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Celebrate Black Culture, Year-Round

A composite image of two photos showing four black University of Arizona students. The image on the left is of three men in purple polos posing in front of the fountain in front of Old Main at the University of Arizona, and the image on the right is of one woman in a suit.

Discover student resources, events, and to dos at the University of Arizona – plus, a Black History Month highlight.

 

February serves as a poignant reminder to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of the Black community, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for cultural diversity during Black History Month. 

Beyond Black History Month commemorations, University of Arizona Wildcats have an array of opportunities to engage with various events, resources, and student clubs throughout the year. 

Here are some of our favorite things to do, student clubs and organizations, and year-round events. 

African American Cultural Centers

The African American Museum of Southern Arizona 

The African American Museum of Southern Arizona opened in January of 2023, and is one of the best places to learn about Black history in Arizona. The museum is dedicated to preserving African American and Black life, culture, and history in Southern Arizona. Beyond this, the AAMSAZ aims to serve as a resource and engage the community through education and art. 

AAMSA is located in the Student Union, Room 244.

African American Student Affairs (AASA)

African American Student Affairs fosters a vibrant community of belonging, excellence, and advocacy at the University of Arizona. AASA offers inclusive programs, resources, professional leadership and development opportunities, and academic support to empower Black students and leaders to embrace their heritage. 

There are also unique resources specific to ASAA, including: a CAPS-embedded counselor, academic tutoring, and room reservations for meetings, presentations, and more.

Throughout the year, ASAA puts on dozens of events that foster an enriching African American cultural experience at the University of Arizona, including:

  • Wellness Wednesdays
  • Sista Chat
  • It’s a Kiki

The AASA Instagram account has the most up-to-date information.

Clubs & Organizations

African American Student Affairs boasts a wealth of student organizations, including honorary, pre-med and engineering societies, and an alumni group. Some include:

Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

Arizona BLSA is a dynamic and inclusive organization that aims to foster a supportive community for law students who identify as Black. The organization serves as a platform for networking, mentorship, and academic and professional development. BLSA is a chapter in a national organization called the National Black Law Students Association, enabling UArizona students to connect and network with other Black law students across the nation. 

Troi Madison Newman serves as the president of BLSA. Troi says that BLSA offers a nurturing atmosphere where she can engage with peers who comprehend Black law students' distinctive challenges and opportunities, particularly within Arizona. Troi says she joined BLSA to participate in a community that shares common experiences and aspirations. 

“As the President of UArizona BLSA, my primary objective is to extend our reach beyond law students, reaching out to pre-law students in bachelor's and master's programs. This outreach aims to help them commence the development of valuable resources and mentorship connections, enriching their academic and professional paths,” says Troi.

Alpha Epsilon Undergrads

Alpha Epsilon is historic in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college – because it's the first chapter in the 12th district and the first Black fraternity on the University of Arizona campus. 

Jordan Christian, a junior studying architectural engineering from Discovery Bay, California, says he joined Omega Psi Phi for two reasons. “Firstly, I was raised to believe that my friends are my family because they're the ones who’ve seen me at my highest, lowest, and every point in between. Omega Psi Phi is the only fraternity where that same friendship is the basis of everything we do.” He says the second reason is the fraternity’s commitment to the community. Omega Psi Phi sees service as a requirement and a duty and aims to leave any community better than they left it. “Wherever we call home we do our best to take care of it,” says Jordan. 

For students that might be interested in joining Omega Psi Phi, Jordan says, “If you just want to wear gold boots and throw up hooks, Omega might not be for you. But if you want to join something where you'll have a friend everywhere you go, a mentor and support at every corner, and grow beyond what you thought possible then let's see if you have what it takes to wear purple and gold.”

The Black Graduate and Professional Student Association (BGPSA)

BGPSA is open to all university Black graduate and professional students. BGPSA provides community and student support to help them succeed in their academic journey. This organization aims to bring students together who share similar experiences to build comradery. BGPSA also host social and professional development events to help bring the Black community at the University of Arizona together. Students who want to meet new students outside their college and department, should consider joining BGPSA.

Black History Month

Every February, campus groups across the University of Arizona host a multitude of events and celebrations for Black History Month. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to commemorate African American and Black voices. 

AASA Black History Month Events

African American Student Affairs will host a series of exciting events throughout February, including:

  • The Black History Month Kickoff party at the Underground (basement of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center), from 7–9pm on Friday, February 2. The event is open to all campus stakeholders and will feature music, snacks, drinks, games, prizes. 
  • An event focused on Black hair on Monday, February 19 in the MLK Student Center, featuring hands-on teaching and natural hair care specialists, as well as a discussion with special guests about Black hair culture and the passing of the Crown Act.
  • A step show and showcase by Syncopated Ladies – the most-viewed female tap dance band in history (and favorite of Beyoncé). 

There are lots of other events happening at AASA and throughout campus and the community. See all the events here.

The College of Humanities Africana Studies Black History Month Celebration

The College of Humanities will also celebrate Black History Month with a host of events beginning February 5, including a Black History Month Kick-Off, where students can meet the Department of Africana Studies and enjoy free food, giveaways, and entertainment. See all Africana Studies Black History Month Celebration events.

 

Learn More About the University of Arizona

 

Learn More About African American Student Affairs

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