Oberlin College & Conservatory Celebrates Black History Month

March 12, 2024

Communications Staff

Watercolor shapes on cream background under text that reads "Ode to Home," 2024 Oberlin College Black History Month

Throughout February 2024 (and a little into March), Oberlin commemorated Black History Month around the theme Ode to Home, which explored ideas and experiences related to people of African descent creating and maintaining a physical home or a sense of home as a group and as individuals.

Students organized the annual Black History Month Fashion Show in Hales Gym and the ABUSUA Ball in the Hotel at Oberlin. Tenor Joshua Blue '16 returned to campus to perform with Oberlin Sinfonietta. Academic and residential life programming, like the library's Frederick Douglass Transcribathon, and A-House's Mardi Gras feast and Alumni Soul Session, gave the Oberlin community opportunities to learn, relax, and connect.

A male student in a green outfit poses for an audience at a fashion show in a gymnasium. — The Black History Month Fashion Show in Hales Gym.

Photo credit: Mike Crupi

A female student puts on her makeup in the mirror in the dressing room for a fashion show. — Getting ready for the fashion show in the green room.

Photo credit: Mike Crupi

A male student poses in front of an audience for a fashion show in a gymnasium. — The Black History Month Fashion Show was an homage to The Wiz.

Photo credit: Abe Frato

Four students posing for the camera at a party. — Having fun at the ABUSUA Ball.

Photo credit: Kadrian Hinton

A choir performing on the stage of Finney Chapel. — Trey McLaughlin and The Sounds of Zamar Artist Recital Series concert.

Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko

Students eating a Mardi Gras meal in the dining hall. — Mardi Gras feast at A-House.

Photo credit: John Seyfried

Joshua Blue performing with Oberlin Sinfonietta in Warner Concert Hall. — Joshua Blue '16 singing with Oberlin Sinfonietta.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Liu

Students in Afrikana House common area during Soul Session. — Alumni Soul Session at A-House.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Liu

Musicians posing on the stage of Kulas Recital Hall after their concert. — Linking Legacies concert with (from left to right) Chris Jenkins, viola; John McLaughlin Williams, violin; Theresa May, trumpet; Khari Joyner, cello; Diana White-Gould '84, piano; and Cornelius Johnson, tenor.

Photo credit: Mike Crupi

Students gathered for a large group photo at the ABUSUA Ball — There's no place like home.

Photo credit: Kadrian Hinton

Richard Miller Classical Voice Competition for High School Students returns in November

October 31, 2024

Oberlin Conservatory is proud to announce the return of the Richard Miller Classical Voice Competition for High School Students, a festival aimed at encouraging and supporting high school students in the pursuit of a career in classical vocal music. The festival is named in honor of Richard Miller, a member of the voice faculty at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music for more than 40 years.

young woman standing in blue gown singing with man in black sweater and pants playing piano

Oberlin Opera Theater's Fall 2024 Production of "Cendrillon" Takes us to the Fairylands

October 30, 2024

This fall, the Oberlin Opera Theater is set to transport audiences to a world of enchantment with its production of Jules Massenet's Cendrillon. This beloved opera weaves a tale of love, magic, and transformation.

Silhouette of figure, with green forest and figure with crown inside

Omar Tells His Story

October 11, 2024

This December, Oberlin will present a concert version of Rhiannon Giddens’ award-winning opera, both at Finney Chapel in Oberlin and the Maltz Performing Arts Center in Cleveland. Surrounding it are all kinds of cross-disciplinary events for campus and community.

man wearing scarf on head holding a cane