Northern Michigan University will hold a series of events during Black History Month in February. The annual celebration, officially recognized in 1976 during the U.S. bicentennial, honors the achievements and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation.

Detroit native and Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry book author Tyehimba Jess will be the featured guest at the next Northern Michigan University Visiting Writers Series event at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, in Peninsula II of the Northern Center.

EcoReps, Northern's peer-to-peer sustainability education student organization, embodies one of the university's core values and emboldens students to strive toward equitable sustainability on campus. EcoReps is made up of more than 200 registered members, and hosts activities such as the on-campus Zero Waste event planned for the upcoming hockey game against Michigan Tech on Friday, Feb. 2.

Ann Goodman James, former Wildcats swimming and diving coach (1986-1996) and NMU Sports Hall of Fame inductee, will retire this year at the end of her 48th season in the sport, according to a release from Colorado College Athletics. She has coached across all three NCAA divisions and was named one of the 100 Greatest College Swimming and Diving Coaches of the past century by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America.

Eisenhower Dance Detroit, considered one of the finest contemporary dance companies in the Midwest, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, and Friday, Feb. 9, at Northern Michigan University's Forest Roberts Theatre. The troupe will also offer a master class for NMU students with at least four years of previous dance training to the intermediate or advanced level from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 9.