A reenactment of the Underground Railroad, a taste of soul food and an exhibit of art by black women will all be part of this year’s Black History Month at Iowa State.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “One More River to Cross.” The month of February will be scattered with events commemorating black history and exploring aspects of black culture.

Most of the events will be hosted by the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. J. Herman Blake, director of African-American studies and professor of educational leadership and policy, said the program will not be hosting any events but will support the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and will continue to celebrate black history through the development of other programs.

“I enjoyed in the past the exposure to other ideas and [the College of Family and Consumer Sciences] has done a good job highlighting important parts of history,” said Carol Meeks, dean of the college.

This month is important to the college because it is “very interested in diversity in families,” Meeks said. “This leads to diversity in communities.”

The first event will be a kick-off at noon on Monday. Thomas Hill, vice president for Student Affairs, will be the keynote speaker and Meeks will give a welcome speech, said Lee Ann Davis, director of minority programs for the college. All events will be from 11 a.m. to noon in LeBaron Lounge, although not all of the dates have been set.

Other events throughout the month include an art exhibit focusing on black women in art by Brenda Jones, associate professor of art and design, and a Soul Food Taste Feb. 10.

There will also be a reenactment where visitors can walk through an area designed to look like the Underground Railroad as different students and faculty read personal experiences of people who attempted to escape slavery. A discussion about the Underground Railroad will follow.

“[We’re trying] to have at least something once a week,” Davis said. She said the month’s activities are designed to inform people about things they might not have known about black history.

“It is a vehicle to say, ‘here’s our contribution,’ ” Davis said.

Blake said Black History Month is not only about the black community.

“In my opinion, the motivation for Black History Month and similar months is a part of moving this country toward a recognition of scholarship of African-Americans and other groups,” Blake said.