Every February Black History Month is celebrated with an assortment of events that pay tribute to not only black leaders past and present but also the rich heritage of African Americans. The theme for this year’s celebration is “From Slavery to Freedom: The Story of Africans in the Americas.”

Black History Month was established in 1976. Prior to its monthlong celebration it was originally established in 1926 as Negro History week but evolved into what it is now.

Upcoming events occurring on campus include “Black Coffee, No Sugar, No Cream” on Feb. 16, featuring guest poet Skeedar Jones, followed by a one-hour open mic night. The event begins at 7 p.m. in Providence West Social Room (PWSR).

On Feb. 21, “He Say, She Say” will take place at 7 p.m. in the Blue Room. The event aims to unite students from various campuses to discuss issues such as interracial and interfaith relationships, the hip-hop culture and affirmative action.

Other events and discussions celebrating Black History Month can be found off campus throughout San Antonio as well. The McNay Art Museum is hosting a series titled “Black Heritage in the Arts at the McNay” through Feb. 25. The series includes workshops such as “Urban Scrawl & Graphic Communication” by artist and designer Robert Tatum on Feb. 17, and concerts like “Family Performance: God’s Trombones” on Feb. 25 where actors and singers will perform gospel music.

The Renaissance Guild, San Antonio’s premier black theater company, will also contribute to the Black History celebration with its performance of the play “Fences” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. “Fences,” directed by Communication Arts professor Antoinette Winstead at the Jump-Start Performance Company Theatre, presents a slice-of-life look at a black tenement set in the late 1950s through 1965. It follows Troy Maxson, a garbage collector who tries to support his family while searching for fairness in a society that offers none.

Other events in San Antonio include the “South Texas Black Business Expo Presented by the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce” at Sunset Station from Feb. 23 through Feb. 25 and Texas Public Radio’s daily commentary on black history. Listeners in San Antonio can tune in to KSTX, FM 89.1, while Hill Country listeners can listen on KTXI, FM 90.1.

More events can be found by visiting the San Antonio Black History Month Calendar online at www.sablackhistory.com.