Black History Month Poster Symposium

Posters can be submitted to be displayed during the symposium from Thursday, February 1, 2024 - Monday, February 19, 2024.

The symposium will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Student Union Rotunda. 

More Information: In honor of this year’s Black History Month, the Offices of Human Resources & Student Diversity and Inclusion will be hosting a poster symposium. We invite submissions from current faculty, staff and students for engaging and thought-provoking posters that address the theme, “Educate, Elevate, Empower: The Future of Black Excellence.” This theme will look towards the future and focus of education, empowerment, and the potential for continued excellence within the African American community.

Scroll down for more information on the Black History Month Poster Symposium. 

Schedule of Events


Entire Month of February

A display of art by John Robinson, a civil rights activist and artist, can be found on the third floor of Odum Library.

An exhibit of theater costumes from a VSU production of Othello has been put up by Charlise Ludlow's theater costume students is in the Odum Library Rotating Gallery.

Exhibits on civil rights, education, leadership, and culture are in the display cases on the first floor of Odum Library

February 1, 2024
Event Title: BHM Kick off
Sponsored by: Student Diversity and Inclusion and Palms Dining
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Palms Dining
Event Description: Lunch in Palms Dining Hall 

February 6, 2024
Event Title: Artspoken
Sponsored by: Student Diversity and Inclusion and College of the Arts
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: TBA


February 8, 2024
Event Title: AFAM Night at VSU Basketball Game
Sponsored by: Africana Studies
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: PE Complex
Event Description: Women’s and Men's Basketball game that will promote the Africana Studies program at VSU


February 13, 2024
Event #1 Title: A Brave Space Dialogue: Are Relationships Overrated?
Sponsored by: Student Diversity and Inclusion
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: The Shannon Center - 3rd Floor of the Student Union

Event #2 Title: Titletown Jazz Concert
Sponsored by: Department of Music
Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehead Auditorium
Event Description: Featuring the VSU Jazz Ensemble and New Jazz Ensemble, Valdosta High School Jazz Ensemble, and Houston County High School Jazz Ensemble


February 15, 2024
Event #1 Title: Grand Re-Opening of Mae McMullen Southside Library
Sponsored by: Student Diversity and Inclusion
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: 527 Griffin Avenue
Event Description:  Celebrate the grand re opening of Mae McMullen Southside Library

Event #2 Title: Blazer Pitch
Sponsored by: Career Opportunities and Southern Georgia Black Chambers
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Student Union Heritage Room


February 17, 2024
Event Title: NPHC Yard Show
Sponsored by: NPHC
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: TBD


February 18-24 is NPHC Week


February 19, 2024
Event Title: Leadership with Dr. Zduy Chu
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Union Theater
 

February 20, 2024
Event Title: Sneaker Ball
Sponsored by: Student Diversity and Inclusion and NPHC
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Union Ballrooms

February 21, 2024
Event Title: NPHC Informational
Sponsored by: NPHC
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Union Ballrooms


February 22, 2024
Event #1 Title: Speaker Dr. Willie Houseal
Sponsored by: Archives
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: Odum Library Auditorium
Event Description: Dr. Willie Houseal will speak about his experiences ensuring equal representation in local governments.

Event #2 Title: NPHC Block Party
Sponsored by: NPHC 
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Converse Square


February 25, 2024
Event Title: JCPenney Suit Up Event
Sponsored by: Student Diversity and Inclusion and Campus Activities Board
Time: 3–6 p.m.
Location: 1700 Norman Dr. Valdosta, GA

February 27, 2024
Event #1 Title: Open Mic Night
Sponsored by: Africana Studies, English Department, and Student Diversity and Inclusion
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Union Rotunda

Event #2 Title: Harmony of Heritage: Celebrating Black History Through Music
Sponsored by: Department of Music
Time: 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Whitehead Auditorium
Event Description: Featuring compositions by black composers and music with African American influence


February 28, 2024
Event Title: Movie with CAB- Creed III
Sponsored by: Student Diversity and Inclusion and Campus Activities Board
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Union Theater
Event Description: Movie night


February 29, 2024
Event #1 Title: Black History Month Poster Symposium
Sponsored by: Student Diversity and Inclusion and Human Resources
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Student Union Rotunda

Event #2 Title: Black History Month Program
Sponsored by: Southside Library
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: 527 Griffin Avenue

More Information on the Black History Month Poster Symposium

The committee seeks posters that probe the traditional fields of business, education, medicine and healthcare, arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, technology, and communication. Posters may be on any of the following:

  • Innovative programs, projects, and case studies
  • Practical, problem-solving contributions
  • Global culture and communities
  • Breaking barriers

Proposals will be accepted for in-person only presentations. You will be notified by February 23rd if your poster is accepted. Submission details are below:

  1. Purpose? To showcase, communicate and exchange ideas, programs, research, and projects to session attendees. This is a forum for exchanging innovative ideas, and for useful feedback and discussion.
  2. When is the poster symposium? Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  3. Submission period? Thursday, February 1, 2024 – Monday, February 19, 2024
  4. Proposal Submission? Please upload a digital representation of your poster in JPEG, GIF, and PNG to…
  5. Poster Format? Traditional printed posters displayed on easels.
  6. Poster Dimensions? Maximum size of 36 inches by 48 inches (91 cm by 122 cm).
  7. How do I set up my poster? There will be a designated setup time before the poster session. Please arrive during this time to set up your poster on the assigned board. Pushpins or Velcro are commonly used for attachments.
  8. Can I bring handouts or additional materials? You are welcome to bring handouts or supplementary materials to share with attendees. Make sure they complement your poster presentation.
  9. Is there a dress code for the poster session? Business Casual
  10. How long should I be at my poster during the session? Plan to be at your poster throughout the designated session time. Be available to answer questions and engage with attendees interested in your work.
  11. Will there be opportunities for networking? Yes, poster sessions often provide excellent opportunities for networking. Engage with other presenters and attendees to share insights and build connections.
  12. Can I take down my poster before the session ends? It's recommended to keep your poster up for the entire session duration. If you need to leave early, make arrangements for someone to be present at your poster.