Black History Month

Event Descriptions

Monday, February 2

Black History Month Flag Raising

11:30 a.m. BLC Plaza
Black Student Union
Join BSU for their event to celebrate and honor Black History Month!

Tuesday, February 3

Keys to the Culture

7:30 p.m. Bierenbaum Fisher Hall Room 304
Black Student Union
Join BSU for their event to celebrate and honor Black History Month!

Thursday, February 5

From Roots to Recipes: A Black History Month Celebration

11 a.m. Cranberry’s
Rider Dining
Join Rider Dining throughout the month of February as we celebrate Black History Month by spotlighting local Black-owned and African American–owned businesses. Stop by our tabling events to enjoy free samples, learn about incredible local vendors, and discover ways to shop small and support local. Supporting these businesses helps strengthen communities and creates meaningful impact beyond campus. We kick things off with the Gingered Peach on February 5. Follow Rider Dining all month long for featured spotlights and upcoming tastings.

Friday, February 6

Alpha Awareness Seminar

7 p.m. Sweigart Hall Room 341
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. for their event! Professional business attire is required and they will not tolerate tardiness.

Monday, February 9

The Voice I Didn’t Know I Had

7 p.m. TBD
Black Men Unified
You lead more than you realize now it’s time to own it. This event is all about helping you find your voice and use it with purpose. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and practical tools to step fully into the leader you’re becoming. Come join us and take the next step in your leadership journey.

Wednesday, February 11

Black History Month Trivia Tabling

11 a.m. In Front of the Student Rec Center
Black Student Union
Join BSU for their event to celebrate and honor Black History Month!

Thursday, February 12

From Roots to Recipes: A Black History Month Celebration

11 a.m. Daly Dining Hall
Rider Dining
Celebrate Black History Month with Rider Dining as we feature recipes inspired by the Sweet Home Café at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Stop by to experience dishes rooted in history and culture, and enter for a chance to win a copy of the official Sweet Home Café cookbook.

Black History Month Celebration: Dress to Honor

5 p.m. NJM Room
The Making Connections Program
Black History Month Celebration: Dress to Honor invites you to celebrate Black History Month through community, culture, and fun. Attendees are encouraged to dress as a Black historical figure. Enjoy interactive games, great food, and engaging Black history trivia as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and build meaningful connections together.

Monday, February 16

Red Flag or Green Flag 

7 p.m. TBD
Black Men Unified
Valentine’s Day is over, so it’s time to debrief… because whew. We’re diving into red flags, green flags, dealbreakers, and all the “be so for real” moments. Let’s unpack what toxic love looks like, what healthy love actually feels like, and everything in between. But here’s the twist we’re rewriting what Black love means without the rules the world tries to put on us. Come laugh, reflect, and get real about the love you want and the love you won’t accept.

Wednesday, February 18

From Roots to Recipes: A Black History Month Celebration

6 p.m. Teaching Kitchen in Daly’s Dining Hall
Rider Dining
Join Rider Dining for a special Teaching Kitchen event featuring Pi Queen, aka Chef Faith Adogame. Chef Faith will guide participants through making traditional Nigerian Puff Puff, a beloved West African treat. This hands-on experience celebrates culture, flavor, and community. Spaces are limited. To reserve your spot, email riderdining@rider.edu.

Thursday, February 19

Black Mental Health Engagement as an Act of Resistance

11:30 a.m BLC Lobby
Counseling Center
Join the Counseling Center for their tabling to explore how prioritizing emotional well-being, seeking support, building community, and practicing healing can serve as intentional acts of resistance against systemic oppression, stigma, and historical inequities. Participants will gain insight into culturally affirming approaches to mental health engagement and leave with strategies to promote resilience, collective care, and liberation-oriented healing.

Sunday, February 22

Gospel Fest and Soul Food Sunday

5:45 p.m. Gill Chapel
Center for Community + Belonging
Close out Black History Month with an uplifting celebration of gospel music, dance, and spoken word. Feel the energy, joy, and inspiration as talented performers from Rider University and the local community come together to deliver a truly unforgettable experience. This free event is open to the public—don’t miss this vibrant tribute to Black culture and artistry!

Monday, February 23

Black Out Clothes Day

Black Student Union Spirit Week
Black Student Union
Join BSU by wearing all black in solidarity and pride to kick off their spirit week.

Tuesday, February 24

Black student/Black Faculty Brands Day & Black Brand Expo

3 p.m.  Black Student Union Spirit Week
Black Student Union
Join BSU for their event to celebrate and honor Black History Month!

Wednesday, February 25

Dress to Impress/D9 Para Day

Black Student Union Spirit Week
Black Student Union
Join BSU by either dressing in professional attire or repping your Divine 9 para!

Thursday, February 26

Throwback Thursday

Black Student Union Spirit Week
Black Student Union
Join BSU by wearing old-school fits, classic vibes to continue honoring Black History Month.

Harlem Renaissance Poetry

6:30 p.m. Lynch Adler Hall Room 129
Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society; The Rider Poets
Come and join us as we learn about some of the iconic figures of the Harlem Renaissance and channel our own unique voices within original creative works!

Friday, February 27

Black Hair Appreciation Day

Black Student Union Spirit Week
Black Student Union
Join BSU by celebrating the beauty, versatility & culture of Black hair.