Black History Month 2026
A Century of Black History Commemorations:
This programming is for educational purposes, and all are welcome.
Week 1: Cultural Contributions of the Diaspora
What stories, traditions, and knowledge have traveled across the Black diaspora—and why do they still matter today?
Bridge Display
Date: On display throughout February
Location: Bridge between Shepherd Union and Student Services Center, WSU Ogden
Week 2: Preserving Black "Hairitage" for Future Generations
How do our bodies carry history, culture, and memory across generations?
Let's Talk Black Hair Panel & Discussion
Date: Feb. 9
Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Shepherd Union 316, WSU Ogden
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Panel Speakers
LaVell Waiters AKA “Barber Vell”
26 - Born and raised in Ogden, UTBarber since 2016, specializing in clean, sharp fades and crispy lines. Where precision meets style—every cut is crafted to boost your confidence. I do my best to connect with clients one cut at a time to make this world a better place.
Jocelyn Ashton
Director, Career Services, Weber State University
Strands of Strength - Free Haircuts and Braids
Date: Feb. 10
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Shepherd Union Ballrooms, WSU Ogden
Students can come get free haircuts from a Black-owned barbershop Blades Up. Based in Ogden, they bring quality cuts to students, because not all students can access transportation or afford proper grooming.
There will also be braiders doing cornrow styles for students. Cornrows are significant and represent a deep connection to Black history: they were used as coded messaging on the Underground Railroad.
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Barbers & Braiders
LaVell Waiters AKA “Barber Vell”
26 - Born and raised in Ogden, UTBarber since 2016, specializing in clean, sharp fades and crispy lines. Where precision meets style—every cut is crafted to boost your confidence. I do my best to connect with clients one cut at a time to make this world a better place.
Miguel Diaz AKA “MIKIBLADEZ”
Headquarters Collective24, born in Colorado, raised in Utah.
Led by faith, called to the craft. I believe a haircut—and a real conversation—can change more than just how you look. It can shift how you feel, how you move, and how you live.
I’m here to spread what HQC stands for: purpose, connection, and confidence through the cut.
Kayla Diana
Mskaycuttinup
Kayla Diana is a Salt Lake City–based lady barber redefining the craft. She specializes in men’s haircuts, with a standout strength in textured hair, while confidently working across all hair types and styles. Known for precision, consistency, and client satisfaction, Kayla is committed to helping every client achieve their hair goals—because men deserve self-care too.
Akilah Woodford-Sims
I’m Akilah Woodford-Sims, a 23-year-old Salt Lake City–based braider, educator, and entrepreneur from Los Angeles, and the founder of Beyond Braids. I specialize in protective styling, braids, and boho-inspired looks, and for the last seven years I’ve built my brand around healthy hair practices, creativity, and honoring the culture and versatility of Black hair.
Beyond servicing clients, I focus on education and empowerment through hands-on classes and mentorship for stylists who want to elevate their skills and expand their income beyond the chair. My goal is to create spaces where learning, growth, and community come together—whether that’s in the salon or the classroom!
Halima Hassan
Halima Hassan is born and raised in Utah. I’ve been braiding hair since 12 years old, I specialize in working with natural braids, braids with extensions. And naturally growing and restoring hair. I started doing hair because I’m tender headed, my goal is to make sure other tender headed are able to rock different hair stylist without feeling the pain and headache that comes with it.
Elevated Eats with Devonne McCloud
Date: Feb. 10
Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Student Success Center, Student Services Center Suite 150, WSU Ogden
Volleyball Game with ACSU, BSU, and NAACP
Date: Feb. 11
Time: 3 - 5 p.m.
Location: Swenson Gym, WSU Ogden
Week 3: Health, Healing, and Strength
How have Black communities sustained care, healing, and well-being over time?
Volleyball Game with ACSU, BSU, and NAACP
Date: Feb. 17
Time: 3 - 5 p.m.
Location: Swenson Gym, WSU Ogden
Keynote: Sherra Watkins
Date: Feb. 18
Time: Noon - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Shepherd Union 320, WSU Ogden
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Bio: Dr. Sherrá Watkins
Dr. Sherrá Watkins
Dr. Sherrá Watkins, CEO of Sister WELLS, PLLC, is a licensed psychotherapist, keynote speaker, and equity strategist with 20+ years in higher ed, mental health, and public health. Her life’s work centers around creating psychologically safe and spiritually anchored spaces for transformation. Founded by three sorority sisters, Sister W.E.L.L.S., PLLC helps leaders and institutions align identity, strategy, and well-being through the W.E.L.L.S.™ Method.
Week 4: Black Generational Wealth
What does Black flourishing look like as we reflect on the past and imagine the future?
Keynote: Desange Keunihira
Date: Feb. 23
Time: Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Student Success Center, Student Services Center Suite 150, WSU Ogden
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Bio: Desange Kuenihira
Desange Kuenihira, Founder of UnDEfeated
I am a passionate advocate for social change, committed to empowering underprivileged youth and women, particularly those facing extreme financial hardship in Uganda. As the founder and executive director of *unDEfeated*, a non-profit organization, I focus on helping single mothers and young people develop entrepreneurial skills to create sustainable businesses that support their families and contribute to community development.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, my journey has been shaped by adversity and resilience. After spending twelve years as a refugee in Uganda, I moved to the U.S., became a citizen, and earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminology and Health, Society, and Policy, with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Utah.
In addition to my work as an advocate, I am the author of *unDEfeated Woman*, a memoir that shares my journey from a childhood marked by poverty and displacement to becoming a college graduate and social impact leader. I have also had the honor of representing my home country as the titleholder of Miss Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2019 Miss Africa Utah pageant and Miss Juneteenth in 2018.
Through my work with *unDEfeated*, I strive to create opportunities for women and young people to break the cycle of poverty, build meaningful careers, and achieve financial independence. My mission is to continue transforming lives, fostering hope, and inspiring others to rise above their circumstances.
Let's connect to collaborate on initiatives that drive positive change for underrepresented communities.
Still Here: A Circle of Strength
Date: Feb. 25
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
Location: Student Success Center, Student Services Center Suite 150, WSU Ogden
This facilitated healing circle creates space for connection, reflection, and collective support during a time when community matters deeply.
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Bios: Sidni Lloyd & Mary Machira
Sidni Lloyd Shorter , CEO of Utah Black Chamber Commerce
Sidni is President and CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce; an entrepreneur; and an advocate and practitioner of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Shorter was recently named the Director of the Utah Minority Business Development Agency, and is also the former owner and CEO of ExecuteNow!, a client-focused finance and accounting firm with a mission to ensure non-profits and small to mid-sized organizations have access to capital, financial management, and forward-thinking leadership. Previously, Dr. Shorter served as Deputy Director of the Louisiana Housing Alliance and has been honored with the JP Morgan Chase 100 Women to KNOW in America (2024), Utah Business CEO of the Year (2023), and the Diamond Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership (2024). She holds a doctorate in Biblical Psychology, a master's degree in theology, dual bachelor’s degrees in Behavioral Science and Theology, is a Licensed Christian Therapist, and recently earned a master's degree in Business Management and Leadership.
Mary Machira , Executive Director, Intl. Programs & Services
Mary A. Machira, Ph.D. is Executive Director of International Programs and Services and Senior International Officer at Weber State University, Utah. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, she leads comprehensive internationalization efforts, including international student services, recruitment, and study abroad. A graduate of the AIEA Senior International Officer Leadership Academy and a Fulbright IEA alumna (Korea), her work centers on equity, women’s leadership, and global engagement. She also serves as Executive Director of Rachel’s Refuge and a board member of Preserving Human Dignity Ministry, advancing mentorship and leadership development for underserved communities.
Black Legacy & Wealth: A Community Mixer
Date: Feb. 26
Time: 3 - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Student Success Center, Student Services Center Suite 150, WSU Ogden
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Speaker: Sidni Lloyd
Sidni Lloyd Shorter , CEO of Utah Black Chamber Commerce
Sidni is President and CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce; an entrepreneur; and an advocate and practitioner of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Shorter was recently named the Director of the Utah Minority Business Development Agency, and is also the former owner and CEO of ExecuteNow!, a client-focused finance and accounting firm with a mission to ensure non-profits and small to mid-sized organizations have access to capital, financial management, and forward-thinking leadership. Previously, Dr. Shorter served as Deputy Director of the Louisiana Housing Alliance and has been honored with the JP Morgan Chase 100 Women to KNOW in America (2024), Utah Business CEO of the Year (2023), and the Diamond Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership (2024). She holds a doctorate in Biblical Psychology, a master's degree in theology, dual bachelor’s degrees in Behavioral Science and Theology, is a Licensed Christian Therapist, and recently earned a master's degree in Business Management and Leadership.