Martin Luther KingThe University of the Incarnate Word is proud to celebrate Black History Month. Join us for a series of events featuring UIW students, faculty and community members who will recall their experiences, reflect on Black history and the current issues of social justice our country faces, and share steps we can all take to create a more just society.

2025 Black History Month Events

 

MLK MarchDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March for Justice

Jan. 20, 2025, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

UIW students, staff and faculty will be participating in the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. March organized by the City of San Antonio on Jan. 20. UIW transportation will be provided.

Register on GivePulse

For more information, please visit the City of San Antonio website or contact Dr. Arturo Chavez by email at aechavez@uiwtx.edu.

 

Adult EducationThe Role of Black American Gospel & Spiritual Music Traditions: Inspirational Adult Education Pedagogy

Feb. 3 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Student Engagement Center (SEC) Ballroom and Online

This presentation and roundtable discussions will examine the historical and contemporary role that Negro Spirituals, Black Church Music, and Contemporary Gospel have played as instruments for adult education and revolutionary spiritual development among adults.  The Round Tables comprised of scholars, students, Christians, and others who will discuss the historical roots of Black American music and how the balance between secular artistry and the movement of the charismata may conflict with their messaging designed for a diverse range of parishioners (emerging adults and church Elders) juxtaposition those outside the more formal religious spaces of African American worship and discipleship praxis.  Participants will deconstruct the impact of social media and mass media as vehicles for propaganda that has led to or promoted a phenomenon described as the "generation of the unchurched." We will also examine the fallout of singing the Life Every Voice and Sing as part of the 2024 NFL Superbowl during Black History Month.  In our analysis, we will deconstruct the Gospel Music origins of the song dubbed the Black National Anthem and its implication for triggering outcries about its performance and lyrics at the annual event.  We will explore how scholarship and empirical research might be introduced to pastoral staff and volunteers to enhance relevant civic and community engagement grounded in faith-based teaching and values.

Read the full article "Instructional Perspectives of Christian Educators in the Black Church"

Join us in person or online using a secure virtual link.

Register Here

Contact:  Dr. Lisa Brown, Dreeben School of Education
Email: lrbrown5@uiwtx.edu

Event Co-Presenters

Dr. Lisa Brown

Dr. Lisa Brown

University of the Incarnate Word

Dr. Marc Gray

Dr. Marc Gray Jr.

Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, Ohio

Lisa Caldwell

Lisa Caldwell

UIW PhD Student, Macedonia Baptist Church

Dr. Kevin Goode

Dr. Kevin Goode

The Church of the Harvest Church of God (Ohio)

Dr. Paulette Isaac Savage

Dr. Paulette Isaac-Savage

University of Missouri-St. Louis

 

Post Election “Table Top” Conversation on Race & Gender

Feb. 6 | 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Student Engagement Center (SEC) 2030-2031

As One We Will (AOWW) and the UIW Office of DEI invite you to join us for safe and brave conversation on what we are learning about ourselves and our country in this post-election time of uncertainty. Regardless of who you voted for, we can agree that our country and our families are painfully divided. Respectful dialogue and conversation – across differences -can help us heal as individuals and communities. We especially want to focus on what the election is teaching us about racial and gender differences.

Register for Event

Contact:  Taylor Demby, “As One We Will” Student Organization
Email: demby@student.uiwtx.edu
Phone: (832) 233-2037

 

Jess MahoganyA Spoken Word Workshop with Jess Mahogany

Feb. 19 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Student Engagement Center (SEC) Ballroom

Jess Mahogany brings magnificent and eye-opening, real-life struggles to life with her words. She will perform several of her powerful pieces and inspire participants to express their stories through the spoken word. The performance and workshop will explore the theme of “intersectionality” among identity, history, politics, spirituality, gender, class and race.

Register Now

Contact: Arturo Chavez, Mission & Ministry – Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Email: aechavez@uiwtx.edu
Phone: (210) 890-4174

 

UIW Women's Basketball Black Out for Black History GameBlack Out for Black History Game, Lamar vs UIW

Feb. 20 | 6:30 p.m.

McDermott Convocation Center

Come out and support the UIW Basketball team as they take on Lamar University! UIW players and coaches will be dressed in black in observance of the Black Out for Black History and the Equality and Inclusion initiatives, two campaigns that go hand-in-hand for UIW Athletics during the celebration of Black History Month.

Game attendees are encouraged to wear black in solidarity with the UIW community in its ongoing pursuit to support racial justice, diversity and equality for all.

Contact: Kenyon Spears, Senior Associate Athletic Director and Diversity and Inclusion Designee
Email: kdspears@uiwtx.edu
Phone: (409) 350-1955

 

swans“Cygne Noir” Runway Show

Feb 21 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Student Engagement Center (SEC) Ballroom

A striking runway show that blends elegance and edge, Cygne Noir draws inspiration from Black Swan, Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, and personal journeys. Exploring themes of transformation, identity, and unpredictability, this show celebrates creativity and resilience through bold, couture-inspired designs.

Contact: Dan Williams, As One We Will (AOWW) Student Organization and School of Fashion
Email: dawilli6@student.uiwtx.edu
Phone: (210) 819-0106

 

UIW Women's Basketball Black Out for Black History GameBlack Out for Black History Game, Lamar vs UIW

Feb. 24 | 6:30 p.m. 

McDermott Convocation Center

Come out and support the UIW Basketball team as they take on Lamar University! UIW players and coaches will be dressed in black in observance of the Black Out for Black History and the Equality and Inclusion initiatives, two campaigns that go hand-in-hand for UIW Athletics during the celebration of Black History Month.

Game attendees are encouraged to wear black in solidarity with the UIW community in its ongoing pursuit to support racial justice, diversity and equality for all.

Contact: Kenyon Spears, Senior Associate Athletic Director and Diversity and Inclusion Designee
Email: kdspears@uiwtx.edu
Phone: (409) 350-1955

 

modelUIW African and Afro-Caribbean Fashion Show

Feb. 27 | 6-8 p.m.

Student Engagement Center (SEC) Ballroom

Experience fashion, music, art and gifts from the African continent and African Caribbean cultures. This event is open to the public and free to all UIW community members with a UIW ID. Special thanks to community organizer Nichelle Hosley of Interior Design Meets Fashion.

Hosted by the African Student Organization and Women Connecting Globally.

Contact: Sheena Connell, International Office
Email: sconnell@uiwtx.edu
Phone: (210) 805-5705