Rutgers-Camden Celebrates Black History Month with Culture and Community

Rutgers-Camden Celebrates Black History Month with a Series of Engaging Events

Throughout February, Rutgers University-Camden hosted a variety of events in honor of Black History Month, celebrating culture, history, and community. The month-long programming, organized by student organizations, faculty, and university departments, provided an opportunity for education, reflection, and joy through diverse experiences.

The Multicultural Student Center kicked off the month with a series titled “Black History Month: Reclaimed Radiance,” featuring interactive workshops aimed at celebrating African and Black cultural heritage. Students participated in an African Headwrap History and Master Class on February 5, where they learned about the historical significance of headwraps while practicing different wrapping styles. Food for the event was provided by Blowin Smoque, adding a taste of cultural authenticity to the gathering. 

Willa McBride (left), Simone Owens (Senior Program Coordinator, Multicultural Center) in the middle, and Rabiyatu Sow (NAACP President) on the right. Photo by Sidney Pratt.

On February 11, students had the chance to engage in a Yoga and Mindfulness Class led by certified instructor Courtney Prince, MSW. The session emphasized the importance of mental and physical well-being within Black communities, offering a beginner-friendly environment for relaxation and self-care.

The Natural Hair Care Workshop on February 18 provided an opportunity for students to embrace and learn about natural hair maintenance, including the creation of DIY deep conditioners. Attendees discussed the significance of natural hair in Black identity and self-expression, fostering an inclusive and supportive space for personal empowerment.

Academic discussions and historical reflections were also integral to the month’s programming. The Black History Month Kickoff: Honoring Ida B. Wells on February 4 featured Reverend Eric Dobson, who spoke about Wells’ legacy in the fight for justice and equality. On February 20, the Underground Railroad Sites of South Jersey event at Paul Robeson Library shed light on the region’s rich history of Black resistance and resilience.

For students looking to strengthen their financial literacy, NABA (National Association of Black Accountants) hosted a Tax Edition Financial Literacy Session, equipping attendees with essential knowledge for navigating tax season with guidance from finance professional Osiris Jackson.

The month also included engaging and competitive events like the Black History Jeopardy Night on February 4, hosted by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the Black Student Union. Participants tested their knowledge of Black history in a fun and interactive setting.

The Master Class on Black Joy, held on February 18, was a highlight of the month. Led by renowned author Tracey Lewis-Giggetts, the session explored Black Joy as a transformative and healing force, offering insight into resilience and the reclaiming of happiness in the face of adversity.

Justin Bamgboye (NAACP Vice President) on the left, Rabiyatu Sow (NAACP President) in the middle, and Leilani Taylor (NAACP 2nd Vice President) on the right. Photo by Sidney Pratt.

The Grand Finale: The 2nd Annual Black Excellence Gala

Closing out the month’s celebrations was the highly anticipated Black Excellence Gala on February 17, hosted by the Rutgers-Camden NAACP. This formal event, themed “Black, by Popular Demand!”, welcomed students, faculty, and special guests to an evening of elegance, culture, and recognition. Attendees donned black attire with gold accents, setting the tone for a night dedicated to honoring Black achievement and excellence.

Distinguished Guests and Speakers

The gala featured the following speakers:

• Mayor Victor Carstarphen (Mayor of Camden) – Welcoming Remarks
• Tylik McMillan (Civil Rights Activist & Strategist) – Keynote Speaker
• Reet Starwind (Poet & Rutgers-Camden Alumnus) – Spoken Word Performance

Student Organization Awards

Student organizations received recognition for their efforts in cultural preservation, empowerment, and social justice:

• L’Ouverture Legacy Award – Haitian Student Union
• By Any Means Necessary: Power & Purpose Award – Black Student Union
• Nzinga Mbande Noble Legacy Award – African Student Association
• Marcus Garvey Global Impact Award – Caribbean Student Association (CARIBSA)
• Thurgood Marshall Maverick of Justice Award – Rutgers-Camden NAACP
• Madam C.J. Walker Award for Promoting Pan-African Prosperity – National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
• Dr. Anna Julia Cooper Pearl of Wisdom Award – Pi Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Violette Neatley Anderson Pearl of Service Award – Theta Omicron Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Thaddeus Stevens Award for Social Justice – Rutgers-Camden Student Governing Association

Rabiyatu Sow (far left), Justin Bamgboye (next to her), Willa McBride, Mayor Victor Carstarphen of Camden (center), Nahreem Alford (NAACP Treasurer) on his left, and Nyla Boswell (Assistant Secretary) on his left. Photo by Sidney Pratt.

Honoring Faculty and Professionals

Faculty and professionals received awards for their contributions to education, law, and advocacy:

• The Foundation for Excellence Award – Dr. Marsha Lowery, Vice Chancellor for Student Academic Success
• The Legal Luminaries Award – Dr. Paris McPherson & Dean Rhasheda Douglas, for work in diversity and equity in the legal field
• The People’s Professor Award – Dr. Keith Benson, President of the Camden Education Association and Rutgers-Camden professor

As Black History Month came to a close, the events at Rutgers-Camden, including the Black Excellence Gala, highlighted themes of leadership and community recognition. As the campus reflects on the month’s programming, the conversations and connections formed are expected to influence student and faculty engagement in the months ahead.

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