Rutherford, NJ— As Black History Month draws to a close, Felician University would like to extend its gratitude to Student Engagement and to the many students, faculty, and staff who came together to celebrate the many achievements, cultural impact, and history of the Black Community.

Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) first introduced a week-long event commemorating Black History that would be held on Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays. President Gerald Ford expanded this celebration into a nationally-recognized event throughout the duration of February, encouraging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Since its adoption, Black History Month continues to inspire the amplification of voices that challenge systemic stereotypes, racial injustices, and civil rights. Through social media, town-wide initiatives, and local and state organizations that advocate for equity and representation, we can continue to educate, uplift, and honor the lasting contributions of Black Americans.

Over the course of the month, Student Engagement hosted 13 educational events on and off campus, designed to provide an immersive and reflective experience into the importance of cultural celebration and historical awareness. Students practiced creative expression during paint night, viewed multiple screenings of Black cinema, attended a talk on hair care and how to preserve natural texture, and sampled influential cuisines from across the African diaspora and Black cultures around the world.

“Attending the Black History Month events on campus meant a lot to me because it created a space where culture, history, and community came together in a meaningful way,” said Chantoya Thomas, a graduate student in Felician University’s five-year Marketing program (Class of 2026/2027). “My favorite event was Freedom of Flavor. The combination of Caribbean and African food, music, and the vibrant energy of the crowd made it feel like a true celebration of heritage. It wasn’t just about enjoying great food; it was about honoring traditions, embracing identity, and seeing students connect through culture. Moments like that remind me why representation and programming on campus matter so much.”

“The Black History Month events meant a lot because they created spaces where students could truly see themselves reflected and celebrated,” said Trinyce D. Symister, a Healthcare Administration major, Class of 2027. “My favorite event was Beyond the Frizz because it was so personal and interactive. I was able to teach students how to take care of their hair while also having real conversations about confidence and self-love. What stood out to me most was realizing that even though we all have different hair types, textures, and patterns, our experiences are often very similar. It reminded me that these events aren’t just about history, they’re about helping students feel seen, supported, and empowered to be themselves, unapologetically.”

Felician University’s Franciscan mission is rooted in the needs of the community, fostering an environment where learning feels nurturing and inclusive. Campus initiatives such as these have the power to directly benefit student success and to guide all members of our campus community to approach their global and cultural awareness with a more courageous heart, mind, and soul.