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Black History Month 2024
Uplifting and Celebrating Our Community
Black History Month celebrates black history, culture, accomplishments, and the contributions of Black people to our society. The month honors not only the past, but also, black futures and possibilities. Carter G. Woodson, famed historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History established Negro History Week in 1926 and was observed the second week of February. Fifty years later, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976. Prior to its official recognition many black students and educators at Kent State University were some of the earliest proponents to celebrate Black History Month in 1970.
We invite the campus community at Cal State Fullerton to engage in dialogue and reflection about Black excellence and joy through events, programs and arts that celebrate and amplify black people in February like the trailblazers at Kent State University. Join us as we uplift and celebrate the Black community.
Please submit your events through the Call for Proposals form
Upcoming events
Black History Month featuring Kevin Powell
Monday, Feb. 5
1:00 - 2:00 p.m., PLN 130
Kevin Powell is the author of 16 books plus the 2024 grammynominated poetry album Grocery Shopping With My Mother.
This event is hosted by African American Studies
Soulful Wellness Wednesday
Wednesday, Feb. 7
1:00 - 2:00 p.m., African American Resource Center (AARC) PLS 182
We invite you to join us in community with the AARC's CAPS Liasion, Myesha Dunn LMFT to learn techniques to practice self care and self love that nourishes the soul.
For more information, follow @csufaarc on Instagram
Claudia Rankine
Thursday, Feb. 8
10:00 am - 12:00 pm, PLN-216
Claudia Rankine, a renowned poet, essayist, and playwright whose work has left an indelible mark on contemporary literature. Rankine, best known for her groundbreaking book "Citizen: An American Lyric," explores themes of race, identity, and social justice with profound insight and eloquence. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with the powerful words and perspectives of Claudia Rankine at our upcoming event.
This event is hosted by Project Rebound
Boost: A Lunchtime Professional Development Series
TED Talk: An Interview with the Founders of Black Lives Matter
Thursday, Feb. 8
12:00 - 1:00 p.m., SGMH 4270
“Boost” is a lunchtime professional development discussion series occurring monthly. Staff are invited to view a short LinkedIn Learning course video or TED Talk together and engage in discussion. Lunch will be provided. Early registration is encouraged due to capacity.
Navigating Your Black Identity in the Workplace
Thursday, Feb. 8
5:30 - 7:30 p.m., AARC PLS 182
Join us for the 4th annual Navigating Your Black Identity in the Workplace (NYBI). This is an in-person networking event and panel for students and alumni. Each year we invite alumni from various industries and with different years and levels of experience to discuss their experiences and share advice. Guests are welcome to submit their own questions to ask of the panel.
This event is hosted by the African American Resource Center and Alumni Engagement
Register for Navigating Your Black Identity in the Workplace
Experience MSI
Monday, Feb. 12
1:00 - 2:30 p.m., AARC PLS 182
Join the Male Success Initiative (MSI) in the African American Resource Center and learn more about the benefits of the MSI program, benefits and opportunities offer to men of color.
This event is hosted by the African American Resource Center and Male Success Initiative
ASI's Expressions: Black History Month
Tuesday, Feb. 13
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., TSU Pub
Expressions is a monthly event that allows the CSUF campus community and ASI staff to get together to create art and discuss the topic of the month. Art supplies including paint, canvases, brushes, stencils, stickers, markers, and more are provided for everyone. We want to provide a time for everyone to come together in a creative environment to Express their own thoughts and feelings on each related topic, or on something that is important to them at the time.
All of the art created at the Expressions events are also hung in our ASI gallery spaces for the month following the event
For more information, follow @asicsuf on Instagram
Ghana 2024 Study Abroad Informationals
Tuesday, Feb. 13
3:00 - 4:00 p.m., AARC PLS 182
Join the AARC in partnership with CSUF Study Abroad and Global Engagement to learn about the opportunity to study abroad in Ghana during Summer 2024 with the Department Chair for Religious Studies, Dr. Ibrahim. Dr. Ibrahim will host an Informational about his Study Abroad course this Summer 2024 in Ghana to take AFAM/RLST 325. This opportunity provide all students to experience living among the Ghanaian people and understand their culture in ways that can shed some light on African American spirituality, history and culture; empower Black Americans; and enlighten non-Black Americans about a significant aspect of history of America.
For more information, follow @csufaarc on Instagram
Grounds for Black Joy
Wednesday, Feb. 14
9:00 - 11:00 am, COPH Conference room PLS-601
Grounds for Black Joy is an event set to celebrate and share local black owned vendors and businesses.
For more information, follow @ibiicsuf on Instagram
Black History Month VR Lab
Wednesday, Feb. 14
2:30 - 4:30 p.m., PLN 130
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-simulated experience that immerses one inside of a virtual world that can be a real or an imaginary place. The depth of the immersive experience depends on the type of equipment used and the nature of the accompanying software application.
**This hands-on VR Lab focuses on African American history and experiences, including themes about racism and social justice
** No prior experience with VR is necessary. The Pollak Library VR Event Team will help you with all equipment.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- explore a handful of VR experiences
- use both high-end and low-budget VR equipment (including free apps for your smartphone)
Digital Scholarship Librarian Colleen Robledo Greene and Art & Makerspace Librarian Kellie Lanham-Friedman will be available to discuss opportunities to integrate VR into your curriculum, research, and scholarship.
We understand that some of these VR experiences focus on themes and perspectives that can be painful or might raise questions. Professor Scherly Virgill, who lectures in Black Studies at CSUF will serve as a cultural competency and subject matter expert.
For more information, follow @csufdigital on Instagram
Pan-African Dance Workshops: Afro-Brazilian
Thursday, Feb. 15
2:30 - 3:45 p.m., KHS 202
The Pan-African Dance Workshops are a 3-week series of open level movement workshops inspired by the dances of the African Diaspora & taught by industry professionals. The workshop on Thursday, February 15th will be Afro-Brazilian Dance with Rachel Hernandez & Kahlil Cummings. Workshop will be held from 2:30 - 3:45 pm in KHS 202. Beginners are very welcome! Please note, spots are limited & first come-first serve. Please RSVP via bit.ly/PADWS24
The Pan-African Dance Workshops are hosted by the African American Studies course "Pan-African Dance & Movement" taught by Professor Tula B. Strong. Workshops are supported by African American Studies, Instructionally Related Activities, & the Department of Theatre and Dance. Any questions, please email Professor Tula Strong at tstrong@fullerton.edu.
Beyond the Conversation: Issa Rae
Thursday, Feb. 15
6:00 pm, TSU Pavilions
ASI is immensely honored and excited about presenting the multi-award winning actress and producer ISSA RAE at the next Beyond the Conversation on February 15th. She is an exceptional talent, dedicated to championing diverse and authentic narratives. Stay tuned for more information about tickets. We are so looking forward to you joining the conversation. 💜
This event is hosted by Associated Students Inc. and the Division of Student Affairs
Advice With a Slice: Black Brilliance in Business Panel
Tuesday, Feb. 20
4:30 - 6:00 p.m., SGMH-3230
Black History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate success stories. Join our panel of brilliant Black professionals for a slice of pizza as they offer advice on fostering diversity, empowerment, and inclusivity in a corporate setting. This is an in-person event. Food/Beverages will be provided. Registration is required.
This event is hosted by the African American Resource Center, Business Career Services, and the Career Center
Club AARC Karaoke Jam Session
Wednesday, Feb. 21
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., AARC PLS 182
Join us for a night of musical joy at our Karaoke Night event! Unleash your inner superstar and sing/rap your heart out to your favorite songs. Get ready for a fantastic evening of singing, laughter, and delicious treats!
For more information, follow @csufaarc on Instagram
Reading Between the Lines: Researching African American Family History
Thursday, Feb. 22
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Researching families and communities of African American descent can present unique challenges due to the history of slavery in the United States. This introductory overview presentation discusses key record collections for tracing African American ancestry, challenges and strategies for researching enslaved families, and present-day opportunities that can help overcome some of these obstacles. Through two case studies we will explore these methods and sources in the context of a formerly enslaved family and a 20th century immigrant family. However these lessons and record collections will benefit family historians doing any type of U.S. research. Colleen teaches genealogy research with a heavy critical thinking approach. This presentation delves into concepts and issues pertaining to information, digital, and archival literacies. A recording of the presentation can be made available to CSUF faculty, staff, and students via Canvas. If you are a CSUF professor who wants to integrate this presentation into your course, please contact Colleen.
For more information, follow @csufdigital on Instagram
Black Titan Connection
Thursday, Feb. 22
5:00 - 7:30 p.m., TSU Pavilions
Join BSU in a night of connecting all the Black organizations and campus partners! Food will be provided for the first 400 attendees!
For more information, follow @csufbsu on Instagram
Film Screening: Hidden Figures
Friday, Feb. 23
2:30 p.m., CS300
In honor and recognition of Black History Month and ECS week, the College of Engineering & Computer Science invites you to a movie screening of Hidden Figures. “Hidden Figures” tells the story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) – brilliant African-American women working at NASA who served as the brains behind the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn, an achievement that turned around the Space Race. The visionary trio crossed gender and racial lines and inspired generations.
For more information, follow @csufecs on Instagram
Black Titan Night
Saturday, Feb. 24
6:00 p.m., Titan Gym
Black students, faculty, and staff are invited to cheer on the men’s basketball team in their game against Cal State Northridge. This is a great opportunity to celebrate Black History Month, connect and be in community in a fun and engaging way.
Drop In Career Counseling
Monday, Feb. 26
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., AARC PLS 182
Join the AARC in partnership with CSUF Career Center for a new direct service open to all students for drop in career counseling services. The AARC's Career Center liaison, Isabel Perez welcomes walk ins to discuss job searching, networking, interview strategies and more.
This event is hosted by the African American Resource Center and CSUF Career Center
Diaspora Dialogue: Conversations on Colorism
Tuesday, Feb. 27
2:00 - 3:30 p.m., AARC PLS 182
Join the AARC in a conversation to shed light on the detrimental effects of colorism. Through discussions, presentations, and personal stories, the event will explore how colorism perpetuates harmful stereotypes, divides communities, and influences societal perceptions. Ultimately, the goal is to foster awareness, promote dialogue, and work towards dismantling the systemic issues associated with colorism.
For more information, follow @csufaarc on Instagram
Ghana 2024 Study Abroad Informational
Wednesday, Feb. 28
3:00 - 4:00 p.m., AARC PLS 182
Join the AARC in partnership with CSUF Study Abroad and Global Engagement to learn about the opportunity to study abroad in Ghana during Summer 2024 with the Department Chair for Religious Studies, Dr. Ibrahim. Dr. Ibrahim will host an Informational about his Study Abroad course this Summer 2024 in Ghana to take AFAM/RLST 325. This opportunity provide all students to experience living among the Ghanaian people and understand their culture in ways that can shed some light on African American spirituality, history and culture; empower Black Americans; and enlighten non-Black Americans about a significant aspect of history of America.
For more information, follow @csufaarc on Instagram
Pan-African Dance Workshops: Hip-Hop
Thursday, Feb. 29
2:30-3:45 p.m., KHS 202
The Pan-African Dance Workshops are a 3-week series of open level movement workshops inspired by the dances of the African Diaspora & taught by industry professionals. The workshop on Thursday, February 29th will be Hip-Hop Dance with Friidom. Workshop will be held from 2:30 - 3:45 pm in KHS 202. Beginners are very welcome! Please note, spots are limited & first come-first serve. Please RSVP via bit.ly/PADWS24
The Pan-African Dance Workshops are hosted by the African American Studies course "Pan-African Dance & Movement" taught by Professor Tula B. Strong. Workshops are supported by African American Studies, Instructionally Related Activities, & the Department of Theatre and Dance. Any questions, please email Professor Tula Strong at tstrong@fullerton.edu
Soulful Soirée
Wednesday, Feb. 28
5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Laurel MPR
Soulful Soiree: A Black History Month Kick Off Event. Join us for a celebratory night of food, music, games, DIY arts & crafts as we enter a joyful Black History Month. Attendees will be entered into a raffle for Free Titan Gear.
For more information, follow @csufaarc on Instagram
