The month of February becomes an exciting time for the CSUSB campus as the institution goes all out to celebrate Black History Month.
Pan-African clubs, organizations, faculty, staff, and administrators have all put in a lot of work and time to make events this month a success.
One of the most important assets in the planning was the student input and collaboration with people of other cultural clubs.
This eventful time kicked off with a Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association meeting on February 4 to go over the extensive calendar for this month.
“This calendar is out and widely publicized…the committee worked very hard to put this together and very rapidly,” said BFSSA President Kathryn Ervin.
Professor Ervin serves not only as a lecturer for the Theatre Arts Department but an advocate and mentor for the Pan-African community on campus.
“I was thoroughly impressed with the breadth of what’s going on and I knew everyone would come through as usual,” mentioned Ervin.
The meeting went on to cover different fundraisers, community outings and on-campus events that are all looking to shine a light on an underrepresented community.
The Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) has come through tremendously for the community by helping to create the biggest event of this month: Soul Night.
Program Specialist for ASI, Daniel Jimenez, has been thrilled to work on this “Soul Night” event.
“My favorite part has been working with the people from The Movement since each person is such a treat to work with,” said Jimenez.
This is the first time The Movement and ASI have worked together for such a large-scale event, and the process has been rewarding for both parties.
“We have been putting a lot of planning and hard work in it so I am really looking forward to it as it should be a nice turnout with good vibes,” said Black Student Union Vice President Brittnee Joice.
This event will be held in the SMSU Event Center on February 26, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. featuring DJ Ronnie G and a live jazz band.
“This is an opportunity for students to come and learn…as well as get a taste of soul cuisine while having a good time and dancing,” expressed Jimenez.
Other events headlining this month feature “Black Girl Magic,” the screening of “Wilmington on Fire,” and the sold-out Pioneer Breakfast.
The 8th Annual Pioneer Breakfast looks to honor prominent campus and community members like ASI’s Jesse Felix and CEO of NerdyGirlsRock, Monica Stockhausen.
“The Pioneer Breakfast is truly important for our campus since it brings us together with the community and also features an educational component to share to the campus,” said Breakfast Founder Anthony Roberson.
The event went from being 60 people in attendance to now over 400 people as they have been outgrowing the Event Center for the past few years.
“It takes a lot of work…we try to bring legacy inside of the theme so we can be proud along with colors and entertainment we want to bring,” mentioned Roberson.
With hard work being put into every event that is taking place for this month, student campus leaders find balance in being resilient.
“I have more meetings to go before work and class since we are trying to make Black History Month stand out this year, so I feel my position [in BSU] has been elevated”, sad Joice.
The remainder of this month looks to be an exciting time for people of all shades and colors as the Pan-African community looks to not only have fun but to educate as well.
“Even me being from Africa, I feel like I am learning so much about African-American history and culture,” said Pan-African Stem Society President Candace Weaver.
If students want to know more about Black History Month on our campus and events that are coming up, they can check out the front page of the CSUSB Website and visit the Cross Cultural Center in the SMSU as well.
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