Black Heritage Month 2026 at RIT | February 2026
Black Heritage Month 2026 at RIT
Be sure to check out all of the activities taking place during Black Heritage Month at RIT. We have a lot going on and everyone, students, staff and faculty, is invited! In addition to the official kick off this past Monday in Fireside Lounge, there’s a lot more to experience as we share the history and fabric of Black America. Here’s a fast fact to tuck away: did you know this year marks the 100th anniversary of the national commemorations that take place each year across the country? It’s all thanks to historian and Harvard graduate Dr. Carter G. Woodson who came up with the idea of celebrating back in 1926. Take a look at what’s happening on our campus this month!
Black Heritage Month Mixer
Wednesday, February 11
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Gracie’s
Share your experiences and connect with others at this Black Heritage Month mixer open to all RIT students, staff, and faculty. Build bridges at a shared table while enjoying a specially curated cultural menu. A chance to network and build connections with others in the RIT community. All are welcome! The first 60 to register will have their meals paid for by the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success.
Leveling Up: Navigating Games and Animation as a Creator of Color
Wednesday, February 18
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | MOSAIC Center (SAU 2510)
Join the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success and MAGIC Spell Studios for an insightful panel featuring two student designers and an industry professional discussing their journeys as creators of color. Our guests will share how they infuse identity and culture into their work, tips for landing internships in a competitive field, and why diverse voices are essential in gaming and animation. Whether you’re already building worlds or just curious about how to get started, come through to gain some gems and connect with fellow creatives. Part of Black Heritage Month at RIT; all are welcome. RSVP Here
RIT/NTID Johnnie “JB” Brown Black History Month Luncheon
Thursday, February 26
11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. | SDC 1300/1310
This is a beloved tradition during Black Heritage Month at NTID in honor of the man who founded the luncheon: Johnnie “JB” Brown. He worked at NTID for more than 20 years and organized and managed this event as a way to bring people together. All are welcome! Sponsored by NTID Office of the President and Student Engagement Services.
Into the ROC: Wicked
Thursday, February 26
6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Rochester Broadway Theatre League (offsite)
Join Into the ROC as we enjoy a performance of "Wicked”! The Tony Award®-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back! WICKED, Rochester’s most “popular” musical, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” This show will be ASL interpreted. Tickets are non-refundable and limited. A bus will arrive at Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall at 6:10pm and depart by 6:25p.m. The next stop will be the Sentinel Statue and the bus will promptly leave by 6:45p.m. Register Here