Black history and culture are being celebrated at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a series of events and collaborations throughout February. Hosted by the Black Student Association (BSA) and Sister Circle at UH Mānoa, on-campus activities such as film screenings, athletic recognition nights and a loʻi workday help recognize and support Black History Month.
“February is an opportunity for us to highlight Black culture, history and achievements, but also a chance to have deeper discussions,” said LaJoya Shelly, founding BSA member and current alumni advisor. “We hope these events inspire our UH Mānoa ʻohana to learn more about Black diaspora communities, culture and experiences that shape the society we live in today.”
Among the events is an annual remembrance walk and celebration for Alice Augusta Ball, a 1915 UH Mānoa graduate who was the first woman and African American in UH history to earn a master’s degree in chemistry. A bust recently unveiled at Hamilton Library honors her contributions to science, namely the discovery of her effective treatment of Hansen’s disease.
“Alice Ball is a prime example of the academic excellence that is achieved by Black women at UH Mānoa, and holding the remembrance walk is just one of the many ways we keep her legacy alive,” said Niya Denise McAdoo, a UH Mānoa graduate research assistant in educational administration and co-founder of Sister Circle.
UH Mānoa events
- All February: Black History Month Collection collaboration with the UH Mānoa Bookstore, BSA and Sister Circle Mānoa
Limited edition Black History Month Bowhana T-shirts and Heritage H logo hats are available for purchase at the UH Mānoa Bookstore, online and in-person. From each purchase, 10% of proceeds will go toward the UH Foundation Promotion of Black Studies fund. - Every Friday in February: Black Friday Movie Nights
Open to students and non-students at Native Hawaiian Student Services (NHSS), QLC 113. Includes free popcorn. Featuring films: The Space Race, Princess and the Frog (Keiki Night), Us and Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised). - February 8 and 15: Black History Month Recognition Nights, Rainbow Wahine and Warrior Basketball
Support women’s and men’s basketball while recognizing important Black organizations in Hawaiʻi, such as the Pōpolo Project, Afro Aloha and more. - February 12: Black History Month Workday, 9 a.m., Ka Papa Loʻi o Kanewai
A workday hosted by Sister Circle and BSA at Ka Papa Loʻi o Kanewai, a piko to Hawaiian knowledge at UH Mānoa. Open to students and non-students. - February 25: Black History Month Dinner with Mānoa Dining Services, 5 p.m., Hale Aloha Café
Celebrate Black History Month and enjoy a Soul Food Experience with Mānoa Dining Services and BSA. Menu includes fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, sweet potatoes and cornbread. Vegan menu includes jambalaya with plant-based sausage, Hoppin John (black-eyed peas with plant-based bacon) and cornbread. Menu subject to change. - February 26: BSA x Sister Circle x NHSS Game Night, 6 p.m., NHSS, QLC 113
A fun night of assorted games to learn more about Black History Month and Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month). Snacks and pizza provided. Open to students and non-students. - February 28: Alice A. Ball Remembrance Walk and The Ball Method screening with Graduate Professional Access and NHSS, 9:30 a.m., NHSS, QLC 113
The 3rd annual Alice A. Ball Remembrance Walk to honor Ball, the university’s first Black graduate, and her contributions to science. Following the walk will be a screening of The Ball Method, a film that recounts Ball’s story as she fought against racial and gender barriers. - February 28: Alice Augusta Ball Day Celebration, 10 a.m., Chaulmoogra tree at Bachman Hall
The campus community is invited to celebrate Alice Augusta Ball Day, honoring Ball’s achievements. The program will include UH and community speakers. Individuals are welcome to bring a flower or lei to place at the bronze plaque created in memory of Alice Ball. Read the UH News story from the 2024 event.
For more information, follow @bsauhmanoa and @sistercirclemanoa on Instagram, or email them at bsauhmanoa@gmail.com or thesistercirclemanoa@gmail.com.
