menu will be announced closer to the date of the event. The event is free, but registration is required. For more information, visit the link here.

Cirque Kalabanté “Afrique En Cirque:” February 11

Cirque Kalabanté “Afrique en Cirque” will be making its way to Penn State at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, in Eisenhower Auditorium. Come experience the beauty of West African culture through live music and acrobatics. Witness the artistry of Guinea through colorful scenery, costumes, and staging this month. American Sign Language is offered at the performance. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the link here.

Art & Activism in South Africa: Post-Apartheid Women’s Poetry & Performance 

12:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 012 Lewis Katz Building

At 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, Professor Gabeba Baderoon will examine the transgressive art and poetry by women after the end of apartheid in room 012, Lewis Katz Building. Baderoon will take a deep dive into the works of poets such as Koleka Putuma, Makhosazana Xaba, and Ronelda Kamfer, as well as artists Zanele Muholi, Gabrielle Goliath, and Thania Peterson. This event is hosted by the School of International Affairs Black Student Association and co-sponsored by Penn State Global. Food will be provided, and registration is required. To register, visit the link here.

Health & Human Development Black History Month Event

6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, Bennett Pierce Living Center

From 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February, 26, the College of Health and Human Development Office for Diversity and Inclusion will have a student showcase, celebrating Black culture and history in an interactive way. The event in the Bennet Pierce Living Center will have dance workshops led by Dark Storm and Island Fever, as well as Penn State Black history trivia led by Alyssa Funches, the NAACP, and NPHC. Folks can come and celebrate Black history and excellence at Penn State and enjoy some great food.