Rice reflects on Black History Month

By Charlie Cruz     3/4/25 10:36pm

Rice concluded its Black History Month celebrations, which lasted from February until early March and featured more than 30 events highlighting Black culture, history and contributions to labor movements.

Themed “African Americans and Labor,” this year’s programming included panel discussions, film screenings and fellowship opportunities.

Martel College freshman Kaleb Blanton said that he valued the programming because of the pride and cultural richness that it fosters.

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“Growing up in a Black household, I was surrounded by different cultural influences and traditions,” Blanton said. “It shaped my identity and deepened my appreciation for our history.” 

Rice Owls of Color United co-president Ichmael Joseph said that the events highlighted the importance of unity within Rice’s Black student organizations and the broader community.

“We bring together student athletes and affinity groups to promote collaboration and ensure that everyone feels included,” said Joseph, a McMurtry College junior. “We’re also working on expanding our outreach beyond Rice to connect with schools in the surrounding area.”

Black Student Association co-president Mordecai Logan said he similarly wanted to create spaces that connect the community and honor the achievements of Black students.

“Black excellence isn’t just about what we accomplish individually — it’s about what we build together,” said Logan, a McMurtry College senior. “The events we’ve hosted, from Soul Night to the Black Excellence Gala, are about more than just recognition. They’re about fostering a community where Black students feel seen, valued and celebrated for their contributions in every space they enter.”

Logan said that while Black History Month provides a platform for these celebrations, the work must continue beyond February.

“We don’t want this to be the only time our voices are heard,” Logan said. “Black students at Rice are excelling in academics, in leadership, in the arts and in athletics year-round. The goal is to ensure that the recognition and support we receive this month extend throughout the entire year.”

Rice alumna Alicia Dugar Stephenson ‘12 said she considered the celebrations an opportunity to strengthen ties between students and alumni.

“I had never really been involved in Rice’s Black History Month celebrations before, but this year, the outreach and visibility made a huge difference,” Stephenson said. “It feels like an unofficial homecoming. Seeing how much Rice invests in Black History Month now compared to my time here is heartwarming.”

Stephenson also said the presence of a Black university president has likely contributed to an increased focus on diversity and inclusion.

“There’s more emphasis on celebrating individuality and diversity, which is refreshing,” Stephenson said.

Alexander Byrd, vice provost for the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence, said the efforts of the Black History Month planning committee, led by Associate Director for Student Engagement Avery Hartwell, curated a powerful and engaging month of programming.

“What an outstanding Black History Month we’ve had at Rice this year!” Byrd wrote in an email to the Thresher. “If there were Oscars for Black History Month programs, Rice would take home a few.”

Byrd, like Logan, said that Black history should be extended beyond just February, both in education and in everyday awareness.

“For me, every year is Black History Year,” Byrd wrote. “Still, I truly appreciate moments like Black History Month and Juneteenth when the work I am privileged to do every day as a historian has greater purchase on the public imagination.”

Hartwell said the committee’s goal was to make Black History Month a truly inclusive experience for all members of the Rice community.

“Black History Month is for everybody,” Hartwell said. “Our goal is to create programming that educates, inspires, and engages everyone — not just for one month, but all year round.”

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