Black Awareness Month

Black Awareness Month, derived from the commonly known term Black History Month, strives to engage the entire UM community in the identification, promotion, and support of Black students, their history, and the cultures that they represent. Hundreds of students attend and participate in BAM activities year after year.

This February, our vision is to connect the student body on a deeper level by encouraging meaningful conversations and emphasizing the recognition of student experiences on our campus. We strive to promote a welcoming environment for students to celebrate their diversity.

About Black Awarenss Month

Black Awareness Month (BAM) is coordinated by United Black Students (UBS) and is chaired by the 2nd Vice President of UBS. The month is filled with a variety of special events that commemorate the extraordinary historical achievements and contributions of the African Diaspora. Black History Month began as "Negro History Week," which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. 

BAM Schedule of Events 2023

This upcoming Black Awareness Month, we are hosting some of our well-known annual events such as the Opening Ceremonies, Service Day, and Church Service. We are also pursuing unique partnerships with several other student organizations that support the Black community. Our goal is to reach all corners of campus to educate and provide resources to the entire student body.

Event Date Time Location Organizer(s)
Opening Ceremony February 2 8 p.m. The Rock BAM
Afro-Olympics February 3 12:30 p.m. Foote Green BAM
BLQ Drag Show & Brunch February 4 11 a.m. Shalala Sudent Center BAM and BLQ
Jonny Was Good Documentary February 5 6 p.m. Bill Cosford Cinema Athletics
NPHC Expo February 5 8 p.m. Shalala Student Center BAM and NPHC
Trivia at The Rat February 6 6:30 p.m. Rathskeller BAM
Roller Skating Fundraiser February 8 5:30 p.m. Super Wheels BAM
Film Screening February 9 9 p.m. Bill Cosford Cinema BAM
Valentine's Black Tie Event February 10 8 p.m. Lakeside Patio BAM
Black Athlete Mental Health Panel February 12 4 p.m. Lakeside Village Pavilion Athletics and BAM
BOND and BAM Collab February 15 7 p.m. Shalala Student Center BAM and BOND
Mental Health Roundtable February 19 5 p.m. Shalala Student Center BAM
George Carver Elementary February 20 9 a.m. George Carver Elementary BAM
Black Design Panel February 22 7 p.m. Shalala Student Center BAM
Taste of the South February 23 6 p.m. Foote Green Black Alumni Reunion
BAM Day of Service February 24 9 a.m. Lakeside Canopy BAM and Black Alumni
Church Service February 25 11 a.m. Shalala Student Center BAM

If you are interested in being a part of the committee and would like to help plan one of the events, or you would like information on becoming a sponsor, please contact BAM and/or MSA at UnitedBlackStudents@gmail.com or msa@miami.edu.

Hosting an event during Black Awareness Month?

If you are a member of the UM community and have events celebrating Black Awareness Month, please complete this survey form below to have your events added to the BAM calendar.  

Event Submission Form