Penn Celebrates Black History Month with Diverse Events

Students engage in historical discussions, musical activities, and culinary experiences across campus.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Penn is hosting a slate of events throughout February to commemorate Black History Month. The programming, which spans schools, academic centers, and college houses, includes historical discussions, musical activities, and culinary experiences. Events range from a transcribe-a-thon to honor Frederick Douglass, to a 'Soul Food and Sounds' celebration, to panels exploring themes of race, justice, and the transformative power of knowledge.

Why it matters

Penn's annual Black History Month celebration reflects the university's commitment to honoring the contributions and experiences of the Black community. By providing a diverse array of educational and cultural events, Penn aims to foster greater understanding, dialogue, and appreciation for Black history and its ongoing impact.

The details

The programming includes a Douglass Day transcribe-a-thon at the Price Lab for Digital Humanities, a 'Soul Food and Sounds' event at Gutmann College House, a virtual discussion on 'AI and the Dream: Technology in Service of Humanity' co-hosted by several schools, and the annual Souls of Du Bois Symposium exploring themes of race, justice, and collective healing. Penn Press is also highlighting a collection of books on African American history published in the past five years.

  • The Douglass Day event takes place on February 13.
  • The 'Soul Food and Sounds' event is scheduled for February 16.
  • The 'AI and the Dream' virtual program launched on January 28.
  • The Souls of Du Bois Symposium will be held on February 26-27.

The players

Price Lab for Digital Humanities

An academic center at Penn that is hosting the annual Douglass Day transcribe-a-thon.

Gutmann College House

A college house at Penn that is hosting the 'Soul Food and Sounds' event.

African American Resource Center

A Penn center that partnered with the School of Engineering & Applied Science and the School of Social Policy and Practice to launch the 'AI and the Dream' virtual program.

Souls of Du Bois Symposium

An annual discussion co-sponsored by Campus Philly and Campus 250 that celebrates the legacy of scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois.

Penn Press

The university's press that is highlighting a collection of books on African American history published in the past five years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Penn's diverse slate of Black History Month events demonstrates the university's commitment to honoring the contributions and experiences of the Black community, fostering greater understanding and dialogue through educational and cultural programming.