By Loretta Fulton

All three of Abilene’s universities will have observances throughout February in honor of Black History Month.

Many of the events are open to the public. Deadline to purchase tickets for a luncheon at McMurry is at noon Friday, Feb. 13. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Mabee Room of Garrison Campus Center. Featured speaker will be  DeOri Jemar Newman, Sr., a McMurry graduate. Individual tickets are $35. Click here for tickets. 

DeOri Jemar Newman

Theme for the luncheon is “Rising Together: Overcoming Adversity Through Resilience and Unity.” A promotional post from McMurry says the following about Newman:

“A proud McMurry alumnus and former Black Student Union President, Newman is a pastor, business owner, and respected community leader in Abilene. His journey reflects faith, service, and resilience—values that continue to shape our McMurry community.”

Born and raised in Abilene, Newman is a graduate of Abilene High School. He and his wife, Leslie, have four children. Newman is pastor of New Light Baptist Church and former pastor of Pastor Ash Street Baptist Church. 

Abilene Christian University
ACU will celebrate Black History Month with guest speakers, social events, a local bus tour of sites significant to Black history in Abilene, and other student and faculty events. The following is from ACU:

“Join us as we celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor the strength, faith, excellence and enduring impact of Black voices and stories. Together, we remember the past, recognize the present and inspire the future,” said Thurmond Metters, director of multicultural student engagement.” 

• Feb. 20 – Abilene Black History Bus Tour • 1-5 p.m., leaving from Brown Library Parking Lot
• Feb. 21 – Hair and Fashion Pageant Show • 6:30-8:30 p.m., Hunter Welcome Center
• Feb. 23 – Chapel Speaker: Thurmond Metters,* director of multicultural student engagement • 11 a.m., Moody Coliseum
• Feb. 27 – AFRAM (African American Festival),* featuring food, games and performances   6-9 p.m., Campus Mall

Hardin-Simmons University
HSU will host several events celebrating Black History Month:
Students, staff, and faculty are invited to participate in Conversations of Hope: “I Was There!”, a series centered on oral histories shared by individuals who have lived and served within our communities during pivotal moments in our nation’s history.” The series of conversations is led by Dr. Kelvin Kelley, professor of religion, and Billie Sneed, catering director of HSU’s food service. The following is from HSU:

“The series fosters generational connection while encouraging a deeper understanding of the broader American history we share—and how our own experiences continue to shape the history being made on our campus today.  11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Upcoming conversations will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, and Tuesday, Feb. 24. Both will be held 11:50 a.m. to 12:50 p.m in Moody Center Room 108.

Sneed also curated Black History Month displays in the Hardin-Simmons dining hall.  featuring influential historical figures, facts, and vignettes that celebrate the legacy and contributions of Black leaders throughout history.

Also at HSU, Residence Life will host an educational and community-focused event on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m., highlighting Black History Month while also creating space for broader cultural awareness and dialogue.

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene