VILLANOVA, Pa. – UNITAS and Villanova Athletics are set to celebrate Black History Month with a full slate of events and programming.
 
February is a special time for individuals to amplify and share their stories and messages while making their voices heard on issues that relate to Black culture, heritage and legacy. While learning opportunities are available throughout the year, this dedicated time brings the chance to honor the contributions of the Black community and foster ongoing conversations to bridge the past, present and future. A full slate of celebrations and educational programming that will be available at Villanova throughout the month can be found at this link.
 
This year's celebration is centered on the theme of "Pioneers of Progress: Villanova Trailblazers." Throughout the month, the @nova_unitas social media channels on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram will highlight individuals in the Villanova community who have led the charge in working for inclusivity and promoting social justice and equality all while honoring and leaning into the history and resiliency of Black individuals and communities.
 
The premier event of this year's Black History Month will be a panel discussion hosted by the track and field team, BIPOC and 13 Percent about what it means to be black in a predominantly white sport. That event on February 16 will be followed by a Soul Food Sunday dinner that will be hosted by the Posse organization, Villanova University Black Alumni, 13 Percent and BIPOC.
 
UNITAS' celebration is tied to the BIG EAST's theme of "Pioneers of Progress" where it is amplifying Black Fives for the fourth consecutive season. The league will honor the trailblazers from that era during men's and women's basketball games during the month. The Black Fives were dozens of independent African American basketball teams that played prior to the integration of the National Basketball Association in 1950. BIG EAST member schools will host 22 games honoring Black athletes, coaches, and communities who played a critical part in America's basketball history.
 
Both Villanova men's and women's basketball teams will honor Black Fives to open the month with the men doing so during the February 1 game against Creighton and the women following on February 2 against Marquette in conjunction with its UNITAS game.
 
Two Black History Month games line the docket for the month as well. Women's lacrosse will host one on February 15 against Navy with men's basketball hosting its UNITAS and Black History Month game on February 21 against Marquette.
 
A full schedule of events for the month can be found below:
Feb. 1: Men's Basketball vs. Creighton - Black Fives game
        Wells Fargo Center, 1 p.m.
Feb. 2: Women's Basketball vs. Marquette - Black Fives Game and UNITAS game
        Finneran Pavilion, 2 p.m.
Feb. 15: Women's Lacrosse vs. Navy – Black History Month game
        Villanova Stadium, 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 16: Black History Month Panel Discussion hosted by Track and Field, 13 Percent and BIPOC
        Finneran Pavilion, 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 16: Soul Food Sunday – hosted by the Posse organization, Villanova University Black Alumni, 13 Percent and BIPOC
        Finneran Pavilion, 5 p.m.
Feb. 21: Men's Basketball vs. Marquette – UNITAS and Black History Month game
        Wells Fargo Center, 7:00 p.m.