Iona celebrated Black History Month during February with events that centered on Black history and culture.

The month featured two art showcases, starting with “Influenced by Matisse: New Works by Alvin Clayton” in the Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery, which was on from Jan. 27 to Feb. 28, and a Black Student Union art exhibit in the EndZone on Feb. 21.

The Rocky Middleton Jazz Ensemble played in the Murphy Auditorium on Feb. 7. The same day, FreeQuency, a slam poet and activist, performed in the EndZone. Her poems focused on the Black experience in the United States and in Western society.

The Praise Dancers and Gospel Choir performed at Sunday mass at Holy Family Church on Feb. 24, where senior Justin Henry gave a reflection on Black History Month. Henry discussed recent shootings of young black men by police and hardships of being a black person in America. He ultimately called upon black resilience, power and beauty as themes for the month.

BSU, Student Leader Alliance for Multiculturalism, IC Fashion and the Office of Mission and Ministry all sponsored events for Black History Month.