Celebrating resilience
The theme of Black History Month 2025, “African Americans and Labor,” explores the intersection of labor and identity. The year’s theme provides an opportunity to honor the generations of African Americans whose work has built and shaped American society while inspiring future generations to continue their legacy.
At Kellogg, staff and student groups have curated events throughout the month to celebrate Black culture with unique events and insightful cultural dialogue. Hear from Black students and alumni who are empowering communities and helping shape the world around us.
BMA Events
The following events are hosted by the Black Management Association (BMA), a student-run club open to both Full-Time MBA and Evening & Weekend MBA students. Visit CampusGroups for more information on these clubs as well as registration details for this month's events.
February 3 — Black Management Association General Board Meeting
BMA is kicking off Black History Month with a general board meeting.
February 8 — Volunteer Day
BMA will participate in a day of service and giving back to communities.
February 10 — Film screening
BMA is partnering with the Media & Entertainment Club for a movie screening of “The Six Triple Eight.” Written and directed by Tyler Perry, the 2024 American war drama tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion — an all-black, all-female battalion — during World War II.
February 11 — Lunch & Learn
Charis Márquez ’11 MBA, former vice president of fashion at eBay, will share some of her major career highlights, which includes leading digital transformations. She’ll also discuss the power of networking and her current career focus and passions.
February 18 — Noir Soirée
The BMA will host an unforgettable night of culture, community and celebration.
February 20 — Trivia
Join BMA for section trivia: Black History Edition.
February 24 — BMA Week
BMA is hosting their annual week of events from February 24 to February 28. Plans include “Hear My Story,” a Kellogg tradition that has students take the stage as storytellers, and there will be opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses throughout Chicago.
KBAN Events
The following events are hosted by the The Kellogg Black / African American Network (KBAN), a staff resource group. Visit the Kellogg Staff intranet for more event details.
February 5 — Presentation by Dr. William Towns
William Towns, adjunct professor in the sustainability and social impact program, will deliver an informational presentation to Kellogg staff: “It Takes a Lifetime – Navigating Unstable Times Through Lived Experience.”
February 12 — Capoeira
Enjoy a midday break with an interactive class rooted in Afro Brazilian culture. Capoeira features elements of dance, acrobatics, music and spirituality.
February 18 — Bus tour of Black Evanston
Experience the vibrant and rich history of Black culture and community in Evanston.
February 27 — Black Jeopardy
Close out Black History Month with our crowd-pleasing event, Black Jeopardy. All are welcome to join in the fun.
All Month — Black History Month Bingo
Watch out for a downloadable bingo card. Discover new stories, celebrate Black culture and create meaningful conversations.
Voices that inspire
As a first-generation MBA student, LeVincia Porch ’26 reflects on what it means to be the first but not the last. She shares how her family served as a catalyst to her pursuing an Executive MBA, and she hopes her story can uplift others.
The Black Management Association Conference (BMAC) is the longest-running student-led conference at Kellogg and has served as a transformative space for Black professionals and allies. Two-Year MBA Program students and conference co-chairs Whitney Winn Hawkes ’24 and Alexandre Pendergrass ’24 share more about the intention behind this year’s conference theme: Kellogg: A Seat at the Table and how their MBA experience is unlocking personal transformation and professional growth.
For Awuley Quaye ’22 MBA, a lakeshore bike ride from downtown Chicago to Evanston gave him more than a scenic view — it planted seeds of learning. The serendipitous cruise through the Northwestern campus energized and inspired him to pursue an MBA at Kellogg. “My objective was to double down on the skills I already had to make them more refined to help launch me even further within my existing career,” says Quaye. “I’ve gained a group of lifelong friends, deepened my professional network and obtained a set of invaluable skills that I believe will carry me far in life.”
A serial entrepreneur and tech founder, Ivy Walker ’98 MBA knew that entrepreneurship was in her genes but never forgot her father’s advice before making the leap: “He told me, learn on someone else’s dime. Go work for a big company, and you can take what works for you and leave what doesn’t when you start your own business.”
Read next: Reflections on cultural pride during Black History Month