Penn State Harrisburg celebrates Black History Month

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Penn State Harrisburg will honor Black History Month with numerous events and activities. Here’s a look at some of the events happening around campus.

Black History Month Digital Display Slideshow – During the month of February. Slides will be displayed to honor past and present, Black faculty and staff and celebrate their contributions to the Penn State Harrisburg community.

Soul Train Step – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Feb. 3, Olmsted Building atrium. Join us to kick off Black History Month 2025 with a vibrant Soul Train Step Event! This event will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Black community through music, dance, and unity. Hosted by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Black History Month Art & Photography Exhibit: The Unsung Patriots of the American Revolution – Opening reception, 2:30 p.m., Feb. 3, Olmsted Building Atrium. Closing reception, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre, Student Enrichment Center. Join us for an engaging project highlighting the invaluable contributions of African American soldiers during the American Revolution. Under the guidance of Beatrice Epwene, assistant teaching professor of communications, students in the African American Studies 100 course have compiled profiles of courageous patriots, many of whom served as informants, spies, and essential middlemen during the war. Throughout the month, a moving exhibition will showcase these profiles across various locations on campus. Hosted by School of Humanities and the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Kulkarni Theatre.

Karaoke – 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Feb. 5, Stacks Stage, Olmsted Building. Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate with the Black Student Union! Join us during Common Hour at Stacks for a lively Black History Month Karaoke event. Hosted by the Black Student Union.

Barron Ryan Trio: There Arises Light (in the Darkness) – 7:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 11, Kulkarni Theatre, Student Enrichment Center. An evening of music with Tulsa native and pianist Barron Ryan, named one of Smithsonian Magazine's "Ten Innovators to Watch." Joined by cello and violin, Ryan will take the audience on a captivating journey of struggle, discovery, and triumph, featuring iconic pieces from the classical canon and an original composition commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Free for Penn State Harrisburg students, who should register on Engage/Corq. All other tickets can be purchased here.  

Multicultural Academic Excellence Program (MAEP) – Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center History – 4-5:30 p.m., Feb. 12, Gallery Lounge, W107 Olmsted. Students are invited to take a captivating journey into Black history and explore the powerful mural in the Oliver LaGrone Cultural Arts Center. This vibrant piece of art is a visual storytelling masterpiece honoring influential Black historical figures. Hosted by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Douglass Day – Transcribe-a-thon – Noon-3 p.m., Feb. 14, Madlyn L. Hanes Library. To celebrate Frederick Douglass Day, students can learn how to engage in a crowdsourced, transcription project that supports and preserves Black history. Three hourlong sessions will take place at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is required and will be available soon. This event is hosted by the Madlyn L. Hanes Library in partnership with the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Beyond Barriers: Black Excellence in STEM – Noon-1:15 p.m., Feb. 18, Gallery Lounge, W107 Olmsted. Celebrate the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of Black STEM professionals, inspire the next generation of leaders, and discuss actionable steps to continue advancing diversity and inclusion in these critical fields. Hosted by National Society of Black Engineers.

Career Related Conversations (CaReCo) – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Feb. 19, Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center, W132 Olmsted. Join us for a discussion on the significance of hair in professional settings. This session will explore topics such as cultural identity, biases surrounding hairstyles, and navigating workplace expectations. Hosted by Career Services and the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Multicultural Academic Excellence Program (MAEP) – Oliver LaGrone Celebration – 4-5:30 p.m., Feb. 19, Gallery Lounge, W107 Olmsted. A special event honoring the legacy of Oliver LaGrone. This event will feature acknowledgements to Evelyn & Tom Knull for their generous donation, a reflection on LaGrone’s remarkable history, and engaging trivia that highlights his contributions and impact. Hosted by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (SDEI) and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

Black History Month – Luncheon “Echoes of the Past, Voices for the Future” – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Feb. 26, Events Room 210, Capital Union Building. Join us for a meaningful celebration of Black History Month at Penn State Harrisburg! This year’s luncheon, themed “Echoes of the Past, Voices for the Future,” invites us to reflect on the legacy of Black history while embracing the power and potential of the voices leading us forward. Brandon Leake, acclaimed spoken word poet, educator, and winner of America’s Got Talent, will be keynote speaker. Hosted by the Black History Month Committee. RSVP here.

Black History Month – Post Luncheon Mix & Mingle – 1-3 p.m., Feb. 26, Living Room, Student Enrichment Center. This mix & mingle is an opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue and connection among faculty, staff, and students and a chance to connect, reflect, and build community after the Black History Month Luncheon. Hosted by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

MOSAIC, workshop with Brandon Leake – Feb. 26, 4-5:30, Kulkarni Theatre, Student Enrichment Center. A workshop with Brandon Leake, an award-winning spoken word poet, artistic educator, and motivational speaker, whose journey as a performer and educator has taken him across the globe. His work centers on themes of transparency and healing, and his acclaimed projects, including his poetry chapbook and album continue to inspire audiences worldwide. RSVP for this workshop on Engage. Hosted by Multicultural Academic Excellence Program (MAEP).

Open Mic Jam & Poetry Slam with Celebrity Host Brandon Leake, 9 p.m., Feb. 27, Kulkarni Theatre, Student Enrichment Center. A first-ever talent event featuring celebrity host and spoken word artist Brandon Leake – America's Got Talent Season 15 winner! Whether you sing, play an instrument, stand-up or sketch comedy, recite drama, poetry or spoken word, now is your moment to shine.

Seeking talent to perform for a maximum of five minutes. Slots are limited. Those interested in performing should fill out this form by Feb. 14 to secure a spot.

Students can sign-up to attend the event for free on Engage. Limited free tickets are available to the community and may be reserved by emailing kulkarniboxoffice@psu.edu.