Mary McLeod Bethune

Today’s educators and students are building on the foundation laid by pioneers such as Bethune. She had a lifelong passion for education and attended college before founding a school for African American girls in Daytona Beach, Fla. That school developed into Bethune-Cookman University, one of 107 historically black colleges and universities in the United States.

Homer Plessy

The New Orleans native challenged Louisiana segregation laws in the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson case of 1896. Though “separate but equal” was upheld by the US Supreme Court, Plessy’s civil disobedience inspired future generations. Legal arguments from his case were used again in Brown v. Board of Education to strike down segregation in public schools.

Linda Brown

Turned away when her father attempted to enroll her in a “whites only” school in her ethnically diverse neighborhood in Topeka, Kansas, Brown became the face of the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit. The US Supreme Court reversed Plessy v. Ferguson in 1954 and declared “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”

Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall College at UC San Diego honors the first African-American to serve as a US Supreme Court justice. A champion of civil rights before becoming a judge, Marshall won 29 of 32 cases he argued before the Supreme Court. That includes Brown v. Board of Education, which brought an end to “separate but equal” laws.

Vivian Malone

With James Hood, Malone was one of the first two African American students at the University of Alabama. She came face to face with Governor George Wallace in 1963 as he attempted to block integration. He relented, and Malone went on to graduate.

UC San Diego

The push for educational equity is ongoing. UC San Diego’s efforts include the Black Academic Excellence Initiative; The Preuss School; the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan; Diversity Initiatives; and scholarships.

Illustrated here are significant figures in African American education. Hover over each illustration for additional information.

Schedule of Events

FEB
Everyday


Tell Us How UC It: A Living Archive Exhibit

Everyday / February - March 2017 / UC San Diego Library / Geisel Library, 2nd (main floor), near Seuss Room • FREE

Artwork highlighting reflections on the student experience at UC San Diego. Click here for more info.

Sun
Jan 15


UC San Diego’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Event and Parade

Community Service Event / 8am – 12pm / Center for Student Involvement / South Bay Union School District Oneonta Elementary • FREE

Parade / 2pm - 4pm / Center for Student Involvement / Harbor Drive, Embarcadero • Free

Join UC San Diego in a campus tradition serving our local community and marching in the 37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. Click here for more info.

No events are being hosted this week.

Sun
Jan 29


And Yet We Rise!

3pm - 5pm / UCSD Music Department & Lytle Scholarship / Conrad Prebys Music Center at UC San Diego • $50 General Public, $40.00 for Active and Former Military, $10 for Students

A concert of traditional and contemporary gospel music featuring the UCSD Gospel Choir under the direction of Professor Ken Anderson and Archie Robinson & New Birth Praise. Click here for more info.

Tue
Jan 31


Black Abroad

5pm - 6pm / Study Abroad / Black Resource Center • FREE

An interactive conversation about black experiences abroad. This is part two of a five-part series exploring identities abroad. Click here for more info.

Wed
Feb 1


“From Crisis to Change: The Student Experience & Activism on Campus."

3pm / UC San Diego Library / Geisel Library, 2nd (main floor), near Seuss Room • FREE

A panel of staff, faculty, and alumni who have been on the front lines of change at UC San Diego. The panelists will highlight student experiences and student-led change at the UC San Diego campus. The event will include a reception and time to view the exhibit. Click here for more info.

Thu
Feb 2


Stigma and Culture: An Exploration in Black Education by Professor J. Lorand Matory, Dept. of Anthropology, Duke University

3:30pm - 5pm / African and African-American Studies Research Center / Social Science Building #101 • FREE

This lecture explores education at Historically Black Colleges and the social and cultural challenges involved. It is based on an in-depth, comparative anthropolgical study. Click here for more info.

Thu
Feb 2


Movie Screening: Loving

Doors open 7pm, Show starts 7:30pm / University Centers / PC Theater • FREE

Click here for more info.

Thu
Feb 9


The Crisis in Black Education: Lessons Learned from The Preuss School, UCSD by Hugh B. Mehan, Professor Emeritus, Sociology, UCSD

3:30pm - 5pm / African and African-American Studies Research Center / Social Science Building #101 • FREE

This lecture examines the opening of the Preuss School, UCSD and its ongoing contribution to diversity in education. Click here for more info.

Thu
Feb 9


Charenée Wade, Jazz and Soul/R&B

8pm - 10pm / Co-Sponsored by Art Power and The Women's Center / The Loft, UC San Diego Price Center East • Tickets available from Art Power at the UCSD Box Office. UCSD Student rate: $9.00, Regular: $23-35

Wade will perform tracks from her latest album—Offering: The Music of Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson—which pays tribute to the socially conscious poet and musician Scott-Heron, and showcases Wade’s excellent storytelling and subtle vocal prowess. Click here for more info.

Tue
Feb 14


Movie Screening: Loving

Doors open 5:30pm, Show starts 6pm / OPHD / PC Theater • FREE

Q & A session, trivia and prizes given away before the film.

Wed
Feb 15


Housing*Dining*Hospitality 20th Annual Black History Luncheon

11am - 2pm / Hospitality and Conference Services / Eleanor Roosevelt College, Café Ventanas, Lawn • Prices vary

Carnival, Celebration of Life and Heritage Click here for more info.

Thu
Feb 16


Film: Agents of Change Accompanied by a Round Table Discussion

3:30pm - 5pm / African and African-American Studies Research Center / Social Science Building #101 • FREE

This film, produced by Frank Dawson and Abby Ginzberg, explores student protests and change from the late 1960s to the present. The film will be followed by an AAASRC-led panel discussion and Q&A session. Click here for more info.

Thu
Feb 16


ELHAE FT. KYLE DION W/DVC

Doors open 8pm, Show starts 8:30pm / University Centers / The Loft • $5 for Students, $10 General Admission

Elhae is a hip hop and R&B artist who has been rapidly making a name for himself with his soulful music in the industry since 2015. Catch him at The Loft for this unforgettable show!

Fri
Feb 17


Night With Athletics: UCSD vs Cal Poly Pomona

3:30pm - 5pm / Black Resource Center and UC San Diego Athletics / RIMAC Dugout • FREE, Please click link to RSVP for free admission.

Join us at the RIMAC Dugout for food and fun, and then cheer on our Tritons as we take on Cal Poly Pomona at RIMAC Arena! Click here for more info. Click here to register.

Wed
Feb 22


Revolution of the Heart and Mind: Self Care and Mental Health in Social Justice Movements

12pm - 1:30pm / OASIS, SPACES, Cross-Cultural Center, Women’s Center, Black Resource Center, Vice Chancellor Office for Student Affairs / Cross Cultural Center • FREE

Jeneé Darden is an award-winning journalist from Oakland, Calif. She hosts the blog and podcast CocoaFly.com. Jeneé Darden discusses mental health and covers women, race, sexuality and wellness on CocoaFly.com. The site also features her insightful article titled “Under the Covers: The Popularity and Debate Over Black Erotic Literature.” In it she explores black erotica and the impact of race on black sexuality. Light refreshments will be provided. Click here for more info.

Wed
Feb 22


Honoring Thurgood: Scholar & Citizen

3pm - 5pm / Marshall College Dean’s Interns / Fireside Lounge • FREE

JThe Dean’s Interns of Marshall College present and facilitate a discussion of the legacy of Thurgood Marshall, how his legacy is embodied at Marshall College, and how it is carried on through the ideals of Scholar & Citizen.

Wed
Feb 22


The Get Down As Black Studies Practice

4pm - 7pm / The Black Cultural Studies Working Group, The Black Arts Collective, Black Studies Project, UC Consortium for Black Studies in California, The Black Resource Center, The Visual Arts Department, The Graduate Student Association / Performance Art Space in the Visual Arts Building • FREE

Featuring: Yahya Adbul-Mateen II, MFA, Yale “Cadillac” from the Netflix Original Series The Get Down With Nadine George-Graves, Professor, Theatre and Dance, UCSD Daniel Widener, Professor, History, UCSD

Wed
Feb 22


Life Lessons After the O.J. Simpson Trial, Post-Obama Era with Jeneé Darden

5pm - 6:30pm / OASIS, SPACES, Cross-Cultural Center, Women’s Center, Black Resource Center, Vice Chancellor Office for Student Affairs / Green Room RIMAC • FREE

Jeneé Darden is an award-winning journalist from Oakland, Calif. She hosts the blog and podcast CocoaFly.com. Jeneé Darden discusses insights of the O.J. Simpson Trial, in which many viewed her father, a prosecutor, as being on the wrong side of history. Click here for more info.

Wed
Feb 22


Movie Screening: Moonlight

Doors open 7pm, Show starts 7:30pm / University Centers / PC Theater • FREE

Click here for more info.

Thu
Feb 23


Afro-Caribbean Dance and Drumming with Gene Perry

3:30pm - 5pm / African and African-American Studies Research Center / Social Science Building #101 • FREE

This program presents an overview of African and Afro- Caribbean percussive and dance forms with demonstrations by professional performers and audience participation.

Fri
Feb 24


Uncovering Black America's Contributions to Cognitive Science

12pm - 1pm / Department of Cognitive Science / CSB 003 • FREE

In a lunch seminar hosted by the UCSD Department of Cognitive Science, we will recognize and celebrate the contributions of black researchers by speaking about the work of three amazing scientists and discussing the importance of diversity of perspective in research. The first 50 attendees will receive a FREE lunch! Click here for more info.

Fri
Feb 24


Kuumba Fest: 25 Year Anniversary Celebration, Black to Power (Body, Mind, Spirit)

6pm - 10pm / San Diego Repertory Theatre / San Diego Repertory Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, an Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 544-1000 • Prices vary by day

For 25 years we have celebrated positive lifestyle changes, increased cultural awareness and promoted healthy active fit lives through edutainment and cultural empowerment. This year we feature the iconic legendary activist poet Sonia Sanchez and 3 days of "Black Power" (body mind and spirit) Click here for more info and to see event schedules.

Fri
Feb 24


Concert by Thalma and Laércio de Freitas

8pm - 10pm / Co-Sponsored by Art Power, the African and African-American Studies Research Center, and the Black Resource Center / The Loft, UC San Diego Price Center East • Tickets available from Art Power at the UCSD Box Office. Regular: $15-25, UCSD Student rate: $9.00.

This concert features the father/daughter duo Thalma and Laércio de Freitas, performing Afro-Brazilian jazz. Click here for more info.

Sat
Feb 25


15th Annual Black History Month Scholarship Brunch

10am Doors and Silent Auction, 10:30am - 1pm / UC San Diego Black History Month Planning Committee / PC West Ballroom • $5 UCSD Student * with ID, $60 Non-UCSD Student, $75 UCSD Staff/Faculty/Alumni, $85 General Admission, $90 All Admissions Day of Event

Join us for UC San Diego’s 15th annual Black History Scholarship Brunch, which will feature a keynote address by educator, national change-maker and author Dr. Steve Perry. All campus and community members are invited to this soulful experience, which will include a performance by national recording jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette, a Southern-style soul food brunch, a silent auction and recognition of student scholars. All proceeds from the silent auction support undergraduate scholarships, enabling ambitious and motivated students to realize their academic dreams at UC San Diego. Click here for more info and to register.

Sat
Feb 25


Kuumba Fest: 25 Year Anniversary Celebration, Black to Power (Body, Mind, Spirit)

10am - 11pm / San Diego Repertory Theatre / San Diego Repertory Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, an Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 544-1000 • Prices vary by day

For 25 years we have celebrated positive lifestyle changes, increased cultural awareness and promoted healthy active fit lives through edutainment and cultural empowerment. This year we feature the iconic legendary activist poet Sonia Sanchez and 3 days of "Black Power" (body mind and spirit) Click here for more info and to see event scheduels.

Sat
Feb 25


Joshua White - (((CODES)))

8pm - 11pm/ University Centers / The Loft • Free for Students, General Admission: $15 for advance, $20 at the door

The music of (((CODES))), presented by Joshua White, takes the inspiration of African American poets of the past and celebrates their spirit through the music of gospel, jazz and spoken word, accompanied by an all-star band. Click here for more info.

Sun
Feb 26


Kuumba Fest: 25 Year Anniversary Celebration, Black to Power (Body, Mind, Spirit)

1pm - 11pm / San Diego Repertory Theatre / San Diego Repertory Theatre 79 Horton Plaza, an Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 544-1000 • Prices vary by day

For 25 years we have celebrated positive lifestyle changes, increased cultural awareness and promoted healthy active fit lives through edutainment and cultural empowerment. This year we feature the iconic legendary activist poet Sonia Sanchez and 3 days of "Black Power" (body mind and spirit) Click here for more info and to see event scheduels.

Tue
Feb 28


ThurGOOD Reads 2017- Angela Davis: An Autobiography

12:30pm -1:30pm / Thurgood Marshall College / Angela' Space, (located on the ground level of Ocean View building in Marshall College) • FREE

Originally published in 1974, The New York Times noted that for Davis, “writing was not an act of self-discovery; it was an act of political communication.” In it, Davis explores her upbringing, evolving political consciousness, and emerging politics. We’ll discuss the book, Davis’ activism, and how the newly opened Angela’s Space in Marshall College’s came to be named after Davis. Participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all of the book discussions. Click here for more info.

Wed
Mar 1


ThurGOOD Reads 2017- Angela Davis: An Autobiography

12:30pm -1:30pm / Thurgood Marshall College / Angela's Space (located on the ground level of Ocean View building in Marshall College) • FREE

Originally published in 1974, The New York Times noted that for Davis, “writing was not an act of self-discovery; it was an act of political communication.” In it, Davis explores her upbringing, evolving political consciousness, and emerging politics. We’ll discuss the book, Davis’ activism, and how the newly opened Angela’s Space in Marshall College’s came to be named after Davis. Participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all of the book discussions. Click here for more info.

Thu
Mar 2


ThurGOOD Reads 2017- Angela Davis: An Autobiography

5pm - 6pm / Thurgood Marshall College / Angela's Space (located on the ground level of Ocean View building in Marshall College) • FREE

Originally published in 1974, The New York Times noted that for Davis, “writing was not an act of self-discovery; it was an act of political communication.” In it, Davis explores her upbringing, evolving political consciousness, and emerging politics. We’ll discuss the book, Davis’ activism, and how the newly opened Angela’s Space in Marshall College’s came to be named after Davis. Participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all of the book discussions. Click here for more info.

Thu
Mar 2


Movie Screening: Fences

Doors open 7pm, Show starts 7:30pm / University Centers /PC Theater • FREE

Click here for more info.

Thu
Mar 9


Movie Screening: Hidden Figures

6pm / Women's Resource Center / PC Theater • FREE

The incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson - brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big. Click here for more info.

Sponsors
Office of the Chancellor • Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor • Office of the Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs • Office of the Vice Chancellor-Equity, Diversity and Inclusion • San Diego Foundation • Vice Chancellor-Chief Financial Officer • Vice Chancellor-Resource Management and Planning • Council of Provosts • Division of Social Sciences; Graduate Division • Housing Dining and Hospitality • Creative Services and Publications • Financial Aid Office • Cross-Cultural Center • Associated Students • Department of Education Studies • UJIMA Network • Black Staff Association • University Centers • John Duca • University Development • Parking and Transportation Services • San Diego Foundation

Special Thanks to
Creative Services and Publications and A.S. Graphic Studio

Very Special Thanks to
All of the people who worked together to make all of this happen: 2017 Black History Month Planning Committee Members: Pamela Frugé • Marcia Strong • Maddy Agamata • Mya Hines • Terece Moret • Beverly Ward • Edwina Welch • Davyda Johnson • Tammy Blevins • Porsia Curry • Bennetta Jules-Rosette • Heather McMaster • Davell Jackson • Tamika Franklin • Fnann Keflezighi • Mona Logan • Margaret Rattanachane