The Black History celebration at Oberlin has historically been a mechanism by which many of our community members have become enlightened by the history, politics, and economics of the African Diaspora. Over the years, the celebration has extended into the arts, literature, and performance aesthetics of Oberlin, reaching into our communities and creating an enriching and insightful Oberlin experience.

The African American studies department and the Multicultural Resource Center have worked together for many years to make this celebration a meaningful reality for Oberlin College and community. Our mission is to invigorate the Oberlin community through academic, cultural, and social events that celebrate the history and legacy of the African Diaspora.

Programming seeks to stimulate dialog about and increase awareness of issues facing black people throughout the world. The Black History celebration at Oberlin has been widely attended by faculty, students, and staff throughout the years. Your continued support and participation is appreciated.

The theme of this year's celebration is The Way We Are: Re-Defining Black Citizenship. Programs and events during the month will attempt to examine how people of African ancestry access citizenship, negotiate our well being, and define ourselves and our communities within the 21st century.

By investigating our realities pertaining to our community and family structures, political awareness, spiritual consciousness, and gender dynamics, we hope to provide insight into personal and shared experiences from which can all learn.