Humanities Moments

Commemorating Black History

In recognition of Black History Month, we’ve curated a collection of stories honoring members of the African diaspora who have changed the world. 

From screenwriters to civil rights leaders, black Americans have shaped history through their creative, intellectual, and political contributions. The “true magic” of Gladys Knight helped musician Patrick Sansone to recognize the transformative power of performance. Sarah Scriven shares how an academic forum on Shonda Rimes created a space to explore stories written by and for black women. The remaining traces of Eatonville—America's first legally self-governing African American municipality—inspired student Valerie Rose Kelco to help preserve the legacy of author Zora Neale Hurston.

Explore these Humanities Moments, and more, that cast a light on the history of black America.

Commemorating Black History