UTA Libraries Celebrates Black History Month 2021

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries is celebrating Black History Month by hosting several events throughout the month, reflecting on past events held in Central Library, and pushing themed content on social media.

“We are committed to participating in and contributing positively to the annual celebration of Black History Month, as well as the year-round education on and recognition of the contributions and impact of Black Americans,” said Rebecca Bichel, dean of UTA Libraries. “Our Library colleagues have been hard at work to develop virtual programming that is robust, comprehensive, and engaging, and we can’t wait to hear what our users learn and share with us.”

Experiential Learning Librarian Milaun Murry is spearheading the Libraries Black History Month programming for 2021 and says the events were designed to give users a broad range of experiences.

“Our programming throughout the month offers a diverse array of opportunities for our students to learn more about Black history, as well as the contemporary Black experience,” Murry said. “We hope they take advantage of this time to participate and ask questions in these fun and safe spaces.”

Virtual events include:

• Feb. 4 – Make History: Black Scientists and Inventors
• Feb. 11 – Makers Workshop: Black Hair-itage
• Feb. 12 – Black Hair-itage Panel Discussion
• Feb. 17 – Language Café: African-American Vernacular English (Featuring Kalen Allen)
• Feb. 18 – Level UP! Black Professional Gamers
• Feb. 19 – UTA Black History Month Wikipedia Meetup

The Libraries is also reflecting on last February, when former Arlington mayor Elzie Odom and his wife Ruby donated their family papers to UTA Libraries Special Collections.

On social media, users can expect Black History-themed Tuesday Trivia on the Libraries Twitter, staff participation in campus initiatives on the Libraries Facebook, glimpses into the archives on the Libraries Instagram, and more.

Libraries users can find out more about these events on the Libraries events calendar.