Delta College is celebrating Black History Month (BHM) from February 1 – 28 with a series of themed events to recognize the cultural influence and historical impacts of the Black community—past and present.
2026 marks 100 years of national commemorations of Black history and 50 years since Black History Month was first recognized by President Gerald Ford during the United States Bicentennial.
Signature speaker event
Dr. April Baker-Bell, an associate professor of Language, Culture, and Justice in Education at the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education, will speak on her extensive research and scholarship in linguistic and racial justice.
Her groundbreaking book, Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity, and Pedagogy, introduces the concept of Anti-Black Linguistic Racism and provides an influential framework for dismantling linguistic inequities.
This insightful event is planned for Thursday, February 5 from 5 - 6:30pm at the Downtown Saginaw Center.
This and all the following events are free and open to the public.
For reasonable accommodations, contact BEDI Services at 989-686-9017 or email diversity@delta.edu.
More Black History Month events
This event is focused on African American poets and authors. It is a national event established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. Readings may include excerpts from selected books, speeches or poems authored by African Americans. Lunch will be provided.
We will discuss one woman's crusade for justice, the danger of a single story and how it shapes perceptions—past and present. We’ll learn lessons from Ida’s efforts to “right wrongs by turning the light of truth upon them.” Light refreshments will be provided.
The tradition of oral storytelling is cherished in Black culture for passing down history, knowledge and wisdom. It began as a way to preserve identity and resilience particularly during the period of slavery when literacy was restricted. This event celebrates this tradition by providing an opportunity to hear the unique stories of Black community members. Light refreshments will be provided.
The first ten families in attendance will receive a free copy of the children’s book, Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter. This short, animated film tells the story of Black slaves’ escape to freedom with nothing but the night sky and a song to guide their dangerous journey north to The Underground Railroad.
