February is Black History Month, which means celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans. At Saginaw Valley State University, several student organizations and campus offices are hosting events throughout the month to do just that.
Originally established as a week in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the observance expanded to a month-long recognition in the 1960s and is now recognized nationally each February.
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) has collaborated with student leaders from multiple RSOs, including the Organization of Black Unity (OBU), Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and F.E.M.E., to offer a range of events for students to participate in throughout the month.
“Our main priority is to provide a space of community for our Black students here at SVSU to celebrate their heritage and their culture with others,” Jordan Kryscynski, OMSA’s Graduate Assistant said. “We also want to help raise awareness and provide opportunities for people to learn and recognize the history, and the importance, of Black culture.”
Black History Music Trivia, Thursday, Feb. 12
Students can test their music knowledge in the TSAR at 6:30 p.m.
Spades Tournament, Tuesday, Feb. 17
OMSA will host a card tournament in the Programming Room at 6:30 p.m.
Black Excellence Ball, Thursday, Feb. 19
A formal celebration recognizing Black excellence and culture. Additional details are available through OMSA.
Black @ SVSU, Friday, Feb. 20
Hosted by OBU, this talent showcase will take place in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall at 5 p.m.
Kritical Konversations with Diggs, Wednesday, Feb. 25
A mental health–focused discussion held in the OMSA office, SC111, at 7 p.m.
Taste of the Soul, Thursday, Feb. 26
Students can visit the Marketplace at Doan for African American–inspired cuisine.
BHM Celebration Night, Thursday, Feb. 26
Held in SE 204 at 5 p.m., this event offers a space to reflect on Black History Month programming and cultural history with F.E.M.E. and OMSA.
This year’s Black History Month programming includes a mix of educational activities, social gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Students interested in attending events or learning more can visit OMSA’s website or follow @omsa_svsu on Instagram for updates.
Information for this article was provided by OMSA’s 2026 Black History Month event flyer. Events are open to all students, and some may require students to RSVP.
“[These events are] a really great space to go to to raise your own cultural awareness and just meet with people from different communities that you may not have interacted with a lot before,” Kryscynski said. “It’s a really great opportunity to have fun … but they’re also [an opportunity to learn], because that’s what we’re here to do.”
Abdullah Farooqui 
Paige Terry