The Black History Month theme for this year, "Blacks in Cinema," celebrates the profound impact and enduring contributions of Black individuals in the world of film. Throughout history, Black filmmakers, actors, and storytellers have played pivotal roles in shaping the cinematic landscape, enriching it with diverse narratives and perspectives. This theme invites reflection on the resilience, creativity, and transformative power of Black voices within the realm of cinema. From trailblazing pioneers who broke barriers to contemporary visionaries who continue to redefine the industry, "Blacks in Cinema" pays homage to the artistry and cultural significance of Black storytellers, highlighting the profound influence they have had and continue to have on the global cinematic experience.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor

South Central Community Action Program

Black History Month Signature Events

Black History Month Kick-off

The City of Bloomington commemorates National Black History Month with a tribute and celebration to empowerment.  The theme for the 2024 Black History Month celebration is “"Blacks in Cinema.” The month’s events will celebrate and explore contributions of Black individuals in film. Recognizing the pivotal roles of Black filmmakers and storytellers, the theme highlights their resilience, creativity, and transformative impact on the cinematic landscape. "Blacks in Cinema" invites reflection on the artistry and cultural significance of Black storytellers, emphasizing their lasting impact on the global cinematic experience.

The kick-off event will feature a talk by Jerald Harkness, the President and CEO of Studio Auteur, LLC, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in content creation and documentary filmmaking. As a national Emmy award winner, he has directed and produced for renowned networks such as Paramount TV, UMC, ESPN, VH1, A&E, PBS, and CBS Sports Network. Harkness's recent accomplishments include the biographical documentary "The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story," nationally broadcast on CBS Sports Network and PBS, earning selections at multiple film festivals. He served as the Executive Producer and Showrunner for the docu-drama series "True First," highlighting forgotten African American trailblazers. Harkness has an extensive portfolio, including the acclaimed documentaries "Steppin’" and "Facing the Façade," as well as projects acknowledged by President Barack Obama. Notable awards include a national Emmy, Best Documentary from the International Academy of Web TV, and the inaugural Spotlight Award from the Indianapolis Black Documentary Filmmaker Festival. 

The kick-off will also feature a reception catered by Sahm's Catering.

Jerald  Harkness 

 President and CEO of Studio Auteur

Producer, Director and Writer

Thursday, February 01

Black Market

This event will feature a coalition of organizations, black-owned businesses, black creators, and artists and create a space that affirms persons of color in the community, and provide a medium for local talent, business owners, and groups to share information and sell goods. The Black History Month "Black Market" pays homage to the original Black Market that was firebombed on December 26, 1968. 

Saturday, February 17

Essay Contest & Reception

Parents, teachers, siblings, friends, and community members are invited to Fairview elementary as the winners of the 2024 Black History Month Essay Contest are honored. Awards will be presented in the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Join the community in supporting these budding scholars. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, visit the "Essay Contest" page.


Tuesday, February  20

The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story

Film Showing

Community members are invited to the film showing of The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story. The movie chronicles the life of Johnny Bright, a record-breaking trailblazer who changed College football forever. This free event will be held at the Waldron Rose Firebay, John Waldron Arts Center (122 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404) on Thursday, February 22 at 6 p.m.

Thursday, February  22

THE BRIGHT PATH - PROMO_30_H264 (1).mp4

In partnership with Constellation Stage & Screen, we present an extraordinary collaboration that promises to elevate your experience.

Black History Month Gala

Join us for an evening of fine dining, great music, and dancing, as we recognize the 2024 Living Legend Recipients, and the Commission on the Status of Black Males’ Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow recipients. Reception and Silent Auction will begin at 6:00 p.m., program will begin at 7: 00 p.m. Tickets: $60 each ~ Available February  1st at the Buskirk-Chumley Box Office, BCTboxoffice.org, or by phone at 812-323-3020.

Saturday, February 24

The Kick It... Black Cinema, Black Love, and Food

The Kick It is a curated space to chill. We’ll feed you good food, screen clips from some of your favorite films, and have activities inspired by the Black Film Center & Archive’s zine. The newest issue is themed Black love so bring your boo, or your closest friends! The RSVP link goes live February 1.

Wednesday, February 28

2024 Black History Month Calendar

The City of Bloomington 2024 Black History Month Calendar is a free publication of the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department. The City of Bloomington 2023 Black History Month Calendar lists events sponsored by the City of Bloomington Black History Month planning committee and community partners to share events. Members of the community are encouraged to submit events for inclusion in the calendar related to Black History Month. Please review the following information for usage.

Disclaimer: City of Bloomington 2023 Black History Month Calendar has been designed to share information about events and happenings of interest to the Bloomington Community. Events that appear do not constitute official endorsements of The City of Bloomington Black History Month committee

2024 Black History Month Awards

Acknowledging, honoring, and celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans who have devoted their time, talents, and resources to make a difference in the Bloomington community and beyond. 

Visionary Leader Award

The Black History Month Visionary Leadership Award is presented to a person or persons who inspire others through their long-term vision for the betterment of the community. Visionary leaders are innovative, persistent, willing to take risks, enthusiastic, focused and willing to listen to others. Visionary leaders are not afraid to get their hands dirty but but bring others on board through their goal setting and communication.

Past recipients:

Living Legend Award 

Betty Bridgwaters 

2024 Living Legend

Elizabeth Ann Bridgwaters, affectionately known as "Betty," has had a distinguished career spanning several decades, marked by a profound dedication to service and leadership. With twenty-two years of unwavering commitment, Betty retired from Indiana University on June 1, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Her tenure included eleven and a half years of invaluable contributions to the Health Professions and Prelaw Office. Prior to her return to IU, Betty spent ten years at Digital Equipment Corporation (dba Hewlett Packard Corporation), a Fortune 500 Corporation, serving in various capacities, ultimately as a Senior Project Manager and Technology Analyst in Engineering and Development alongside patent engineers in Massachusetts. Earlier in her career, she spent eleven years in the IU President's Office, Bursar's Office, and Business Manager's Offices.


Upon returning to Bloomington in late 1993, Betty's commitment to preserving Black history became evident as she became a stalwart in commemorating the rich legacy of families in the community and her service on the Black History Month Committee (2005-2013). Notably, she assumed the role of the inaugural speaker at Black History Month celebrations and co-created the Banneker History Project, ensuring that the narratives of Bloomington's past were safeguarded for future generations. Betty spearheaded the Opening Exhibit for the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, which earned recognition with a prestigious Silver CASE award.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Betty tirelessly dedicated her time as a volunteer to both the university and the Bloomington community. As a Founder and Board member of the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club and Past President of the IU Boston Alumni Club, she served on the IU Alumni Council and IU Bloomington Black Faculty and Staff Council. Additionally, Betty's commitment to community engagement extended to serving on the Board of Directors of Monroe County United Way, Liaison to the Mental Health Association Board, Tulip Trace Council of Girl Scouts, Monroe County Girls Club, among others. A proud Life Member of the IU Alumni Association and Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority, Betty's passion for service and leadership continues to inspire those around her.

Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow

2024 Recipients 

Ivenson Dumervil

Adult Male Recipient

Shayla George 

Adult Female Recipient

Aidan Woods

High School Male Recipient

Jael Davis

High School Female Recipient

The Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award is given annually to two African American men and women, respectively from the following categories: high school and adult. The Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award is presented each year at the Black History Month Gala Celebration in February. The CSBM recognizes the importance of highlighting the outstanding contributions made by young African American men and women in our community for their outstanding leadership, scholarship, and involvement. 

Thank you for taking the time to nominate someone for this award. The 2024 deadline for nominations is Monday, February 12, 2024.

Past Recipients 

2006 

2007

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013

2014

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019

2020 

2021 

2022

2023

2024

2024 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP)


Platinum Sponsors

City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor

City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department

City of Bloomington Office of the Clerk

Reach High Consulting and Therapy, LLC


Gold Sponsors

Cook Medical


Silver Sponsors

The IU Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Ivy Tech

IU Credit Union


Bronze Sponsors

IU Health

Monroe County Branch NAACP


Event Sponsors

Bloomington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Constellation Stage & Screen

Hoosier Barber

Indiana University Black Film Center and Archive

Indiana University Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center

IU Credit Union

Maqubè Reese

Order of the Eastern Star

Pizza X

Southern Star #50 Jurisdiction of Indiana

The Prince Hall Masons Stone City Lodge #54

Unveiled


Silent Auction Donors


The Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund

Contributions to the Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund can be made online at www.cfbmc.org/donate-now/ or by check to the Community Foundation of Bloomington Monroe County, 100 South College Avenue, Suite 240, Bloomington, IN 47404. Checks should be made out to the Community Foundation of Bloomington Monroe County. Please indicate "The Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund" on the memo line of your check.

(812) 349-3400