Join us as we celebrate Black History Month 2026! The UMD community has curated an engaging and exciting array of programs and events for Black History Month - BHM 2026! Visit this page regularly to stay updated on newly promoted programs.
Join The Driskell Center on February 6th, 2026 for the opening of its spring exhibition, America Will Be! All Driskell Center events are free and open to the public.
On view at The Driskell Center gallery from February 9 through May 8, the exhibition will open with a public reception on February 6, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Makaya McCraven is a prolific drummer, composer, producer and trailblazer in the world of new music. McCraven's longtime relationship with the Chicago-based independent record company International Anthem (IA) has helped establish them as one of the industry's most innovative labels. McCraven has released nine full-length recordings as bandleader on IA in the past decade, crafting an important cornerstone for a fresh direction in jazz that more fully incorporates the complex influences of rock, classical, hip-hop, R&B, trance, African traditional and—perhaps most importantly—remix culture. His work as digital artist meshing disparate sounds and impulses inspired We're New Again, an ingenious reimagining of the work of Gil Scott Heron. The New York Times calls McCraven "one of the best arguments for jazz’s vitality... an endlessly compelling drummer, whose interests include the more hypnotic properties of groove." His latest LP, 2022's In These Times, was listed as one of the top ten releases of the year by NPR Music. 2025 marks the expanded re-release of his 2015 debut album on IA, In The Moment, and a continued drive toward the recreation of what contemporary music is forever becoming. Don't miss the opportunity to see that future now, live at The Clarice.
College of Arts and Humanities
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
ARHU Dean Stephanie Shonekan will discuss her book Sorrow, Tears and Blood at People's Book in Takoma Park. This is an opportunity to learn more about Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti and Shonekan's scholarship. Fela Kuti's album Sorrow, Tears and Blood offers a glimpse into the complicated social, cultural and political phenomenon that is Nigeria.
