HBCC Events

At the end of each academic year, the Hale Center, Office of Student Life, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Ohio State Alumni Association, and the Center for Belonging and Social Change sponsor this event to acknowledge students who have matriculated from The Ohio State University, celebrating the many achievements of African American students. For any questions about the event please send emails to aafc@osu.edu.

Hosted by the Hale Center, a Family Affair and Reunion is an event that enables university departments and support units as well as student organizations to highlight their services, support, and program offerings to students. Faculty and staff who identify with the Black community as members and allies can connect with students who need to know that there is support within university units for them to successfully complete their degree at The Ohio State University.

Juneteenth, a holiday first commemorated in Texas, marks the date in 1865 when slaves were read federal orders freeing them under the terms of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Each year, ODI has a Juneteenth Celebration in honor of the holiday.

A highlight of Black History Month, the annual MLK Celebration is held near the birthday of the late Martin Luther King Jr. The tribute to the civil rights icon includes remarks from a special guest lecturer, scholarship presentations as well as a stirring musical performance from the African American Voice Gospel Choir. This celebration of Dr. King's life serves as a time for reflection and a renewed call to action for students, staff, faculty, and community members.

Pre-Kwanzaa at The Ohio State University was initiated by Dr. Richard Moriba Kelsey and the Ohio State Black Graduate and Professional Student Caucus and celebrates the event created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Each year, The Hale Center has a Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration. 

The Ohio State University's Thanksgiving Dinner began in 1996 as a gathering of 25 students in the Frank W. Hale, Jr. Black Cultural Center. It was initiated by two graduate students (Bill Batson and Lori Waite) who did not have a place to go for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. They invited six of their friends and were prepared to have a potluck Thanksgiving meal.

Each February, the Hale Center collaborates with the Student Life Center for Belonging and Social Change and other departmental office and student organizations to celebrate the diasporic experience through United Black World Month, also known as Black History Month.