Saint Louis University Marks Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, the Saint Louis University community is hosting a series of events throughout February celebrating Black culture and achievements.
Featured Events
School of Medicine’s Black History Month Kickoff Event
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the School of Medicine will kick off Black History Month at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Learning Resource Center’s Pitlyk Auditorium. Featuring Karla Scott, Ph.D., professor of communication at SLU, the event will explore the 2025 Black History Month theme of African Americans and Labor.
The conversation will highlight the contributions of African Americans in the field of medicine – spanning skilled and unskilled labor, vocational and voluntary work, and their resilience throughout history. Participants will reflect on the role of labor in shaping the Black experience and advancing healthcare equity.
Black Alumni Association Prayer Breakfast
SLU’s Black Alumni Association will host the 32nd annual Ernest A. Calloway Black Alumni Association Prayer Breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 15, in St. Francis Xavier College Church. This event is dedicated to supporting the Pioneers of Inclusion Scholarship Fund. Enjoy a complimentary catered breakfast as SLU celebrates distinguished alumni and fosters connections within the community.
Guests are encouraged to contribute $25 or more to support the scholarship fund. Attendees are invited to nominate someone for the Black Alumni Association Awards.
3rd Annual Black History Month Gala & Awards Ceremony
The third annual Black History Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony will be hosted by the Cross Cultural Center for Global Citizenship from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Saint Louis University's Il Monastero, 3050 Olive St.
The purpose of this event is to recognize and celebrate the achievements and successes of the Black students, staff, and faculty at SLU. Seating is limited and registration is requested by Friday, Feb. 7.
School Of Medicine ODEI Black History Speaker Series
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the School of Medicine has organized a Black History Month Speaker Series with a different speaker or panel.
- 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Panel discussion “Trailblazers in Labor: African Americans Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Medicine.”
- Noon, Tuesday, Feb. 25 – My Voice: Healthcare Disparities Through My Eyes
Lights Of Remembrance
Saint Louis University will host Lights of Remembrance, the first candlelight vigil to formally honor the lives of enslaved individuals who helped build and sustain the University and other Jesuit missions in Missouri from 823 to 1865. The vigil, organized and led by SLU graduate student Sam Hall in partnership with the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE), will include the lighting of candles, moments of silence and shared reflections. The vigil will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Center for Global Citizenship, 3672 West Pine Mall. The deadline to RSVP is Thursday, Feb. 6.
Additional Events
- The role of Undergraduate Research Experiences in Developing a Sense of Belonging
- Thursday, Feb. 6. In this workshop, participants will learn about the history of
research experiences for students in the STEM fields and how competitive and scarce
those opportunities have become. The focus will be on concrete ideas for beginning
and expanding research opportunities for students
through class work. - For the Love of Us Black History Month Kiki Ball - 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, in the Cook Hall Auditorium. The the 4th Annual Midwest Kiki Awards Ball, hosted by Icon LA Father Byron Juicy Couture. With Icon Denim 007 and Legendary JT Wang as commentators and Legendary Founding Mother IndirahDaDj Ragé setting the mood with her iconic beats, making this a celebration of love, Black culture, and the kiki ballroom scene.
- Blood Drive - The Center for Social Action and the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from12-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Busch Student Center. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code SLU to schedule an appointment.
- SLU Women’s Basketball game - 7 p.m. Wednesday. Feb. 26