Black History 4 Seasons
UMass Dartmouth's Black History 4 Seasons Council focuses on engaging students and the broader community in deeper conversations and ongoing dialogue about the Black experience. The Council collaborates with various colleges, departments, and community partners to host events that honor the contributions of Black Americans in literature, music, politics, social justice, theater, and visual arts.
Black History Month 2025
This year, 2025, marks the 49th annual observance of Black History Month in the United States. During the celebration of the United States Bicentennial in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” While February is designated as “Black History Month,” the contributions of Americans of African descent in the areas of literature, philosophy, law, science and medicine, politics, music, athletics, visual and performing arts, etc., continue to influence the evolution and development of our society all year long.
UMass Dartmouth’s Black History 4 Seasons Council, in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, the Frederick Douglass Unity House, and other University and community partners, have organized on-campus and community events to celebrate Black History Month. We invite all members of the UMass Dartmouth family and the public to join in the festivities as we celebrate Black History Month as a University community.
Black History 4 Seasons Events
On March 31, 2025, the Haitian folkloric and contemporary dance troupe Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) will perform excerpts from Traka and JAE’s new creation, Pouvwa at the UMass Dartmouth Main Auditorium at 5pm. RSVP online.
Pulsing with energy of live drumming and Afro-electronica, these works explore power dynamics, trauma, and healing. The performance will be followed by a Q&A session.
JAE is a Boston-based organization and dance company founded by Jean Appolon. JAE is dedicated to educating audiences about Haitian culture, traditions, history, and current issues. JAE’s repertoire seeks to preserve Haitian folkloric culture while also revitalizing the art form to make it accessible, healing, and educational to audiences.
This event is free and open to all. The show begins at 5pm (doors open at 4:30pm) in UMass Dartmouth’s Main Auditorium. The performance lasts approximately 50 minutes and will be followed by a Q&A session. Guests should park in Lots 5 and 6.
The performance is being sponsored by UMass Dartmouth’s Department of Global Languages & Cultures, Frederick Douglass Unity House and the College of Arts and Sciences Deans Office.
The ALANA Graduation Kente Ceremony is a celebration of success for ALANA – African / African American / Black; Latino / Latina / Hispanic; Asian / Pacific Islander; Native American / Indigenous / First nation – students. This event culminates with the presentation of traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth graduation stoles. The Kente stole signifies students’ “rite of passage” and the commencing of their leadership in the world. Graduates will wear the Kente stoles at their respective university graduations, adding to the celebratory nature of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Commencement celebrations. This is a proud moment for our students and their loved ones, and one of our most special signature events! We look forward to seeing the next class of students collect their stoles and proudly represent their excellence.
Join the New Bedford Branch NAACP for an empowering and immersive experience held each year to celebrate our community's collective power. The Convention attracts innovative change-makers, thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, entertainers, influencers, and creatives to network and exchange ideas.
UMassD fosters diversity and inclusion
Students and alums discuss how the Black History 4 Seasons Council, Frederick Douglas Unity House, & mentors help pave the way to success. Check out their stories and join us at an upcoming event.
Partner with us
If you are interested in partnering with the Council, or if you are planning an event that you would like to have added to our calendar, please contact Peggy Dias at 508.999.8791 or mdias@umassd.edu.