Events

The Wackerlin Center offers a variety of events throughout the academic year. Check back each month for details on upcoming events sponsored by the Wackerlin Center, Chaplain's Office, Office of Black Excellence, and Office of Latino/a Excellence

Upcoming Wackerlin Events | Black History Month Events

February 2026

February 18 - Ash Wednesday
Institute Lobby | 9-10 a.m.
Lowry Chapel (Eckhart Hall) | Noon-1 p.m.
Dunham Atrium | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

February 23 - Catholic Mass
Lowry Chapel (Eckhart Hall) | 7:15 a.m.

Black History Month 2026

Celebrate Black History Month with a month-long series of events highlighting Black excellence through literature, film, art, athletics, professional growth, and community dialogue.

February 6 - Friday Afternoon Film Series
Phillips Library | 3-4 p.m.

Unwind with a weekly screening of short films highlighting Black history, creativity, and lived experiences, followed by an informal discussion.

February 9 - Overbooked Book Club
Phillips Library | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Join fellow readers for a guided discussion on "Freedom is a Constant Struggle" by Angela Davis.

February 11 - Men's and Women's Basketball Doubleheader
Thornton Gymnasium | 3 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Support the men's and women's basketball teams as they face Rockford University in a doubleheader, and celebrate Black achievement during halftime as we highlight the impacts of AU alumni and the Black Student Union. 

February 13 - Friday Afternoon Film Series
Phillips Library | 3-4 p.m.

Unwind with a weekly screening of short films highlighting Black history, creativity, and lived experiences, followed by an informal discussion.

February 17 - Art Space
Schingoethe Center | 5-7 p.m.

Create art inspired by the life and legacy of  Angela Davis as we prepare for her campus visit through hands-on expression and reflection.

February 18 - Celebrating Arts and Ideas: Angela Davis – Reflections on 100 Years of Black History
Crimi Auditorium | 7-8 p.m.

Spend an evening with Angela Davis as she reflects on a century of Black history, justice, activism, and collective transformation. The in-person event is at capacity; however, students, faculty, and staff interested in watching the event via livestream on campus can contact Justin West at juwest@aurora.edu. Please note, seating for the livestream is limited.

February 20 - Friday Afternoon Film Series
Phillips Library | 3-4 p.m.

Unwind with a weekly screening of short films highlighting Black history, creativity, and lived experiences, followed by an informal discussion.

February 21 - Professional Networking Workshop
University Banquet Hall | 4-5:30 p.m.

Connect with professionals, mentors, and peers during an interactive workshop focused on career growth, leadership, and advancing Black excellence. Register to attend.

February 26 - Black Expressions: Open Mic Night
Tapper Hall (Hill Welcome Center) | 6-8 p.m.

Close out the month with spoken word, music, and storytelling as campus voices share creative expressions of the Black experience. Sign up to participate.