AUP Black History Month

Black History Month is observed annually in February in the United States, as a remembrance of people and history of the African diaspora, but it is also a celebration of black accomplishment and the many heroes, who are often forgotten about or rarely mentioned. 

Black History Month was created in 1926, by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, an organization dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements of black Americans and others of African descent. Originally it was announced as Negro History Week in the second week of February, to coincide with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, on February 12 and of Fredrick Douglass on February 14. Since then mayor in cities across the United States began recognizing Negro History Week. By the late 1960s due to the civil right movement and the growing awareness of black history and identity, Negro History Week evolved into Black history month. 

In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month and called to the public to, "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

This February, the American University of Paris will be hosting several events in honor of Black History Month.These events have been organized and sponsored by the AUP Diversity Club, the History Department, the Inspire Africa Club, the Student Leadership Office, and the Senior Representative.

Upcoming Events: 

Monday, February 5: Evie Shockley, 18:30, C104, celebrated poet and associate professor of Rutgers, will present her new book of poems, Semiautomatic.

Tuesday, February 6: Stephane Robolin, 18:30, C102, director of Center of African Studies and associate professor of English at Rutgers University, "Black Books, Banned Books: Apartheid South Africa's Subterranean Circulations." 

Thursday, February 8: 18:30, C104, AUP Diversity Club’s Privilege Walk, 18h30, C104, students are invited to come together in an experiential activity to show how people benefit or are marginalized by certain systems in our society. Free pizza will be served!

Monday, February 12: 19:00, Soldats Noirs, Centre George Marshall, 75001, Inspire Africa Club will be going to a roundtable hosted by the U.S. Embassy on Black Soldiers who fought under the American & French troops during the Great War. 

Wednesday, February 14: Black Panther, (To be Determined), Inspire Africa Club, will be going to see the brand new Black Panther film.

Friday, February 16: Cultural Experience Trivia Night, 18:30, Amex, come test your knowledge on cultural diversity and for a chance to win cultural experience tours with AUP students! Happy hour prices in the Amex!

Tuesday, February 20: Black History Month Debate, 18h30, C102-103, AUP Diversity Club and the History Department will be hosting a Black History Month-themed debate. A special guest cohort from The American University of Cairo will also be presenting on this topic.

Thursday, February 22: Human Trafficking and Slavery in Libya, 18h30, C103, Inspire Africa Club will be hosting a student-led presentation and discussion on this topic.

Since the recognition of Black History Month in 1976, every American president has endorsed a theme to Black History Month. This year the theme is "African Americans in Time of War"  to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, and the role that African Americans made in warfare, starting from the American Revolution to present day. 

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." —Nelson Mandela