The month of February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the achievements and impact Black individuals have made on U.S. history.
Sun Devil organizations have put together on-campus events for students to engage and learn more about the month.
Max White, a sophomore studying marketing, said he is putting together a Black History Month Rock Show featuring local Black artists, which is scheduled to take place on Feb. 27 at the Student Service Lawn on the Tempe campus.
White said the idea came from wanting to bring attention to the Black punk rock community and to serve as an outlet for these artists to showcase their music.
He said that with the stigma surrounding the punk rock genre, he wants to allow other artists to be heard and educate students through entertainment.
"We are here. We have always been here, and we're not leaving," White said. "The main takeaway is that you heard some really good music and some new artists to add to your playlist."
Throughout his time making music, White said the biggest struggle he has faced was finding connections and meeting people in the industry. He hopes to continue to host more events and give back to his community.
Sun Devils can find more events throughout the month on the different campuses:
Launching Legacies: Rocket Science & Black History
Students can spend the evening watching "Hidden Figures" and building their own model rocket.
When: Monday, Feb. 9, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: H5 Lounge
Host: Hassayampa Academic Village - East
Black Brilliance Jeopardy Night
Students can learn more about Black history, culture and impact with a game night.
When: Monday, Feb. 9, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: MCOE
Host: National Society of Black Engineers at ASU
Black History Month Movie Night
Residents will be able to enjoy a movie night with snacks included.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Casa del Valle lobby
Host: Casa del Valle
Silent Disco: AfroBeats & R&B Edition
Students can enjoy a night of dancing with USG-West Valley's silent disco night.
When: Monday, Feb. 23, 5 - 7 p.m.
Where: The Quad on the West Valley campus
Host: Undergraduate Student Government West Valley
Taste of Black History
Students can come together through food and live performances.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5 - 7 p.m.
Where: The Quad on the West Valley campus
Host: Programming and Activities Board West Valley
Taste of Black History
Students can join in on the annual event filled with food and history.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Quad Lawn on the Tempe campus
Host: Black Student Union
Film Screening and Discussion: Moonlight
Students can watch the Academy Award-winning film “Moonlight” and join in on a discussion on the intersectionality of race and sexuality, as well as masculinity and cultural expectations.
When: Friday, Feb. 27, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: University Center Building 266
Host: West Valley School of Social Work
Black History Month Rock Show
All students and non-students are welcome to enjoy a night of live music.
When: Friday, Feb. 27, 7 - 9 p.m.
Where: Student Service Lawn
Host: Max White and the Art, Music and Poetry club
Black History Month: The Culture Cookout
Students can honor Black community and culture while enjoying free food, games and activities.
When: Friday, Feb. 27, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Civic Space Park
Host: Undergraduate Student Government-Downtown
Joshua Cole, a junior studying applied computing and USG-West Valley student body president, said the Silent Disco featuring AfroBeats and R&B event is a collaboration with the Multicultural Communities of Excellence and USG-West Valley.
He said the goal was to uplift Black voices and create an event where students can see the impact of Black artists and traditions.
Cole added that USG-West Valley tries to take every opportunity to equip students to be better prepared to represent and express themselves and their culture.
"We often see organizations popping up after this, just students coming together, wanting to make a difference," Cole said. "You just need to create the format for these students to work together."
Keira Franks, a sophomore studying secondary education, said she has seen more events hosted by USG-West Valley than any other clubs or organizations, which ties back to ASU’s charter.
"USG is out here putting in the work, putting in the hours, putting in the time and the effort," Franks said. "USG is doing something that other people might be scared to be doing right now."
Cole said he hopes students leave with a new experience, a strong sense of community and appreciation that extends beyond the West Valley campus.
"Campuses are a place for cultures to be exchanged and communicated," Cole said. "We try to take every opportunity we can to create a space to facilitate the sharing between students of their cultures, and kind of make a more harmonious ecosystem on campus."
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Henry Smardo, Emilio Alvarado and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at alillest@asu.edu and follow @allylillestol on X.
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Allison Lillestol is a reporter for the community and culture desk. She is in her 3rd semester with the State Press. She also works for the Arizona PBS.
