The research that went into the recently published book, “Washington State Rising: Black Power on Campus in the Pacific Northwest,” by Marc Robinson, CSUSB assistant professor of history, will be discussed when a new lecture series launches on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

“The Provost Presents Washington State Rising: An Academic Book Talk with Dr. Marc Robinson,” will take place from 10:30 a.m.-noon in the John M. Pfau Library, room PL-4005, presented by the Office of the Provost and CSUSB Libraries. Register in advance for the in-person presentation. It will also be offered virtually on Zoom. Registration for the presentation on Zoom is also offered.

A book signing will follow the presentation.

“I am truly honored to be the inaugural speaker for the Provost Presents Faculty Research Series,” Robinson said. “I am happy to share my work, and I am also looking forward to learning more about the scholarship of my colleagues at future presentations. I hope my book, ‘Washington State Rising,’ and my presentation will stimulate further interest and research on the Civil Rights Movement. The presence of the movement on college campuses in the Pacific Northwest shows that the era was even more dynamic than previously thought. Moreover, my research offers useful insights for current and future campaigns for social justice.” Washington State Rising book cover

“Washington State Rising” documents and examines the Civil Rights Movement from 1967 to 1970 through “the origins, actions and impacts of the Black Student Union in the state of Washington during the tumultuous late 1960s,” according to the publisher’s webpage for the book. Robinson’s research is the first to document Black student activism of that time in the Pacific Northwest and includes extensive oral history interviews with former Black Student Union members.

He will also discuss how this research highlights broader insights regarding contemporary racial justice work, both within and outside of academia.

“I am looking forward to CSUSB’s Provost Presents Faculty Research programing and am so excited to see Dr. Robinson’s new book featured,” said Christina Hassija, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, where the CSUSB Department of History is housed. “Dr. Robinson’s work provides a vital lens into civil rights organizing in the Pacific Northwest, an often-overlooked region in the larger national push for equality, but vital to understanding the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.”

The next presentation is scheduled for Nov. 15, and will feature Daisy Ocampo, assistant professor of history, who will discuss her recent book, “Where We Belong: Chemehuevi and Caxcan Preservation of Sacred Mountains.”

“This exciting joint initiative provides an opportunity for our campus community to learn about the scholarly publications and creative works of our talented faculty. It will also provide a record of our faculty’s valuable research and scholarly achievements via ScholarWorks,” said Rafik Mohamed, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “In addition to fostering academic connections among colleagues from different disciplines, these rich presentations serve as a resource for other faculty to use in their classrooms. Eventually, all disciplines will be represented in the series.”

“Showcasing the innovative and thought-provoking work of CSUSB faculty is the goal of the Provost Presents Faculty Research Series,” said Rebecca Lubas, dean of the CSUSB Libraries. “I’m delighted the CSUSB Libraries can provide a venue for this effort.”

The Provost Presents Faculty Research is co-sponsored by the Faculty Center for Excellence, John M. Pfau Library, Department of History, and the Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association.

For more information, contact Robie Madrigal, library outreach specialist, at rmadriga@csusb.edu or (909) 537-5104.

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