SD Campus Aims to Elevate Inclusivity Through Black History Month Events

Black student leaders hope this year's outreach has a lasting impact on their predominantly white university.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 9:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Black History Month comes to an end, Black college students at Augustana University in South Dakota are hoping this year's outreach events have a lasting effect in making fellow students feel more welcome and included. The Black Student Union led a variety of activities throughout February, blending fun with a true sense of belonging, as they emphasize the need to not only honor people's experiences but also celebrate them.

Why it matters

With federal efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs within higher education, it felt important for students to pick up the slack and address the racial inequities that still exist, while also highlighting the achievements of Black students. The university hopes these efforts will help address unjust disparities and support the goal of helping more people obtain college degrees.

The details

The Black Student Union at Augustana University organized a variety of events and activities throughout Black History Month, including important cross-cultural conversations with student organizations representing other marginalized populations, such as Native Americans and Asian Americans. BSU President Jenna Hageman emphasized the need to not only focus on the trauma of being a Black student, but also celebrate the joy and achievements of the Black community.

  • Black History Month took place in February 2026.

The players

Jenna Hageman

The president of the Black Student Union at Augustana University, who is pursuing a doctorate in sociology with hopes of becoming a professor and eventually teaching in South Dakota.

Augustana University

The largest private university in South Dakota, where the Black Student Union led a variety of Black History Month events and activities.

Lumina Foundation

A foundation that says America's success depends on helping more people obtain college degrees and other high-quality credentials, and the nation can't stop addressing unjust disparities that get in the way of those goals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We need to not only honor people's experiences, but also celebrate it, not just focus on the trauma of being a Black student right now, but also the joy.”

— Jenna Hageman, President, Black Student Union

“So, a lot of us leave and never come back and give our expertise.”

— Jenna Hageman, President, Black Student Union

The takeaway

This story highlights the efforts of Black student leaders at Augustana University to create a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment, even as federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher education faces challenges. Their work to celebrate the achievements of Black students, while also addressing ongoing racial inequities, serves as an inspiring example of student-led activism driving positive change.