Celebrating Black History Month at Community College of Philadelphia
Celebrate the richness of African American history and culture with us this February during our annual Black History Month festivities. Join us for a month-long journey filled with camaraderie, music, captivating literature, games and the joyous spirit of honoring traditions. Let's come together to embrace the legacy and contributions of the African American community.
Monthlong Events
Black History Month Art Exhibit | Mint Building Rotunda
View student artworks curated by the Art Department, the Studio Art Club, the Office of Student Engagement and the Center for Student Leadership Development, in honor of Black History Month.
The 1619 Project Exhibit | Mint Building Rotunda
Check out our exhibition of pieces from The New York Times' award winning long-form journalism endeavor, the 1619 project, which “documents subjects of slavery and the founding of the United States.” This exhibit was curated by Art Department Alumni, the Office of Student Engagement and the Center for Student Leadership Development.
Virtual Reading Resource Room
Check out this list of essential works relating to Pan-Africanism and Black history curated by Professor James Small.
Saxbys Black History Month 'Did You Know?'
Stop by Saxbys to get a special Black History Month 'Did You Know?' sticker on each cup of coffee you purchase this February.
Featured Black History Month Books
Learn something new about Black History this month with the Library’s specially curated collection of Black authors and stories.
February 1
Philadelphia LEADS: The Student Leadership Society | 1 – 2 p.m. | Winnet Building, Room S1-12
All students are welcome to get involved in our student leadership group! This month's meeting will feature a special guest speaker for Black History Month.
Black History Month Kickoff: Raising the Flag for Black History Month | 10 – 11 a.m. | Bonnell Circle
Dive into the festivities with African drumming; Pan-African flag distribution; cupcakes with red, black, and green icing; and a whole lot more!
February 7
BHM Coffee Meetup & Discussion | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Saxbys
Join CCP faculty, staff and students for a lively discussion about the current state of Black folks and/or your favorite book by a Black author. Enjoy a free coffee! Use the #CCPleadersarereaders and post on social media for Black History Month.
February 8
Northeast Regional Center Black History Month Trivia | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | NERC 1st Floor Lobby
Sharpen your wits and compete for exciting prizes in our Black History Month trivia game. Cupcakes will be served.
The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson Kahoot | 12 – 2 p.m. | Great Hall, Room S2-19
Test your knowledge on this novel and its author Carter G. Woodson Kahoot, the founding father of Black History Month. Prizes will be given to trivia winners and lunch will be served to all attendees.
Grady's Community Garden Fresh Produce and Fruit Giveaway | 1:30 p.m.| Grady's Garden
February 13
BHM Coffee Meetup & Discussion | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Saxbys
Join CCP faculty, staff and students for a lively discussion about the current state of Black folks and/or your favorite book by a Black author. Enjoy a free coffee! Use the #CCPleadersarereaders and post on social media for Black History Month.
February 14
Free College-wide Black History Luncheon | 12 – 1:30 p.m. | Winnet Building, Great Hall, Room S2-19 | Please RSVP
Let’s share a meal on our Main Campus in honor of Black History Month! The luncheon will also feature a panel discussion about the College’s Black Studies program, moderated by Dr. Anyabwile Love, assistant professor of History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Boi-Lucia Gbaya-Kanga, assistant professor of English, will serve as a panelist alongside alumni and a current student.
Happy Akoma Day! A Cultural Alternative to Valentine's Day | 12 - 1:30 p.m. | Winnet Building, Great Hall, Room S2-19
Nya Akoma (pronounced N yah Ah coma) is the greeting for Akoma Day, also known as Black Love Day, which means get a heart, be patient, return to love. Black Love Day was founded by Ms. Ayo Handy-Kendy, affectionately known as Mama Ayo, in 1993. In 2001, Montsho and Nwasha Edu expanded on the original tenets and purpose to become an international cultural holiday rooted in African spirituality. Akoma Day is a cultural and spiritual alternative to Valentine's Day. The focus of Akoma Day is the intimate relationship and how that relationship creates family, neighborhood, community and nationhoods. Stop by for a chocolate bar to celebrate with lots of sweetness.
February 20
Hip Hop: Still Standing! Commemorating Hip Hop’s 50+ Years | 4:10 – 6:20 p.m. | Spring Garden Records Studio, Room M2-8
Come celebrate this beloved genre and the Black artists who invented it. We’ll be discussing hip hop history and jamming to some of the most iconic hits of the last few decades.
Black History Month Fireside Chat | 11 a.m. |Winnet Lobby
Please join us for a Fireside Chat to engage in a conversation recognizing Black History Month with our own College president, Dr. Generals. Enjoy refreshments and giveaways as you share reflections on your favorite book, poem, song or any artistic expression celebrating African American history.
Black History Month Brunch | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Career and Advanced Technology Center, Room 341
Put your thinking cap on and join in on the fun! Have brunch on us while you compete to win prizes in Black History Month trivia.
February 21
A Commemoration of Malcolm X | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Winnet Lobby
Join us for a discussion about the life and legacy of Malcolm X. Coffee and snacks will be served.
February 22
Grady's Community Garden Volunteer Day | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Grady’s Garden
February 27
Afro Beat Day Party | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Winnet Courtyard (Rain location: Winnet Lobby)
February 28
Dining with the African Diaspora | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Winnet Lobby
Come sample the rich and tasty food from the different parts of the African diaspora, a worldwide collection of communities descended from Africa. This event will be hosted by the Lion Leader Student Programming Board and sponsored by the Black Faculty and Staff Alliance.
February 29
The Black Women's Wellness and Hair Fair | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Bonnell Lobby
Hair is not just hair; it's a symbol of identity, resistance, creative expression and freedom. Join us for the ultimate celebration of Black women's wellness, featuring community wellness partners and talented Black hair care professionals. It's an event you won't want to miss!