We’re Celebrating Black Heritage Month at RIT | February 2025
Grab your friends and “ease on down the road” with a trip to see a live performance of The Wiz at West Herr Auditorium Theater this month! It’s just one of several events going on in February as RIT celebrates Black Heritage Month. Take a look at what else is happening:
Tuesday, February 11
Foreigners Everywhere: Stories of Black Diaspora in Renaissance Europe from 5-7pm in the College of Liberal Arts, Lecture Hall, A205. This event reframes the common understanding of Renaissance Europe, the film "We Were Here — The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe" (2024) challenges the notion that all Black people were slaves or servants. It reveals a diverse presence, including princes, ambassadors, merchants, and religious figures. Narrated from an Afro-European perspective, it explores stories absent from traditional history books and unveils the untold history of Black Africans in that vibrant chapter of history. Join us for a film screening (55 minutes) followed by a panel discussion with director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu. This event is part of Viva l’Italia - RIT Celebrates Italy and Black Heritage Month.
Register here for the film screening
Wednesday, February 12
Let’s mix and mingle at this Black Heritage Month Mixer, from 5-7pm at Gracie’s. Join other RIT students, staff, and faculty in recognition of their Black identities and experiences.
Thursday, February 27
Into the ROC: The Wiz with the Rochester Broadway Theatre League from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. In partnership with NTID, take a trip to West Herr Auditorium Theatre to see a performance of The Wiz. It's the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but not quite the way you know it. Written by Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown, The Wiz reimagines the story of Dorothy and friends with an African-American cast and a lot of great gospel and soul music. Tickets cost $8 per person and can be paid for via Campus Groups. Transportation will be provided, but students can also drive themselves if they alert CLCE prior to the event.
Here are the two Campus Groups Registration Links you will need: RIT Students and for NTID Students