Mercer Times

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is set to commence its annual Black History Month celebration on January 31. The event will begin at noon with the raising of the Pan-African flag outside Trenton Hall, accompanied by an opening ceremony featuring representatives from TCNJ's Black Student Union and NAACP chapter.

The Pan-African flag has symbolized Black people since the early 19th century. Its raising is a tradition representing freedom and progress within the African Diaspora.

Speakers at the event include Loudine Charles, vice president of BSU; Diamond Urey, president of BSU; and James A. Felton III, vice president for inclusive excellence. Tara Richardson, president of TCNJ NAACP, will deliver a reading, while Jazailis Gual will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing," known as the Black National Anthem.

This ceremony marks the beginning of a month-long series of educational and social events on campus. Highlights include a teach-in on Afrofuturism with Professor Piper Kendrix Williams, a voice performance by faculty artist Brandi Diggs, and a keynote address by Ruha Benjamin from Princeton University during the 3rd Annual Excellence in Teaching and Learning Summit.

The campus community is encouraged to attend these events. Details and registration information are available in the full calendar of events.

The series is organized by TCNJ's Black History Month Planning Committee in coordination with the Division of Inclusive Excellence, TCNJ BSU, and African American Studies. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified.