Multiple events are set for February to help University of North Georgia (UNG) students, faculty and staff celebrate Black History Month. Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA), Black Student Union (BSU) and Aramark are some of the groups hosting events.

A new event this year, hosted by MSA and BSU, is the Black Excellence Gala, which is from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Cottrell Center Ballroom at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Open to students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the gala is a formal event with dinner and networking opportunities. The event will also recognize student, faculty, staff, and alumni achievements in 2024.

Another first-time event is a West-African-themed dinner service and BSU Culture Night, which is from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Chow Dining Hall at the Dahlonega Campus. "International Night: Taste of Africa" is set for 6-8 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Robinson Ballroom of the Student Center at the Gainesville Campus. A full list of events is available at the bottom of this story.

Cleo Johnson, a sophomore cadet from Kennesaw, Georgia, who is pursuing a degree in management, serves as BSU president at the Dahlonega Campus. He is excited about the events hosted by MSA and BSU and grateful for the chance to reflect on the historical contributions of individuals like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks.

"It's important to highlight what they've accomplished and how they've paved the way for everyone in the world," Johnson said. "They were role models for us."

Donny Njika, a junior from Powder Springs, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science with a pre-law concentration, is the secretary for BSU at the Dahlonega Campus. She appreciates the fact that MSA organizes cultural heritage months on campus.

"It's highly important for everyone to learn about the different cultures on campus," Njika said.

Both Johnson and Njika said they hope more people can learn about BSU during Black History Month and become involved on a regular basis. The group usually meets twice a month.

"We want Black students to know they have somewhere to be," Njika said. "When I found BSU, everything clicked for me. I found a family."

Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of "Negro History Week," the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

Black History Month events hosted by MSA

Feb. 3: Black History Month tabling, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dahlonega Hoag Student Center Food Court and Gainesville Student Center Cafeteria

Feb. 13: Black History Month celebration (trivia, refreshments, giveaways), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oconee Student Center Lobby

Feb. 18: Black History Month celebration (trivia, refreshments, giveaways), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cumming Lobby

Feb. 19: West-African-themed dinner service/Black Student Union Culture Night (collaboration with Black Student Union and Aramark), 5-9 p.m., Dahlonega, Chow Dining Hall

Feb. 19: International Night: Taste of Africa (collaboration with Black Student Union and International Student Association), 6-8 p.m., Gainesville, Robinson Ballroom in Student Center

Feb. 28: Black Excellence Gala (collaboration with Black Student Union), 6-9 p.m., Dahlonega, Cottrell Center Ballroom