Christopher L. Eisgruber President of Princeton University | Princeton University Official Website
Christopher L. Eisgruber President of Princeton University | Princeton University Official Website
Princeton University is commemorating Black History Month with a series of events and educational programs throughout February. The university has partnered with the Humanities Council's Baldwin Circles project to honor James Baldwin's 100th birthday.
On February 25, Eddie Glaude Jr., a distinguished professor at Princeton, will discuss his book “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own” in conversation with Brian Eugenio Herrera. The event is part of a broader initiative to explore African American history and culture on campus.
Visitors can take part in a self-guided walking tour highlighting the history of African Americans at Princeton. This tour is one of several offered through the "(In)Visible History" series, which aims to share lesser-known stories about the university's past.
The Department of African American Studies has curated a selection of influential books on Black history and civil rights, featuring works by both Princeton faculty and other notable authors like W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr.
Among the scheduled events, Emily Hawk will present a lecture titled “Writing The Movement: How The Feet Redefined Black Dance” on February 10. Douglass Day on February 14 will include a showcase at Firestone Library and a transcribe-a-thon at Princeton Public Library in honor of Frederick Douglass.
Meshell Ndegeocello will perform music from her new album at McCarter Theatre Center on February 15, followed by a discussion with poet Patricia Smith. Additionally, an exhibit featuring Roberto Lugo's work will open at Art@Bainbridge gallery.
Other events include Vinson Cunningham discussing his novel "Great Expectations" on February 18, an organ concert featuring works by Black composers on February 21, and a day trip to the National Museum of African American History organized for students and staff.
The month concludes with various discussions including the W.E.B. Du Bois Intellectual Series focusing on Haiti’s history on February 27, and a roundtable discussion titled “Writing Social Problems Through the Personal” on February 28.
Finally, "Curlchella 2025," celebrating Black hair and culture, will be presented by The Fields Center in early March.
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