Black History Month celebration graphic

The annual Black History Month celebration at CSUSB will feature a variety of events that highlight the culture, achievements and contributions of the African American community while honoring past and current trailblazers.

Throughout the month, the events will focus on the themes galvanize, revere, connect and celebrate.

Cal State San Bernardino students, staff, faculty and administrators are invited to attend the Black History Month Kickoff event that will be held on Feb. 1 from noon-2 p.m. on Zoom and in the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) North Conference Centers B, C and D.

Hosted by the Black History Month Committee and Pan-African Student Success Center, the event will highlight Black excellence through discussion, activities and music. Alumnus Tyler Lange, an administrative program specialist in the Rialto Unified School District, will be the guest speaker, providing motivational insights and perspectives. Register at the Black History Month Kickoff webpage.

The committee will also host a workshop, “How to Use Anger for Anti-Racist Change,” with Myisha Cherry, a University of California, Riverside philosophy professor and book author of “The Case for Rage,” on Feb. 8 from noon-2 p.m. in the SMSU North Conference Centers B, C and D. Attendees will learn about Lordean rage, a form of anger that’s crucial for anti-racist action and leads to change. Register at the How to Use Anger for Anti-Racist Change webpage.  Lunch will be provided to the first 150 students in attendance at both events, which will focus on the theme galvanize. In addition, both events will be offered virtually on Zoom and livestreamed in RG-205 at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus.

Other events honoring Black History Month include:

  • Thursday, Feb. 15. “Reverence for Black Artistry: Bob Marley and Kris Bowers.” Theme: Revere.
    • Part 1: noon-2 p.m. Zoom and SMSU North Conference Centers B, C and D.
      The Black History Month Committee invites CSUSB faculty, staff, students and administrators to a discussion with distinguished “Bob Marley: One Love” film composer Kris Bowers. Participants will discuss how culture, community, music and ancestors drive Black stories forward and have shaped Bowers’ work on the film. Attendees will also learn about Bower’s journey as a composer. Lunch will be provided to the first 150 students in attendance. The discussion will also be offered virtually on Zoom and livestreamed in RG-205 at the Palm Desert Campus. Register at the Reverence for Black Artistry webpage.
       
    • Part 2: 6:30-9 p.m. Regal Cinemas San Bernardino and RPX – Theater 3 (450 N. E St., San Bernardino)
      The discussion with Bowers will be followed by the complimentary movie showing of “Bob Marley: One Love.” The film celebrates the life and music of icon Bob Marley, who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. Attendees will discover Marley’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. The event is free to CSUSB Coyote OneCard holders, and participants will have access to the theater at 6 p.m. For more information about the film, visit the Bob Marley: One Love website. Register at the Reverence for Black Artistry webpage.
       
  • Thursday, Feb. 22. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. SMSU South Fourplex (2nd floor). “Umoja and Ujamaa: Culture and Navigating the World of Work.” Theme: Connect.
    The Career Center will host the three-part event. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on their cultural strengths, hear insights, gain tools and engage with CSUSB’s community of Black professionals. Participants will also explore career options that align with their authentic selves and interests. Register at the Umoja and Ujamaa webpage.
    • Session 1 – Culture is Career Capital (11:30 a.m.-noon)
      Discover your unique cultural strengths and how to express them to professionals and peers.
    • Session 2 – Black is Not a Monolith: Career Pathways Panel (noon-12:30 p.m.)
      Learn from a panel of Black professionals discussing their career journey and how culture impacts navigating their profession and “World of Work.”
    • Session 3 – Conversations and Connections Mixer (12:30-1 p.m.)
      Ask questions and engage with panelists and peers to create meaningful professional connections.

  • Friday, Feb. 23, 9-11 a.m. SMSU North Conference Centers B, C and D, “Pioneer Breakfast.” Theme: Connect.
    The Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association will host the 11th annual Pioneer Breakfast on Friday, Feb. 23, from 9-11 a.m. This year’s theme is "A Tapestry of Time: Celebrating Our Enduring Legacy," and the event honorees are Cassandra Butcher (Emerging Leader Award) and Patricia Nichols-Butler (Community Icon Award). The Pioneer Award honorees are Assemblymember Corey Jackson (Alumni Award), Dee Bowen (Staff Award), Dale West (Administrator Award), Audrey Matthews (Faculty Award) and Maria Najera-Neri (Lorraine Frost Ally Award). Tickets are $40.00 for faculty, staff and community members, and proceeds from the event will benefit future scholarships for CSUSB students. For tickets and event information, please contact Anthony Roberson at aroberso@csusb.edu. 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 27, noon-2 p.m. SMSU North Conference Centers B, C and D. “Meet Your Mentor Fair.” Theme: Celebrate.
    Black faculty and staff booths will be set up for current and prospective Black students to build ties of mentorship within the Black community at CSUSB. Students can stop by to learn about different departments and organizations to further expand Black student opportunities while celebrating the Black experience at Cal State San Bernardino. The event is hosted by the Black History Month Committee. Students are encouraged to come and find a mentor to support their journey at CSUSB.     Lunch will be provided to the first 150 students in attendance. Register at the Meet Your Mentor Fair webpage.

To learn more about the events, visit the Black History Month website.