Celebrating Black History Month
A look at the influential people who have visited UWO
February 15, 2023
In the United States, Black History Month is observed in February. UW Oshkosh reflects on the month by providing a month full of events to educate and celebrate.
Prior to the late 1960s, Black visitors on campus were rare. The “Black Thursday” protest of 1968 at Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh sparked a desire for funding to bring in Black speakers to campus. Since 1968, many influential people have stopped on campus to speak to students, staff and faculty on various topics. These academics, artists, political figures, writers and sports figures have given their time to help grow and inform our campus community.
“Black History Month recognition, reflection and celebration is underway at UW Oshkosh,” Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said. “I want to take a moment to share gratitude with students and faculty and staff members for the thought and effort they are pouring into another outstanding schedule of events.”
Booker T. Washington visited UWO on Nov. 10, 1911. The Advance-Titan newspaper issue said Washington spoke on the growing education for Black people and advancements made in Tuskegee, Alabama.
“This was, without doubt, the most interesting talk given before the school for some time,” The A-T wrote in 1911. “We were interested, not only in what he said, but in the man himself.”
A few of many prominent Black speakers at UWO have been:
- 1972: Poet and publisher Dudley Randall
- 1981: Future first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress Shirley Chisholm
- 1983: Poet Nikki Giovanni
- 1984: Screen stars Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis
- 1985: Historian, future Chair of U.S. Civil Rights Commission Mary Frances Berry
- 1986: Chicago-based community activist and college counselor Silas Purnell
“Again, thank you to the students, scholars, alumni and many guests who are sharing their time, expertise and artistry with the university community and providing us so many opportunities to engage in and honor Black History Month,” Leavitt said
Calendar of Events
Thursday, Feb. 16
Black History Month Spotlight 5 p.m. | 90.3 WRST
Josiah Benjamin – Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity – Eta Pi Chapter President – UWO
A virtual conversation with Dr. Maulana Karenga
6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Virtual Zoom Meeting
Open Gym Night
8 – 11 p.m., Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Friday, Feb. 17
1st Annual Decade Dance: 1970s!
7 – 10 p.m., Reeve Union Ballroom
Saturday, Feb. 18
“Know Your Black History” Trivia Contest
3 p.m. Virtual via Zoom
Sunday, Feb. 19
Black History Month Church Service
10:30 a.m., Bethel Worship Center
The full calendar of events can be found at https://uwosh.edu/africanamericanstudies/bhm/.