Honoring our Legacy, Inspiring the Future

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Throughout February, UC San Diego celebrates Black History Month with events that recognize and commemorate the rich history, culture and contributions of Black Americans. The theme for UC San Diego’s 23rd annual Black History Month celebration is “Black Contributions to Labor – Honoring our Legacy, Inspiring the Future.”

All UC San Diego students, faculty and staff can participate in a wide array of events coordinated by the Black History Month Planning Committee, including the Black History Month Celebration and Scholarships Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. To reserve a table or purchase tickets to the ceremony, which is the campus's signature Black History Month event, please contact blackhistorymonth@ucsd.edu. 

Below is a sampling of events featured as part of UC San Diego’s Black History Month celebration. For a continuously updated list of events throughout the month, please visit the Black History Month website.

Labor Challenges in Apartheid and Post-Apartheid South Africa
Feb. 13 | 3:30 p.m. | SSB 101

Eleanor Roosevelt College Provost Ivan Evans will present a lecture, film clips and discussion concerning government repression during the Apartheid Era and the Post-Apartheid Era, as well as the treatment of illegal miners in 6,000 abandoned mines in 2024. Patterns of violence and redress will be examined in a comparative perspective.

Black Professionals in Health Care: Inspiring the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders
Feb. 19 | 12-1 p.m. | Murray’s Place in Student Health and Wellbeing

This panel discussion highlights Black professionals in health care, showcasing their contributions and addressing the unique challenges they face. Through personal stories and insights, panelists will inspire the next generation of diverse leaders by emphasizing resilience, mentorship, and the importance of equity in health care. Lunch will be provided. Event registration available at https://forms.office.com/r/D89Ji3UARi

17th Annual Presidents' Day Forum – Our Strength, Our Story: Resilience in Every Chapter
Feb. 20 | 11:30 a.m. | Virtual (Zoom)

Engage in critical dialogue with insightful panelists on the U.S. presidency and current political climate. These robust conversations are opportunities to deepen our understanding of the political landscape and its impact on the Black community. The session includes an open Q&A segment.

African & African-American Studies Research Center African Dance & Drumming Workshop
Feb. 20 | 3:30 p.m. | SSB 101

Master Drummer Gene Perry will present the Afro-Caribbean Dance and Drumming Workshop with practical applications of the musical rhythms and dances from various regions with UC San Diego African Studies students. Light refreshments will be served.

“We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe” Screening and Discussion
Feb. 20 | 5 p.m. | Mosaic 113

“We Were Here - The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe” by filmmaker Fred Kudjo Kuwornu sheds light on the overlooked presence of African and Black individuals in Renaissance Europe, highlighting their depiction in masterpieces by some of the era’s most celebrated artists. Kuwornu's films have been exhibited at the 60ᵗʰ VeniceArt Biennale, Museum of Moving Images, Library of Congress and international film festivals. 

Black Grad Game Night
Feb. 23 | 6 p.m. | BGELLC Grad Lounge
Join the Black graduate community for a night of fun games!