Updates

Registration links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/vcuomsa

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School of Dentistry Trailblazer Awards
Saturday, Feb. 1 | 10 a.m.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Kelly Education Center, 1800 Lakeside Ave.
https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/Trailblazers2025

Join the VCU School of Dentistry community for the Trailblazer Awards, honoring the accomplishments of distinguished Black alumni. This inspiring event celebrates their groundbreaking contributions and lasting impact on their communities and the profession. Enjoy brunch and networking. (Joy Gilchrist/VCU School of Dentistry)

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Black History Found and Forged: Chronicling the East Marshall Street Well Project
Saturday, Feb. 1 | 2 – 4 p.m.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center, 122 W Leigh St.
bit.ly/hhl0201

The East Marshall Street Well Project works to address some of the exploitative medical practices perpetrated by Virginia Commonwealth University on Richmond’s Black communities since the 1800s. Representatives from the community and VCU will contextualize this history and discuss efforts to create oral history and memorialization projects that work toward reparative justice. Please join us during Black History Month to reflect upon important local Black history in the making. (Chris Cynn/Humanities Research Center's Health Humanities Lab, Office of Health Equity)

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3 in 30 | The Sensory Experience of African Art (In-Person)
Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd.

Join VMFA's Karen Getty, educator for the African collection, as she shares the experiential power and multisensory dimensions of three objects in the African Art Galleries.
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CHP Vibe Check
Tuesday, Feb. 4 | Noon - 12:45 p.m.
College of Health Professions, 900 East Leigh St., Rm. 1030
forms.gle/1MddBia3jVHU4AdA8
The mixer is intended to cultivate a safe space and community where students, faculty, and staff who identify as persons of color are able to discuss their own experiences, challenges, and issues that they confront as people and students of color. (Chelsea Gary/VCU College of Health Professions- Dean's Office)

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VCUarts Lecture Series: Amber Esseiva (B.A. ’12) “A Love Letter to Amaza Lee Meredith”
Tuesday, Feb. 4 | Lecture: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Reception: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, 601 West Broad St.
In-person: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSep0dL9zXVvkDZqCB6KzWd9iFTCN5x2tZDqK5gLSd30N0mEdA/viewform
Virtual: https://vcu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6QSZFrRZT-et07gheY-Jhw#/registration

Join Amber Esseiva, Senior Curator at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, for an evening dedicated to the making of Dear Mazie, an exhibition exploring the life and work of Amaza Lee Meredith, the first known Black queer woman to practice as an architect in the United States. This lecture will delve into the extensive research behind the exhibition, highlighting Meredith’s pioneering contributions to architecture, education, and queer history. Esseiva will also discuss the collaborative process behind the exhibition, which brought together archivists, architects, designers, and artists to honor Meredith’s legacy. This conversation will provide a deeper understanding of how archival material, creative vision, and contemporary perspectives intersect in bringing this trailblazing figure’s story to life. (Dean's Office, VCUarts)

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VCU Libraries' Black History Month Lecture: "Building a Home for Change: The Obama Presidential Center"
Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 7 - 9 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library Lecture Hall, 901 Park Ave.
https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/BHM2025

The Center’s Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Dr. Crystal M. Moten, will provide an overview of the Obama Presidential Center focusing on the center’s museum exhibits. She will: explore the ways the exhibits are rooted in a larger, complex discussion about democracy; highlight the historical predecessors who made President and Mrs. Obama's stories possible; and share the museum’s storytelling goals as they relate to the events, policies, challenges and accomplishments of the Obama Presidency. In harnessing the power of storytelling, the Center–set to open in 2026–hopes to inspire all of its visitors to push for change within their own communities. (Ryan Pander/VCU Libraries)

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SCRAAATCH - Visiting Artist Lecture
Wednesday, Feb. 5 | Noon
Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, 601 West Broad St

The Department of Sculpture + Extended Media invites you to a compelling visiting artist lecture by SCRAAATCH, a dynamic duo renowned for their innovative experiments in performance and sound. SCRAAATCH has showcased their groundbreaking work at prestigious venues such as MoMA PS1, The Kitchen, and the New Museum in New York, among others. Their creative explorations have also been featured internationally in Switzerland and across the U.S. Join us for this in-person event to experience SCRAAATCH's inspiring journey and creative insights firsthand. (Sculpture + Extended Media/VCUarts)

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Exploring AfroLatinidad Through a Camera Lens
Wednesday, Feb. 5 | 1 p.m.
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 215

In this presentation, we will delve into the rich cultural and historical intersection of AfroLatinidad and social photography. We will explore how Afro-Latinx identities, shaped by both African and Latin American heritages, are represented through visual storytelling. The session will highlight the pivotal role of social photography in documenting and challenging stereotypes, giving voice to marginalized communities, and reflecting the lived experiences of Afro-Latinx individuals. Through iconic images and contemporary works, we will examine how social photography serves as both an art form and a tool for social change, offering a platform for dialogue around racial identity, representation, and activism within the Afro-Latinx community. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of how images can reshape narratives and create visibility for AfroLatinidad in the global context. (Anita Nadal/School of World Studies)

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3 in 30 | The Sensory Experience of African Art (Virtual)
Thursday, Feb. 6 | 11 - 11:30 a.m.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GOOyMVSFRgW4SE819W5r6A

Join VMFA's Karen Getty, educator for the African collection, as she shares the experiential power and multisensory dimensions of three objects in the African Art Galleries. (Karen Getty, VMFA)

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Black & Abroad: Global Leadership Conference
Friday, Feb. 7 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Richmond Salons, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)'s Global Education Office (GEO) is hosting a mini-conference on Friday, February 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Monroe Park Campus centered on global leadership through the lens of Black identity for our longstanding annual Black & Abroad event in celebration of Black History Month.

We hope that this event will provide meaningful conversation, insight, and action items for our students and our community in international spaces. (Kelly Richard/Global Education Office)

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Justice in Motion: Sitelines BLM Film Festival
Saturday, Feb. 8 | Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Modlin Center for the Arts, 453 Westhampton Way
https://tickets.modlin.richmond.edu/5548/5549

Sitelines BLM Film Festival is produced by Cadence Theatre Company to bring contemporary works to public spaces and cultural venues throughout Richmond. This innovative program was made possible through an Innovative Priority Grant from CultureWorks’ Grants Program, which received support from several partners including Altria, The City of Richmond, The Tomato Fund, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. By offering performances in public spaces, Sitelines BLM Film Festival aims to increase community participation in live theater and encourage people to rediscover and engage with our city spaces. Sitelines BLM Film Festival is also focused on building connections, promoting inclusion, and encouraging dialogue within our community. (University of Richmond, Student Center for Equity & Inclusion & The Modlin Center for the Arts)

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Black n Black Mixer
Wednesday, Feb. 12 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Commonwealth Ballrooms
University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
cglink.me/2dV/r1936805

In honor of Black History Month, OMSA is excited to host our Black n Black Mixer! This will be an opportunity during Black History Month for the student, faculty, and staff community to come together, mingle, and make connections. Please come enjoy catered food! Games will be played & prizes will be raffled off.

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Healing Through Heritage: Stories of Resilience and Survival
Thursday, Feb. 13 | 5 - 8 p.m.
SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W Broad St.
cglink.me/2dV/r1937141

Join us for an empowering event, Healing Through Heritage: Stories of Resilience and Survival, designed to create a space for Black students, faculty, and staff to reflect on the resilience and healing within Black communities. This event celebrates stories of survival, fosters connections, and promotes wellness and unity across generations. (SSS & OMSA)

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Bingo, Beats, & Black Queer Excellence
Thursday, Feb. 13 | 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Richmond Salons III-IV, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.
https://cglink.me/2dV/r1937206

Join us for a musical and queer celebration of Black History Month, hosted by drag extraordinaires Melanin Monroe and Javon Love! We’re combining the fun of bingo with iconic songs that have shaped Black culture and music. As each song plays, mark your card and groove to the beats—and compete for three prizes across three rounds! Dinner will be provided

RSVPS are mandatory!

This program is a collaboration between The Honey Club, P.R.I.S.M., and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA). Questions? Email Beck Oh at OHRN@vcu.edu

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Historically VCU: A Legacy Still in the Making
Thursday, Feb. 13 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.               www.support.vcu.edu/event/HVCU2025

In honor of Black History Month, hear from a panel of alumni trailblazers who discuss how Black students, faculty members, and staff have built the legacy of VCU and Richmond at large. This event brings together alumni who've made their mark on the university throughout their careers for a fireside chat-style discussion. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and a performance by the Black Awakening Choir. Co-hosted by the VCU Black Alumni Council. (Tiera Byrd/VCU Alumni Relations, Black Education Association, Black Alumni Council)

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Jazz Faculty Septet presents: Roy Haynes Tribute Concert
Thursday, Feb. 13 | 7:30 p.m.
Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, 922 Park Ave.
In-person: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/32202/sonia-vlahcevic-concert-hallsingleton-center-for-the-performing-artsperformance_id=60319194&country=US&language=en
Virtual: go.vcu.edu/concerthall

VCU’s Music Jazz Faculty Septet will be playing a tribute event for legendary Jazz Drummer Roy Haynes on Thursday, February 13th at 7:30 p.m. at the Singleton Center for the Performing Arts. (VCU Music/VCUarts)

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Black History: Learning from the Past and Inspiring the Future
Saturday, Feb. 15 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-learning-from-the-past-and-inspiring-the-future-tickets-1148577118079

Join Hear2Hear for our free annual Black History event celebrating moments in Black history. Highlights include a tribute to the Union Colored Troops at the Battle of New Market Heights, a reenactment by the Reformed 23rd Regiment, and the premiere of Unchaining Memories with a community conversation hosted by Alicia Atkins. Explore interactive exhibits, including the Richmond Slave Trail and The Victory of Freedom. Light refreshments will be served. Sign language interpreters are available. For accommodations, email here2_hear@aol.com.    (Virginia Museum of History and Culture)

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Collection Connection | Black History Month
Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 11 - 11:45 a.m.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd

Join Dr. Leo Mazow, VMFA's Louise B. and J. Harwood Cochrane Curator of American Art, in honoring Black History Month by exploring VMFA's American art galleries. This program includes a closer look at a recently acquired sculpture by the Chippewa and African American artist Edmonia Lewis. (VMFA)

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The Beauty Shop - For Thee Hotties
Thursday, Feb. 20 | 5 - 7 p.m.
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., Room 215

The Beauty Shop is now Open! The Hotties welcome all Black women and Femmes to an evening of community, self-care, and self-love. Join Girls Need Love, RecWell, and OMSA in conversation and create your affirmation mirror. (Girls Need Love and RecWell)

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African American Read-In
Thursday, Feb. 20 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Cochrane Atrium, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd.

Literature and fine art come together at VMFA's African American Read-In. See and hear notable figures from the greater Richmond community deliver prose and poetry readings throughout the galleries. This powerful display of storytelling pairs evocative and powerful works by African American artists and authors. The National African American Read-In is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English and endorsed by the International Literacy Association. (VMFA)

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Black History in Business Panel
Thursday, Feb. 27 | 5:30 - 8 p.m.
https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936928

Want to learn best practices to navigate your career from student to one of the top business leaders in the country? Please join us to gain insight from our panel speakers who conquered the industry and solidified their leadership position. (NABA)

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Preserving Our Soil: Celebrating Black Land Stewardship
Friday, Feb. 28 | 6 p.m. | Virtual
https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/BlackLandOwnership

Explore the importance of generational land preservation in this hybrid panel discussion. Experts will discuss challenges faced by Black landowners as well as innovative solutions and the cultural significance of maintaining ancestral properties. Plus, hear from Tracey Graves (B.S.’08), Lowcountry chapter leader, whose grandmother fought to preserve her family’s land in the Gullah Geechee community. VCU Alumni Council member Altimese Curry (B.S.’07) will moderate. (Kendra Robinson/Alumni Relations)