“A Celebration of Firsts”: UTC recognizes Black History Month with campuswide events

Students enjoyed local cuisine at Taste of Black Chattanooga during Black History Month 2024. Photo by Angela Foster.

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the history, achievements and contributions of Black individuals and communities.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will host a series of events to highlight and celebrate these legacies. This year’s theme is “A Celebration of Firsts,” which Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs Chris Stokes said “shares the stories of individuals and achievements that have made significant impacts on campus, the local Chattanooga community, the nation and abroad.”

The campus’ Black History Month kickoff event will take place from noon-2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, in the Lupton Hall Lobby. The celebration includes the fourth annual Taste of Black Chattanooga, which features cuisine from local vendors.

Taste of Black Chattanooga is co-hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Student Success Programs.

Another UTC tradition is the Black History Month timeline, a month-long display in the Multicultural Center’s Lupton Hall office highlighting significant contributions and achievements throughout Black history.

Stokes shared some of the new events the campus community can look forward to, including Food Truck Friday, which will bring food truck cuisine to Oak Street from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7.

“Why Not Win? With Larry Thornton,” from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, in the Wolford Family Athletics Center, will feature Larry Thornton—Birmingham’s first African American McDonald’s franchise owner—sharing his journey from the Jim Crow South to success in business and leadership.

A pair of national HIV awareness events will be taking place as part of the month’s activities. Friday, Feb. 7, is HIV Awareness Day, and the National Society of Black Women in Medicine will be in the Lupton Hall Lobby from noon-2 p.m. with resources and information on HIV awareness. Free HIV testing and resources will be provided by CEMPA Community Care from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19. HIV awareness events are sponsored by the Center for Wellbeing.

Throughout the month, people may visit the UTC Library’s Black History Month collection to see an online display of resources, including e-books, feature films and documentaries.

“This month creates opportunities to honor the landmark experiences of African Americans in their respective fields and highlight the intellectual and collective contributions that champion excellence and inspire innovation,” Stokes said. “We encourage campus to participate in these events and engage with the stories being shared.”

UTC Black History Month events also include:

International Tea Time—Black History Month (Tuesday, Feb. 4): Enjoy different types of tea and explore Black History at UTC, Lupton Hall Lobby, 3-4 p.m.
Unity, Scholarship, Service: The Legacy of Black Greek Life (Thursday, Feb. 6): Celebrate the history and cultural influence of the National Pan-Hellenic Council at this special event, Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum (200 E. M.L. King Blvd.), 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Registration is required.
An Evening with Professor Molefi Kete Asante (Thursday, Feb. 13): Attend a public talk by Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, founder of Afrocentricity, University Center Auditorium, 6:30-8 p.m.
Identities in the Workspace (Tuesday, Feb. 18): A panel discussion exploring the intersection of identity and professional life, Lupton Hall Lobby, 5:30-7 p.m.
Showtime at UTC–Open Mic and Trivia Night (Wednesday, Feb. 19): Enjoy a creative evening of karaoke, trivia and games inspired by the Apollo Theater of Harlem, Lupton Hall Lobby, 6-7:30 p.m.
Beauty in the Details, Sounds and Sights of Nature (Thursday, Feb. 20): A gallery experience inspired by conservation and sustainability, Hunter Museum of American Art (10 Bluff View Ave.), 6-7 p.m.
Fresh Friday–Freshmen Edition (Friday, Feb. 21): A networking event for first-year students to build community and share experiences, Lupton Hall Lobby, noon-1 p.m.
Global Spotlight Featuring Somalia (Tuesday, Feb. 25): Learn about Somali culture and heritage through guest speakers and discussions, Lupton Hall Lobby, 3:30-4:30 p.m.