Every February, Belmont University hosts special events to celebrate Black History Month. The theme for this year is ‘Beyond the Dream: Black Legacy and Excellence.’
“Each year, Belmont hosts a variety of engaging and meaningful events to celebrate Black History Month, aiming to honor the rich contributions of African Americans to our shared history and culture,” said university officials. “This year Belmont aims to inspire and empower new generations of leaders, world changers, creatives, advocates and servants to make our world a better place. From thought-provoking discussions featuring influential speakers to vibrant cultural exhibitions showcasing the diversity and talent within the Black community, Belmont’s Black History Month events provide a platform for education, reflection, and celebration.”
Events are as follows:
Sunday, February 16
The Washingtons of Wessyngton Plantation: ‘Stories of My Family’s Journey to Freedom’ (Cultural Well Core), 4:30 pm, Belmont Mansion
Mr. Baker will be telling the story of his ancestors, who were enslaved on Wessyngton Plantation owned by the Washington family, as well as the story of hundreds of other African Americans connected to the plantation for more than two centuries. It is a story of family, faith and community.
Monday, February 17
An Evening with P.J. Morton (Cultural Well Core), 5 pm, Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
This special evening will include an interview-style conversation centered on Mr. Morton’s new book, Saturday Night Sunday Morning, as well as a live performance and book signing by Morton himself. Together, we’ll explore how music has served as a sustaining force and a source of purpose throughout his remarkable life and career. Through the lens of the performing arts, Morton will share powerful insights into the transformative power of music to inspire resilience, faith, and creativity.
Tuesday, February 18
‘The Essence of Entrepreneurship’ (Occupational Well Core), 5:30 pm, JMC 570—Hackathon Room
Discover the art of juggling entrepreneurship and multiple jobs in this insightful discussion featuring successful multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs. Gain practical advice, hear inspiring stories, and learn strategies for managing time, energy, and priorities while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams.
‘Movie Night’: Shift Nursing (Cultural Well Core), 5:30 pm, Frist College of Medicine – Learning Theatre 1 (1st floor)
A documentary from nurses, by nurses, on the explicit and implicit bias faced daily by nursing professions when trying to care for all people in need of care. The movie was created by the SHIFT community of nurses who’s mission is to create a kinder, more nurturing culture where nurses can share ideas, innovations and experiences that will shape the future of nursing. After the documentary, we will have a ‘debriefing’ session, hosted by Dr. Ernest Grant, the immediate past-president of the American Nurses Association.
Wednesday, February 19
Equity in Design (Cultural Well Core), 10 am, Gabhart 200A
This panel discussion will highlight the invaluable contributions of Black architects, designers, and other professionals in architecture, interior design, fashion, and related fields.
Thursday, February 20
BSA Gala, 6 pm, Maddox Grand Atrium
Join the Black Student Association for an unforgettable evening of elegance, community, and celebration of Black excellence. This gala honors achievements, fosters unity—highlighting the vibrant contributions of students and leaders making a difference. There will be special remarks by Darrell Brown youth pastor. Also, there will be a toiletry and canned goods drive. Each attendee is asked to bring at least one toiletry item or canned good.
Monday, February 24
‘African American Read-In’ (Cultural Well Core), 10 am, Ayers 2090
Come join us for a celebration of African American literature as we participate in the annual National African American Read-In! Faculty and students will read from works created by African American authors, sharing the voices and experiences of Black Americans. You may bring your favorites to share (reading time, two minutes or less for the first round), or you’re welcome just to listen to a sampling of the wonderful contributions of African American poets, novelists, essayists, memoirists, and playwrights. The national ‘African American Read-In’ (AARI) is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than six million participants around the world.
‘Requiem for Colour: A Journey through Lament and Joy’ (Cultural WellCore), 7:30 pm, Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
This groundbreaking work is an orchestral, literary, vocal, and visual journey that begins in West Africa and ends in present-day North America, exploring and honoring the experiences of generations of Black people and their descendants. Informed by his Christian faith and the traditions of gospel roots, Dr. Ames has created a work that spans generations in reckoning with our current societal vices of racism and injustice. Blending genres from classical to R&B, oration to spoken word, Dr. Ames explains: “Music has the unique ability to touch hearts and inspire change. With ‘Requiem for Colour,’ I hope to create a space for reflection and conversation, encouraging us all to work towards a more just and unified world.”
February 26-28
‘Peace Summit, a Reflection on the Past’: Call to Action’
This is a celebration that unites the power of civil rights, story telling, history, music, scholarship, and community. The event shines a spotlight on the shared struggles and triumphs of two cities (Nashville, Tennessee, and Belfast, Northern Ireland) both of which have been deeply shaped by their histories of conflict and resilience.
February 2025
Lila D. Bunch Library: library display for Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month at the Lila D. Bunch Library with a curated display honoring the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Explore a selection of books, films, and artifacts showcasing Black excellence in literature, art, science, civil rights, and more.
