Multicultural Center

Black History Month 2026 at Central Washington University

Honoring Legacy. Celebrating Joy. Building the Future.

Central Washington University invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to engage in a month-long celebration of Black history, culture, creativity, and leadership. From powerful keynote moments and artistic expression to joy-filled gatherings and community traditions, Black History Month 2026 offers meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate.

January Foundations: Reflection and Legacy

MLK Jr. Day Program
Wednesday, January 21 | 6:00PM | SURC Theater
We begin the season of reflection with an evening honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through dialogue, remembrance, and collective purpose.

February Highlights

Week of February 2–6: Kickoff and History in Motion

Black History Month Kickoff
Monday, February 2 | 12:00–2:00 PM | MCC 107
Join the Multicultural Center as we officially launch Black History Month at CWU with community, conversation, and celebration.

Black Joy Exhibit: “A Century of Black History Commemorations”
Opening Reception: Monday, February 2 | 3:00–6:00 PM | SURC 137 A&B
Open Exhibit: February 3–5 | 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Friday Viewing: February 6 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Experience an immersive exhibit highlighting moments of Black resilience, joy, creativity, and commemoration across generations.

THRIVE: Women of Color Afffinity Group- “EmpowerHer Legacy”
Wednesday, February 4 | 4:00–5:00 PM | MCC 107
A focused conversation centering Black women, the Civil Rights Movement, and pathways to thrive.

Black Innovations and MOCA
Wednesday, February 4 | 5:00–7:00 PM | MCC BLACK HALL107
Join the Men of Color Affinity group as we explore the impact of Black inventors and innovators whose contributions have shaped industries and everyday life.

An Evening with Trailblazer and history maker Jennifer King
Thursday, February 5 | 6:00–8:00 PM | SURC Ballroom
A signature Black History Month event honoring Jennifer King, the first Black woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach in NFL history. Join CWU for an inspiring evening of leadership, resilience, and barrier-breaking excellence.

History in the Making: Jennifer King Comes to CWU on February 5

Ready to be inspired?
This Black History Month, Central Washington University is welcoming a true game changer to campus.

Join us for An Evening with Jennifer King, the first full-time Black woman coach in the NFL, for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers.

Wednesday, February 5
6:30 PM
SURC Ballroom
Free and open to all students

Jennifer King has coached at the highest levels of professional football with the Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, and Chicago Bears. She currently serves as an offensive analyst at North Carolina Central University, where she mentors student athletes and supports the next generation of leaders.

From competing in the Women’s Football Alliance to making history in the NFL, Jennifer King’s journey highlights the importance of representation and perseverance.

You will hear about:

• Breaking into spaces where you are told you do not belong
• Leadership under pressure
• Owning your story and your power
• Creating change on and off the field

Bring your friends, your questions, and your curiosity. This is a moment you do not want to miss.

Hosted in celebration of Black History Month by the CWU Multicultural Center.

Week of February 9–13: Culture, Music, and Representation

SURC Pit Takeover: Black History Month Edition 1
Tuesday, February 10 | 1:00–2:00 PM | SURC Pit
Celebrate Black musical artists and their lasting influence on global sound and culture.

Black FYP: THRIVE, Q*Fam, and MOCA Collaboration
Wednesday, February 11 | 4:00–6:00 PM |  MCC BLACK HALL107
Affinity programs come together to explore Black representation, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Week of February 16–20: Expression and the Arts

SURC Pit Takeover: Black History Month Edition 2
Tuesday, February 17 | 1:00–2:00 PM | SURC Pit

A Knight for the Soul
Wednesday, February 18 | 5:00–7:00 PM | SURC Pit
An evening of spoken word, poetry, and creative expression paired with a hands-on poetry workshop highlighting Black voices and narratives.

Week of February 23–27: Community, Celebration, and Closing Traditions

Q*Fam: We Been Here
Monday, February 23 | 1:00–2:00 PM | MCC BLACK HALL
A Black History Month gathering centered on Black queer presence, connection, and community.

SURC Pit Takeover: Black History Month Edition 3
Tuesday, February 24 | 1:00–2:00 PM | SURC Pit

Taste of Soul
Thursday, February 26 | 5:00–10:00 PM | Holmes Dining
A beloved CWU tradition celebrating culture, history, and community through food and fellowship.

Crimson and Black Ball
Friday, February 27 | 7:00–10:00 PM | MCC BLACK HALL 105–107
The Multicultural Center and Black Student Union close out Black History Month with an elegant celebration honoring community, achievement, and legacy. Come dressed to impress for a night of dancing, games and fun!

Contact me for more information!

More info to come!

Día de Los Muertos with Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA), Latinx Student Organization (LSO), First Generation Student Organization (FGSO), and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA).

• Día de los Muertos is a traditional two-day celebration that honors the lives of loved ones passed. Originating from the Indigenous peoples of Mexico, the celebration recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience. Friends and families gather to create ofrendas, memorials for the dead, offer pan de Muertos, a special bread used to nourish traveling souls, and gather around the tapete, a large sand tapestry and funerary custom to rejoice in an evening of food, song and dance.
• Interested in participating in the campus-wide planning efforts for Día? Join the Día Planning Committee!
  Email cwu.multicultural.center@cwu.edu with ATTN: Día Planning Committee.

Iftar Ramadan Celebration with Office of International Studies & Programs (OISP)

Pride Month with Equality Through Queers and Allies (EQuAl) and the greater Ellensburg community. We partner and participate in events such as an Amateur Drag Show and the Kittitas County Pride Parade.

The Multicultural Center facilitates Culture Corner @ the Multicultural Center: a program where students engage in peer-led learning around topics related to identity, culture, and social systems. Past Culture Corner events have covered: Classism, Food Deserts, Commodification of Culture on Tik Tok, and Adultification of Children of Color.

The RAP Podcast is a bi-weekly podcasted hosted by student leaders as they host conversations about pop culture, top trends, and current events. Each episode, we focus on lived experiences, unpacking systems, and being authentic with you all! Hosted in partnership with KCWU 88.1 The 'Burg. Video recorded versions can be found on our youtube page.