Black History Month 2026

Southwest created an Austin Community Engagement Guide for Black History Month with information on local Black-owned businesses, events in Austin, and history about Black History Month. Check it out here.

Events:

Black History Month Keynote and Reception – Wednesday, February 4th at Seminary of the Southwest

6:30pm Keynote Address in Knapp Auditorium

8:00pm Dessert Reception in Dining Hall (next to Knapp Auditorium)

Featuring keynote speaker, Chas Moore, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Austin Justice Coalition.

Chas Moore is a nationally respected organizer, speaker, and visionary leader working at the intersection of justice, abolition, and Black liberation. As the Organizing Director of the Austin Justice Coalition (AJC)—an advocacy organization he founded—Chas continues to lead transformative grassroots efforts that center the lives and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities impacted by systemic oppression.

Under Chas’s leadership, AJC has redefined public safety in Austin, successfully advocating for a historic $150 million reallocation from the Austin Police Department to fund community-first alternatives. He was instrumental in reshaping the city’s Use of Force policy and led a community-powered campaign to defeat a harmful police union contract. His work consistently challenges the status quo, proving that bold, unapologetic organizing rooted in love and accountability can shift both policy and culture.

No longer serving as Executive Director, Chas now focuses on deep movement-building strategies, political education, and base-building across Texas and beyond. He has helped launch initiatives such as the Justice Access Support Initiative (JASI), connecting individuals to legal support grounded in equity, and continues to be a national thought leader through platforms like TEDx, CBS Austin, and faith-based partnerships like Violet Crown City Church.

A recipient of the Nathan Cummings Foundation Fellowship and a member of the Unlocked Futures Cohort backed by John Legend, Chas’ influence is recognized far and wide. Yet, he remains grounded in community—organizing town halls, Black-out nights at local theaters, and Black Food Week to support Black-owned businesses.

With a style that blends radical truth-telling and deep care, Chas Moore invites us to not just imagine a liberated future but to co-create it—together, from the ground up.

Please RSVP for the Keynote and Reception here.

Mardi Gras Celebration – Tuesday, February 17th from 6:30-8:00pm at Seminary of the Southwest

6:30pm Welcome and music from the Duane Carter Band in Howell Dining Hall

7:00-8:00pm Dinner featuring local food truck, Mama Jambalayas

All are welcome to attend this celebration!

Please RSVP for the Mardi Gras Celebration here.

Feast of Pauli Murray Eucharist and Reception – Thursday, February 19th at 5:30pm at Seminary of the Southwest

RSVP and find out more about this event here.

Affiliated events:

Huston-Tillotson University’s Opening Black History Month Chapel Service – Tuesday, February 5th at 11am at Huston-Tillotson University

Find out more here.

Celebrate Black Austin walking tour with alum, Jane Obi and partner Bryan Edwards of Third Spaces – Saturday, February 28th