February is the commemoration of African American or Black History Month. National Black History Month originated in 1915 when historian and author Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Through this organization, Woodson initiated the first Negro History Week in February 1926. Woodson selected the week in February that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the history of Black Americans.

In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which designated February 1986 National Black (Afro-American) History Month. This law noted that Feb. 1, 1986, would mark the beginning of the 60th annual public and private salute to Black history. Find more legal resources.

"Black History Month allows us to learn about prominent figures who have made a difference in this world. However, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the struggles and disparities that Black Americans have faced," said Patrice Storey, the college's assistant director of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. "Let this be a month of learning and sharing through attending various college and university events. The College of Engineering continues to make great strides in establishing and maintaining programs that aid in recruiting and retaining our African American students."

For example, the National Society of Black Engineers has been active on the U of A campus since the early 1970s. Membership is open to all students. The Engineering Career Awareness Program, now in its 16th year, was conceived by alumnus Troy Alley and is led by Thomas "T.C." Carter, assistant dean for student success. It is an intensive summer bridge program designed to recruit underrepresented students in the engineering field. The program provides financial assistance to qualifying students and a network of academic and social support.

Upcoming Events

The College of Engineering will be celebrating Black History Month with an array of events:

Wednesday, Feb. 8
The College of Engineering Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a JEDI Hour featuring Joe Daniels, a U of A civil engineering alumnus, discussing "Why We Need More Inclusive Practices in STEM" at 3 p.m. via Zoom.

Zoom Details

• Meeting ID 830 4726 8019
• Passcode: DE&wDgM0

Thursday, Feb. 9
The National Society of Black Engineers will hold its general body meeting and trivia night at 5:30 p.m. Food and door prizes will be available. All students are invited to attend. Location: Bell Engineering Center 1108G.

Tuesday, Feb. 14
The Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will host Self Love Tuesday, a time to recognize diverse aspects of ourselves and the world around us, from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for candy and a positive note. Location: Bottom of the Bell Engineering Center ramp.

Thursday, Feb. 16
National Society of Black Engineers Black History Month Panel Discussion: "Checking your Biases: How to Make Engineering More Inclusive" from 6-7:30 p.m. Guest panelists are College of Engineering alumni Sonia Spinks, senior director of merchandise operations-beauty at Walmart; Dexter Payne, senior program manager at Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia; Adrian Cummings, senior project leader at J.B. Hunt Transportation Services Inc; Nicole McGinister, senior global procurement manager at Rheem Manufacturing; and Josilyn Mitchell, advanced transportation planner engineer at the Arkansas Department of Transportation. Location: Bell Engineering Center 2282.

Tuesday, Feb. 21
Engineering Career Awareness Program and Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation career night with Credera at 6 p.m. Credera is a global boutique consulting firm focused on strategy, transformation, data and technology. Location: Bell Engineering Center 2282.

Wednesday, Feb. 22
Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the College of Engineering Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will host a DEI pop-up hour "Meet Us at the Juke Joint" from 3:30-5 p.m. Experience the historic preservation, interpretation, perspective and understanding of the Delta blues, gospel, soul and jazz. Location: Pryor Center, 1 E. Center St. in Fayetteville.

Thursday, Feb. 23: Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the College of Engineering Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will host a "Real Conversation with Chancellor Robinson" at 3 p.m. Location: Arkansas Union rooms 507-508.