This February, the University and Villanova community are coming together to celebrate the 49th annual Black History Month. Celebrated every February, Black History Month was established in 1976 to celebrate Black excellence, achievements and showcase Black voices within the community and around the world.
“This month, Villanova will celebrate the contributions of African American and Black people within our community and throughout history,” Villanova University said earlier this month on its social media platforms.
“Black History Month is a time of appreciation and acknowledgment of Blackness and its profound impact on every aspect of society,” senior communication major Tron White, President of Villanova’s Black Student Union (BSU), said in a statement to The Villanovan. “It is a recognition of a people and culture that transcend the racist and imperial formations of the United States, a celebration of Black men, women, nonbinary, trans and disabled folks, whose contributions continue to shape our world.”
“African Caribbean Villanovans (ACV) is for students of African and Caribbean descent to have a place where they can feel safe and comfortable with people who have the same background as them, as well as learn about new cultures,” junior mechanical engineering major and Vice President of ACV Jaylan Williams said in a statement to The Villanovan. “ACV is a safe place where students can feel like they can be their true, authentic selves with no judgment. ACVis a club that provides students on a predominantly white campus with a vital space for them to connect with others who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences. It fosters a sense of community, belonging and pride, allowing members to celebrate and preserve their cultural heritage. By hosting events, discussions and collaborations, the club helps to raise awareness about African and Caribbean cultures, promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.”
Each year, different on-campus organizations, including BSU and ACV, come together to host events specific to Black History Month, in addition to the programming they do year-round.
Events taking place this month include educational conversations, interactive workshops, alumni showcases and more.
“The biggest event associated with our organization would be our annual Black History Month Showcase,” White said. “This event will be held in the Finneran Pavilion on Saturday, Feb. 22. This year our theme is: Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler: ‘Nova Meets NOLA.”
While the University is promoting the importance of Black History Month, it is critical to remember the history of the University as a predominantly white institution (PWI) and that there are still large strides to be made towards diversity, equity and inclusion both here on Villanova’s campus and within the greater community.
“Villanova, like many predominantly white institutions, struggles to genuinely celebrate Black History Month and support its Black community beyond surface-level acknowledgments,” White said. “The lack of Black representation in faculty and leadership, coupled with a campus culture that often marginalizes Black students, results in performative gestures rather than meaningful change. Black history remains largely absent from everyday curricula, and Black student organizations frequently bear the burden of organizing events without sufficient funding or institutional backing. Additionally, the University’s disconnect from surrounding Black communities in Philadelphia limits engagement with Black culture and activism beyond campus. Without a year-round commitment to racial justice—through increased Black faculty, stronger community partnerships, equitable policies and greater financial support for Black initiatives—Villanova’s recognition of Black History Month risks feeling hollow. True celebration requires more than temporary acknowledgment; it demands lasting structural change that uplifts and prioritizes Black voices every day, not just in February.”
Black History Month, and the events being held at the University, are being eagerly anticipated by the Villanova community. While February is the dedicated month for Black History, it is important to celebrate Black excellence throughout the entire year, and to encourage others to do the same.
“Our organization aims to inspire a sense of community and family at Villanova,” Williams said. “We strive to bring people back together and help people feel like they can come outside of their dorms and studies to have some fun and make many memories here at Villanova. We as an E-Board are making it our job to try and instill the value of family with strangers or friends to try and emphasize the comradery here at Villanova University.”
“BSU leverages programming as a central tool to inspire and uplift the Black community during Black History Month and throughout the year,” White said. “Through a combination of educational forums, cultural celebrations, advocacy initiatives and professional development opportunities, we create intentional spaces that highlight Black excellence, history, and resilience. By maintaining a consistent presence beyond February, we reinforce the idea that Black history, culture and contributions should be celebrated and acknowledged year-round, fostering a lasting impact on both the university and the broader community.”
