Community Events
The African and African American Studies department has compiled links, pages, and information concerning events that the entire community can participate in. For more information on an event listed, click its button or navigate to the page via the side nav.
Silas Hunt Legacy
The University of Arkansas became the first major Southern public university to admit a black student without litigation when Silas Hunt of Texarkana, an African American veteran of World War II, was admitted to the University's law school in 1948. Roy Wilkins, administrator of the NAACP, wrote in 1950 that Arkansas was the "very first of the Southern states to accept the new trend without fighting a delaying action or attempting to... limit, if not nullify, bare compliance."
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15. Every year, the program sponsors a series of invited lectures and supports local commemorations of events. We invite you to participate in our program activities and welcome your ideas for new ones.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday in the United States honoring African American heritage by commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. State of Texas in 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced freedom for all slaves in the Southwest. Texas was the last major vestige of slavery in the United States following the end of the Civil War. This occurred more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Upon the reading of General Order No. 3 by General Granger, the former slaves celebrated, establishing America’s second Independence Day celebration and the oldest African American holiday observance. Celebrated on June 19, the term is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth, and is recognized as a state holiday in 36 states of the United States. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Black History Month
Black History Month is a remembrance of the events in the history of African Americans. Black History Month educates the American people about African-Americans' cultural backgrounds and reputable achievements.