Utah Valley University celebrates Black History Month. Throughout February, the nationwide commemoration recognizes the achievements of African Americans and their contributions to the economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development of the United States. At UVU, we understand the importance and richness of our diverse community. We welcome everyone to join in the celebration, and to get to know the Black Student Union leaders who remind all of us — there’s a place for you at UVU.
Join us at our featured Black History Month events:
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| February 13 | February 20 | February 24 |
| 13th Movie Screening | Diversity Dialogue | A Celebration of the African Diaspora |
| 6:30 p.m. LA 116 | 1-2 p.m. Centre Stage | 5 p.m. Grande Ballroom |
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
-Harriet Tubman
Tony Shade
Black Student Union President
Senior/Psychology
The Black Student Union helped Tony find his place at UVU. By leading as the club's president, he's been able to connect with other students and implement changes across campus.
Anisha Adderly
Black Student Union Vice President
Junior/Political Science Major
As a political science major, Anisha's goal is to work in international relations in Africa. She's preparing for her career by diligently studying French and Russian.
Kira Smalls
Junior/Deaf Studies Education
A teacher at heart, Kira chose UVU because of the impressive professors found in the Deaf Studies department. After graduation, she plans on teaching sign language in high schools and making resources more readily available to families in need.
Madoo Kwizera
Junior/Nursing
Madoo chose UVU after she took a campus tour and realized her education would thrive here. She plans on opening her own health clinic back in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UVU Black Student Union
The Black Student Union serves to promote culture and education through a sense of community specifically for black UVU students of the African Diaspora.
Sarah Nyirakamana
Sophomore/Finance
Sarah is a quadrilingual sophomore studying finance. She grew up in a refugee camp in Rwanda where she spoke her mother tongue, Kinyarwanda, with her family. She’s since learned Swahili, French, and English.
Princess Kikudji
Sophomore/Digital Media & Business Hospitality
Princess's goal is to become a famous and influential African film director. UVU is a place for her because of all of the opportunities to explore her interests. Her advice to students is to get involved and be yourself, even if it's not always easy.
Kevin Bacon
Junior/Computer Science & Math
Kevin knew Salt Lake City would become the next big tech hub in the United States. As someone looking for a future career in the tech industry, he decided UVU was the place for him. In his free time, he likes to play the bass guitar and piano.
Peninnah Nikundana
Junior/Forensics & Criminal Justice
Peninnah originally immigrated to the United States from Tanzania. She knew UVU was a place for her because of the welcoming environment and diversity found on campus. She's a member of the Black Student Union, Lego Club, and Jump Rope Club.
Learn more about the Black Student Union and African Diaspora Initiative
Through collaboration across campus, the African Diaspora Initiative’s purpose is to ensure student retention and completion through partnerships that allow for our African/black students to receive mentorship opportunities from professionals in the community and/or staff and faculty at UVU, further cultural validation through intentional programming, and seek opportunities for students to engage in African Diaspora communities within our service region or across the nation.
