Northeastern Illinois University celebrates Black History Month 2026

Northeastern Illinois University is proud to celebrate Black History Month with a number of events that are open to the public.

The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs is the lead organizer of this month’s celebrations. Events will take place on the Main Campus and at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS).

“As we observe Black History Month, we honor the enduring contributions of Black Americans and reflect on the progress made — and the work that continues — in advancing equity and justice,” Northeastern President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan said. “This year’s national theme, ‘A Century of Black History Commemorations,’ marks 100 years since the founding of Negro History Week in 1926 and underscores the importance of preserving, celebrating and advancing Black history and its enduring impact on our nation. I encourage the NEIU community to learn more about this year’s theme and to participate in celebrations and programs being held across our Main Campus, El Centro and Carruthers Center locations, and throughout the Chicagoland area.”

Northeastern invites the general public to celebrate Black History Month by participating in the following events: 

• Feb. 16: Black Music Monday, CCICS, 6 p.m.
• Feb. 19: Movie Screening and Discussion: Raíces Negras: Afro-Latinx Identity, Resistance and Puerto Rico, Main Campus, Pedroso Center, Room B 159, 4 p.m.
• Feb. 21: Afro-Diaspora Martial Arts, CCICS, Lower Level Conference Room, 10 a.m.
• Feb. 24: Community Conversation: Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, CCICS, Donn F. Bailey Legacy Hall, 6 p.m.
• Feb. 26: 3rd Annual Black Professionals Panel, Main Campus, Pedroso Center, Room B 159, 5 p.m.
• Feb. 28: Movie Screening and Fundraiser: “The Wiz,” CCICS, Donn F. Bailey Legacy Hall, 6 p.m. (Must be ages 21+ to attend.)

NEIU Libraries is also hosting a Black History Month virtual book display featuring e-books, streaming videos, links to online collections and other library resources.

For more information about events and to reserve your attendance, visit the Black History Month web page.