UC San Diego Recognizes Black History Month with Events Celebrating Achievements of African-American Women

Members of UC San Diego's Black Student Union at a previous Black History Month kickoff celebration.

The University of California, San Diego will honor the history and accomplishments of African-American women for the university’s celebration of Black History Month. The theme for 2012 is “Black Women in American History––Our History, Our Journey, Our Legacy.”

“UC San Diego’s extended celebration is part of the campus’s ongoing efforts to enrich the diversity of our community and academic curriculum,” said Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. “We are committed to enhancing our campus climate and ensuring accessibility for all deserving students.”

The events kick off Feb. 1 with an opening ceremony by UC San Diego’s Black Student Union and closes Feb. 29 with a presentation on research and its contribution to the black experience.

“This year’s theme is particularly inspiring as it provides an opportunity to celebrate black women and their tremendous contributions and strides made throughout history,” said Pamela Frugé, co-chair of the celebration. “UC San Diego’s programs and events will focus on the local, national and global impact of women, celebrating their contributions from political achievements to scientific gains and artistic triumphs, and the continued fight for equality for everyone, everywhere.”

In addition to signature events, such as the UC San Diego Alumni Association’s Evening with the Stars, more events have been added, including a keynote speech from Wendy Raquel Robinson at the 10th annual Black History Month Scholarship Brunch. Robinson is an American actress, alumnus of Howard University and founder of the Los Angeles-based theatre arts school, Amazing Grace Conservatory.

Events include:

Black History Month Opener, 6 to 9 p.m., Feb. 1, Resource Center at the Student Services Center. UC San Diego students, faculty, staff and members of the community will gather together to celebrate the achievements, struggles and persistence of people of African descent through spoken-word poetry and musical performances.
“Stitching Memories: The Story of African American Quilting,” Feb. 1 to March 31, 2nd Floor West Wing, Geisel Library. Denied the opportunity to read or write, slave women quilted their diaries, creating permanent but unwritten records. This exhibit moves from the past to the present, exploring the creation and significance of quilts for generations of Americans.
“Being Henrietta” Performance, 6 to 9 p.m., Feb. 2, Arthur Wagner Theatre. Alumnus Monique Gaffney,’93, performs in “Being Henrietta,” the story of Henrietta Lacks. Lacks was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cancer cells, taken without her knowledge, became one of the most important tools in medicine. Following the performance, there will be a discussion with the artists and faculty experts to explore the ethical, gender and medical implications of Lacks’ story. This event is sponsored by Thurgood Marshall College.
Annual Black History Month Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 8, Revelle Plaza Café. This luncheon is sponsored by Housing and Dining Services.
Brown Sugar Blues Performance Group, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Feb. 9, Faculty Club. This performance group is composed of three singers: Jasmine Bradley, Stephanie Mahan, and Quina Neff; bass player Robert Johnson; conga player Mark Jennings; spoken word artist Nadiyah Gipson; and pianist Gail Gipson. Brown Sugar Blues uses music and spoken word to entertain and uplift.
Magic Lantern Exhibit, Feb. 1 to 28, UC San Diego Libraries/AASRC Geisel Library. The Magic Lantern: Early Window to Africa and African Culture exhibit features early magic lanterns and magic lantern slides of Africa that were perhaps Americans’ earliest views of Africa.
An Evening with the Stars, 4 to 6 p.m., Feb. 24, Cross Cultural Center. Students will hear from and connect with African-American alumni who will share their education and career backgrounds and strategies for success. All proceeds benefit undergraduate scholarships at UC San Diego.
Tenth Annual Black History Month Scholarship Brunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 25, UC San Diego Faculty Club. This traditional event includes a tasty soul food brunch, keynote address, local gospel choirs, a silent auction and recognition of outstanding student scholars. The event honors the achievements of UC San Diego’s students while building scholarships to help support their academic success.