The University of Nevada, Reno is offering a robust schedule of events that celebrate Black history, culture and community throughout February and into March. The entire Wolf Pack community is welcome to participate in these events, organized by several groups around campus, including the Multicultural Center and the Associated Students of Nevada (ASUN).

“In the current social and political climate, it is more important than ever that our students feel seen, supported and connected,” Markie Wilder, director of the Multicultural Center on campus, said. “Our Black History Month programming is intentionally designed to uplift students through meaningful engagement with faculty and peers because community is a pillar of student success.

“Each event is a reminder to our students that they do not navigate their academic journey alone. When students know they have people who believe in them, they are better positioned to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”

In addition to the events scheduled throughout the month, the Multicultural Center will be hosting a month-long student art exhibit where students can creatively express themselves. The exhibit called “Affirming Our Narrative: Collages of Culture & Love” offers space for students to create a personal collage that reflects themes of Black excellence, identity and self-love, demonstrating understanding of cultural affirmation and personal empowerment.

Events

Research Drop-Ins and Mobile Library

Thursday, Feb. 5 and Thursday, Feb. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Multicultural Center

Students can engage with the Student Success Librarian for help with research, including brainstorming topics and keywords, citations, thesis statements, finding peer-reviewed and credible sources and information about campus resources. In addition, students will have the opportunity to browse the pop-up mobile library, which focuses on Black history and African American literature. 

Share the Crown Hair Kit Drive

Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the food court on the second floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union
Share the Crown is an inclusive, community-centered event celebrating Black identity, culture and self-expression. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to create hair care and self-care kits using supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hand cream, moisturizing lotion and travel-size containers. Students may choose to keep their kits for personal use or donate them to Black Wall Street Reno to support community members in need.

Food and refreshments, including cookies, chicken strips and fruit, will be provided for attendees to enjoy during the event. Through interactive games, shared food and community conversation, participants will learn about the cultural significance of Black hair while building community, cultural appreciation and spaces that affirm Black joy.

“Share the Crown is about honoring the story held in our hair, embracing pride, self-love and the power of feeling supported in who we are as we share that pride with our community and future,” Zyna Navarte, director of the ASUN Department of IDEA and one of the event organizers, said.

Black History Month Student and Faculty Social

Wednesday, Feb. 11, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Multicultural Center

Students can engage with faculty members or peers to develop meaningful connections that support community‑building through a facilitated Black History Month social in the Multicultural Center.

Black Girl Link-Up

Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Multicultural Center

The Black Girl Link-Up is a way to connect with other Black women on campus. Join in to share stories and resources, build community, friendship, and celebrate culture and identity. College can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. These link-ups are designed to hold space and to create a fun environment where we can thrive together. All currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at Nevada are welcome. For more information and additional link-up dates, please contact Dr. Sheena Harvey.

Kaskade: Roll with the Pack Night

Thursday, Feb. 26, from 9 to 11 p.m. at Roller Kingdom

Students can connect the shared experience of roller skating with peers to broader themes of joy, community and cultural celebration during Black History Month.

Black Culture Festival: Embracing Our Heritage, Empowering Our Future

Friday, March 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union fourth-floor ballroom

The Black Culture Festival is an inclusive, celebratory event designed to deepen understanding and appreciation of Black culture and heritage. Attendees will experience cultural food, live entertainment including music and dance, and interactive engagement through tabling and booths hosted by campus clubs and organizations. The event will also feature community activities and giveaways, creating a welcoming space that centers education, celebration and connection while empowering the campus community through shared cultural experiences.

“The Black Culture Festival is an invitation for everyone to feel culture within their soul — to embrace its meaning, its impact and the way it connects us as one community,” Navarte said.

Learn more about these events and other campus resources to celebrate community and culture through the University’s Multicultural Center website and Pack Life.