Hale Black Cultural Center Events
The Frank W. Hale Jr., Black Cultural Center provides cultural, social, and educational programs and events for the entire university and Columbus community and hosts many student, university, and community events.
Afrikan American Farewell Celebration
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.
Family Affair and Reunion
A joint venture between the Student Life Center for Belonging and Change and the Hale Center, a Family Affair and Reunion is an event that enables academic departments and Student Life units 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 Ohio State.
Juneteenth
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 an Juneteenth Celebration Luncheon in honor of the holiday.
Learn more about JuneteenthMLK Celebration
A highlight of Black History Month for the entire Ohio State community, 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.
Learn about the MLK CelebrationPre-Kwanzaa Celebration
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.
Learn more about Pre-KwanzaaThanksgiving Dinner
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.
Learn more about the Thanksgiving DinnerUnited Black World Month
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.
Center for Belonging and Social Change United Black World Month web page