UA celebrating Black History Month with campus and community events

The University of Akron (UA) is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events throughout February. These events are open to the public. Other events will be added to the UA calendar as they are scheduled.

“A Diasporadic Woman,” presented by Dr. Philathia R. Bolton
Wednesday, Feb. 5, noon-1 p.m., Gardner Theatre, Jean Hower Taber Student Union
Free and open to the public

In this talk, Bolton, an associate professor of English, will share experiences she had abroad in the United Arab Emirates, Fort-de-France, Martinique and in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Offering for consideration what may be understood as the subjective nature of being American, she examines how she was perceived to be African and received as "African" in certain contexts. Bolton's talk invites a reflection on how being a Black woman in spaces outside of the U.S. can generate a diasporic consideration of self, as one becomes aware of what it means to be part of the African diaspora and also located within it.

This event is sponsored by The Student African American Brotherhood, Collegiate 100, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. in conjunction with the Office of Community Engagement, Opportunity and Belonging.

Gospel Meets Symphony 2025, presented by the Akron Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m., E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall
Tickets available here.

The Akron Symphony Orchestra presents Gospel Meets Symphony 2025, now in its 31st year. The concert brings together the symphony and the GMS choir, with 70 churches represented in the 200-voice choir of volunteers from the Akron community.

Akron Art Celebration
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Jean Hower Taber International Lounge and Piano Lounge
Free

Hear from local Akron artists and contribute to a community mural in celebration of Black History Month.

Celebrating Black History Month
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., Guzzetta Recital Hall

4th Annual Black-Owned Business Expo
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Second Floor, Jean Hower Taber Student Union
Free and open to the public

Support small, Black-owned local businesses at this event. Businesses will promote their entrepreneurial accomplishments and sell merchandise to the community.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu