Overview
Every February, Delta Chi and Greek life are excited to celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month was created to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the United States, its history, and its present.
It gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” sent out a press release to mark the first Black History Week in the U.S. Throughout his life, Carter G. Woodson worked tirelessly to promote black history in schools, leaving an indelible legacy.
The event was expanded in 1970, and since 1976 every US president has officially designated February as Black History Month in the US.
February was chosen in the US because it coincides with the births of former President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass – who escaped slavery and became a key social activist. Both men played a significant role in helping to end slavery.
- 1968: The Year That Changed America
- A Journey to Educational Equality
- Print Media in the Civil Rights Movement
- The Struggle for African-American Freedom
- What Were Freedom Rides?
- Jim Crow and Racial Segregation
- Black College Life in the New Deal
- Voices Across the Color Line
- Learn About Black History and Culture
- Stories from the Negro Leagues
Events
Host: Asalh
Location: Online
Cost: Free
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The Black Presence in Sci-Fi, Anime and Comics
Host: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Location: Online
Cost: Free
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Street Art In the African American Community
Host: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Location: Online
Cost: Free
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HARMONY OF FREEDOM: ECHOES FROM THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Location: Online
Cost: Free
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Free Events All Month Long
Eventbrite has a sprawling list of events in February for people to choose from. Whether it be conversations, panel discussions, presentations, trivia, lectures, or screenings, there is something for everyone.
Delta Chi Dates of Significance
Removal of the "White Clause"
At the 30th International Convention in 1954 held in Biloxi, Mississippi, the members of the Fraternity voted to remove the “White Clause” from Delta Chi Law. This change to the bylaws paved the way for the Fraternity to become a more inclusive organization.
First African-American Regent
Delta Chi elected its first African-American Regent, Bill Williams, Gannon ‘83, in 1991. Williams had previously served as a Vice Regent in 1990.
First African-American Executive Committee Member
At Delta Chi’s 49th International Convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, Bill Williams, Gannon ’83, became the first African-American member elected to the Executive Committee, being named the International Secretary (“CC”) on August 4, 1994 during the Convention’s second general session.
First African-American "AA"
At the 51st International Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, Delta Chi elected its first African-American “AA”, Bill Williams, Gannon ‘83, during the second general session on August 6, 1998.
First African-American "BB" Emeritus
At the 55th International Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, Ron Montgomery, Oshkosh ’88, became the first African-American “BB” Emeritus on July 26, 2006.
First African-American Member of the Order of the White Carnation
At the 58th International Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hamilton Henderson, Northwest ’82, became the first African-American member of the Order of the White Carnation on August 2, 2012.
First African-American Ritualist
In summer 2019, Cameron Barnett, Duquesne ’11, was named the first African-American Ritualist and Chairman of the Ritual Committee in Delta Chi.
First African-American "AA" Emeritus
At the 62nd International Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, Bill Williams, Gannon ‘83, was awarded one of the most prestigious awards in Delta Chi, “AA” Emeritus.
