Throughout the month of February, the GW community came together for nearly 20 events celebrating Black History Month and GW’s Black Heritage Celebration. The 14th annual event, named “Reclaiming Our Renaissance: Our History, Our Culture, Our Legacy,” kicked off with a keynote speaker and wrapped up with a step show Friday and formal at L2 Lounge Saturday.

Here are some highlights from the month, in photos:

[gwh_image id=”1112958″ credit=”Akash Parmathy | Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]Activist and educator Brittany Packnett Cunningham speaks at the Black Heritage Celebration’s keynote address Feb. 3. At the event, she discussed how allies of the black community need to come together to advocate and organize. [/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1113236″ credit=”Zach Brien | Staff Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]Julia Gutierrez-Rivera performs Bomba, Plena and Salsa music from Kadencia at the Jack Morton Auditorium Feb. 7. The event was put on by LATAM@GW and African Graduate Student Association.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1113235″ credit=”Zach Brien | Staff Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]Kadencia is an Afro-Puerto Rican band based in Virginia. It aims to preserve and educate people about the music of Puerto Rico, performing Bomba, Plena and Salsa rhythms.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1112960″ credit=”William Stricklett | Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]Kiana Cox, a research associate at the Pew Research Center, leads a discussion on how the role of faith in African Americans in the United States has changed over time. Cox showed statistics and answered questions from the audience. [/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1113183″ credit=”Arielle Bader | Senior Photo Editor” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]Left to Right: Courtney Copeland, Kyra Henry and Faith Arthur pose for a selfie during the event “Reclaiming our Beauty: A Black Woman’s Self Care Night” held at the affinity for women of color Feb. 17. A rim light was set up at the event for attendees to take photos. [/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1113182″ credit=”Arielle Bader | Senior Photo Editor” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]At the start of the “Reclaiming our Beauty: A Black Woman’s Self Care Night” Feb. 17, the group shares their stories from Valentine’s Day. [/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1112961″ credit=”Sophia Young | Staff Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]Members of the red team introduce themselves to the crowd at “Soul Revue” Feb. 23 in the Jack Morton Auditorium. Two teams – the red and black squads – faced off in saying the best pickup lines, hyping up their captain with jokes and performing dance moves. [/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1113184″ credit=”Zach Brien | Staff Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]Members of the fraternity Phi Beta Sigma who are involved in the government visit campus to discuss American politics and topics like voter accessibility. [/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1112963″ credit=”Dean Whitelaw | Staff Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]A performer dances during the NPHC step show Friday. Step incorporates synchronized movements and percussive sounds.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1112964″ credit=”Dean Whitelaw | Staff Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]Two people take the stage during NPHC’s second step show Friday.[/gwh_image]

[gwh_image id=”1112959″ credit=”Camille Desanto | Staff Photographer” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”]The exhibit, “Inter | Sectionality: Diaspora Art from the Creole City” is seen on display at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design Friday. The exhibit highlights work from 25 Miami-based artists who produce art influenced by topics of race, social justice and culture. [/gwh_image]