February marks Black History Month: A time set aside to celebrate and honor Black history and Black culture. On campus, the month is celebrated with several events providing opportunities for The Wolf Pack Family to come to campus and celebrate together.

Brandon Sanders is the Black Student Services coordinator in the University’s Multicultural Center and the advisor for the University of Nevada, Reno’s Black Student Organization (BSO). A new event this year called Black Cultural Fest is set to join the plethora of other events taking place. The event is a recent undertaking designed to celebrate and pay tribute to the diverse heritage, traditions and accomplishments of the Black Community.

"In the unity of our small numbers, we find greatness, turning gatherings into moments of collective empowerment and shared engagement on our campus journey."

“The objective is to create a recurring event that unites the community, celebrates Black excellence, culture and the central theme of Black Joy,” Sanders said. “The inspiration is drawn from the generations that paved the way for our community today. We are eagerly anticipating and rejoicing the opportunity to celebrate together as a community.”

Black Cultural Fest is being organized with collaboration from Black Student Services in the Multicultural Center, leaders from the Black Student Organization, the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society, Divine 9 organizations and members from the Diversity, Social Justice & Inclusion team in Residential Life. 

One of the student leaders involved with planning the month’s events is Virchelle Banks. Banks is the president of the Black Student Organization and speaks to the importance of Black History Month on campus.

“As a student leader on campus, collaborating with the Multicultural Center and Black Diaspora Council this month is not just about a series of activities; it's impactful,” Banks said. “The Black population on campus is a little less than 3 percent and these events allow us to amplify our voices, ensuring every student is not just heard but actively involved. In the unity of our small numbers, we find greatness, turning gatherings into moments of collective empowerment and shared engagement on our campus journey.”

Sanders is honored to work with students on campus.

“In my role as the advisor for the Black Student Organization, it's truly inspiring to observe the potential and passion within these student leaders,” Sanders said. “The Organization serves as a central point for students seeking to learn, uplift and connect with the Black student community on campus. I feel privileged to serve as their advisor, aiming to uplift, empower and support their initiatives, such as the Black Cultural Fest.” 

The event is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2024, in the Joe Crowley Student Union ballrooms from 1 to 4 p.m. The festivities will include food, dance performances, music and additional activities.

In addition to the Black Cultural Fest event, Sanders shared other campus events planned throughout February for Black History Month. Please join the campus community for these events and celebrate with The Wolf Pack Family.

Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow Panel and Social on Feb. 1, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.

Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow will bring a group of prospective students to visit the University of Nevada, Reno. The tour will include a Black Faculty Leadership Panel, Black Student Leader Panel, along with a social engagement event held in the Multicultural Center.

Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow is a mentoring program tailored for Black/African American prospective high school students, current University students and alumni.

For more information, please visit Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow - University Admissions.

Location: Joe Crowley Theater/ Multicultural Center

Financial Aid Application Workshop on Feb. 1, at 7 p.m.

Taking place during the Black Student Organization’s general meeting, the workshop will be conducted by Geoffrey Green, manager of Outreach and Customer Service Enrollment Service, and will help students learn about financial aid opportunities and the process for applying.

Location: The Multicultural Center 

JCSU Movie Series “The Blackkklansman” on Feb. 6, at 7 p.m.

The Multicultural Center, in collaboration with the Joe Crowley Student Union (JCSU) will showcase the film “The Blackkklansman.” This showing will be eye opening to many and will create an opportunity to have a brief dialogue. 

The film stars John David Washington as Stallworth, along with Adam Driver, Laura Harrier and Topher Grace. Set in the 1970s in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the plot follows the first African American detective in the city's police department as he sets out to infiltrate and expose the local Ku Klux Klan chapter.

Location: Joe Crowley Theater 

Black Men’s Collective meeting on Feb. 7, at 6 p.m.

Brother’s Keeper is a Black Men’s Collective initiative that ultimately will provide a space for Black Male identifying students to have necessary conversations and build community, while receiving tangible connections and resources. 

Location: Joe Crowley Conference room #317

The Multicultural Greek Council Yard Show on Feb. 7, from 7 to 10 p.m.

The Yard Show will allow organizations to exhibit their culture and pride by showcasing entertainment, storytelling and artistry. Yard shows hold cultural significance in the National Pan-Hellenic Council community, granting attendees the experience of learning the culture of historically Black fraternities and sororities. Today, many culturally-based organizations participate in this art form. Everyone is encouraged to join this event. 

Location: Joe Crowley Ballrooms

Black Student Organization Black History Trivia on Feb. 8, at 7 p.m.

Black History Trivia Night is an engaging and educational event that will celebrate the rich and diverse history of Black individuals and their contributions to society.

Participants will come together in a social setting, filled with games, snacks and fun to test their knowledge on various aspects of Black history, including historical figures, achievements, cultural milestones and important events

Location: Multicultural Center 

Barbershop Event on Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Black Men’s Collective presents The Barbershop Series. This event will celebrate the barbershop as more than just a place for haircuts. It celebrates the barbershop as a hub for community, conversation and cultural exchange. Attendees can expect live barbering demonstrations showcasing the artistry and skill of barbers, along with discussions on the cultural importance of the barbershop in Black communities.

Location: Joe Crowley/ The Great Room #403

Black Student Organization Black Leadership Panel on Feb. 15, at 6 p.m.

The Black Leadership Panel, put on by the Black Student Organization, is a thought-provoking and insightful event that will bring together accomplished Black leaders from various fields throughout the institution and community to share their experiences, expertise and perspectives. This panel discussion will encourage open and engaging conversation on topics related to leadership, diversity, inclusion and the challenges and triumphs unique to the Black community.

Location: Joe Crowley Theater

Nevada Women’s Basketball Game on Feb. 17, at 1 p.m.

The University of Nevada, Reno’s Women’s Basketball team is honoring Black History Month with a meaningful celebration recognizing and paying tribute to the contributions of Black individuals in the context of both sports and broader society. The game will create awareness, foster inclusivity and celebrate the achievements of Black students and organizations, faculty, staff, student-athletes, coaches and leaders within this institution and community.

Location: Lawlor Events Center 

Nevada Men’s Basketball Game on Feb. 20, at 8 p.m.

The University of Nevada, Reno’s Men’s Basketball team is honoring Black History Month with a celebration recognizing and paying tribute to the contributions of Black individuals in the context of both sports and broader society. The celebration will create awareness, foster inclusivity and celebrate the achievements of Black students and organizations, faculty, staff, student-athletes, coaches and leaders within this institution and community.

Location: Lawlor Events Center 

Black Student Organization Black Student Showcase/Talent Show on Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.

The Black Student Talent Show is an electrifying and culturally vibrant event that will showcase the diverse talents and creativity of Black students within the University and community. 

Held in an atmosphere of celebration and unity, the talent show provides a platform for students to express themselves through various forms of artistic expression.

Location: Joe Crowley Theater 

Black Cultural Celebration Block Party on Feb. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m.

With a theme of “Black Joy,” the Black Cultural Celebration is a joyous and dynamic event that will honor and commemorate the rich heritage, traditions and achievements of the Black community. This celebration will serve as a platform to showcase the diversity and resilience of Black culture, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community.

This event will feature a variety of elements to capture the essence of the Black diaspora, such as cultural food and musical performances ranging from traditional rhythms to a Divine 9 fraternities and sororities step show, and will offer a sonic journey through the different regions and influences within the diaspora. Dance performances showcasing traditional and modern dance forms bring to life the dynamism and cultural expressions of various communities.

Location: Joe Crowley Ballrooms 

All of these events are open to students, faculty, staff and the community. We hope that you will come and show your support for Black History Month on campus. You can learn more about each on the University Events Calendar or via Pack Life.