Cal Poly Pomona is gearing up to honor Black History Month with a series of events that promise to engage, educate, and celebrate the rich contributions of the Black community.
From thought-provoking lectures to lively karaoke nights, the Black Resource Center (BRC) and Black Student Union (BSU) have collaborated to create a diverse program aimed to inspire students, faculty and staff. The university has also created a zoom background to honor Black History Month that’s available for download.
The CPP community is invited to join any of the following events:
Karaoke Night with BSU (Feb. 1, 5-8 p.m., University Housing Services MPR)
Warm up those vocal cords and celebrate the diverse musical heritage of the Black community with a karaoke night.
Poetry Slam (Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m. Alliance Community Cultural Center)
Join the CPP Black Alumni and Friends for an empowering Poetry Slam with special headliner David Judah Oliver, an accomplished poet and author. This artistic expression of words and emotions will be a powerful platform for creative voices. Register here.
“The Negro Baseball Leagues: An American Legacy” (Feb. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Campus Theater)
Explore the impact of the Negro Baseball Leagues in American history at the Campus Theater with a screening of the documentary “The League.” This event invites attendees to delve into the rich legacy of Black athletes, recognizing their contributions to the world of sports. A screening of the documentary will be followed by a presentation and Q&A. This is an amazing opportunity to learn about a little-known era of American history that greatly influenced the Civil Rights movement.
Dropping Gems with JD Dantzler (Feb. 8, 12 p.m., MyBar RSVP)
A thought-provoking session with JD Dantzler, a doctoral student at CPP studying anti-Blackness and how Black women interact with technology, this event will encourage intellectual exploration and foster a deeper understanding of the significant issues within the community.
Salute to the Black Man (Feb. 9, hosted by Delta Sigma Theta)
The BRC and Delta Sigma Theta are coming together to bring a heartfelt “Salute to the Black Man.” This event seeks to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of Black men.
Alumni Gathering (Feb. 10, Kellogg House Pomona)
This Black History Month celebration extends to alumni with an opportunity for former students to reconnect and share their experiences. Guest speaker DJ Norman, (’93, management and human resources) who works for Atlassian, will share his success story and experience working in human resources for over 25 years.
Guest Lecture by Author Heather McGhee (Feb. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bronco Student Center Ursa Major)
Learn more about societal issues with a guest lecture by Heather McGhee, author of the compelling book “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.” This book is the CPP First-Year Experience committee’s common read for 2024. McGhee’s insights aim to stimulate critical thinking and encourage meaningful conversations surrounding challenges faced by the Black community.
Black History Month Dinner at Centerpointe (Feb. 13 5-8 p.m.)
Dine at Centerpointe for a special dinner in celebration of Black History Month featuring southern soul dishes and a jazz band.
Cooking Demonstration (Feb. 15, 5:30-7 p.m., Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture, Building 7)
This culinary experience will offer a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diversity of African American cuisine, specifically soul food.
Black Thriving Initiative Spring Update (Feb. 19, Noon-1 p.m., Bronco Student Center Ursa Minor)
Hear about the progress being made to improve the experience of Black students, faculty and staff on campus. Lunch will be served. RSVP by Feb. 9.
Dropping Gems (STEM) Session with Fredrick Roby (Feb. 20)
Delve into the intersection of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) during the “Dropping Gems (STEM)” session with Fredrick Roby.
To Build a Black Future (Feb. 26, 11 am-1 pm, Bronco Student Center Ursa Minor)
Christopher Paul Harris, author of “To Build a Black Future: The Radical Politics of Joy, Pain and Care,” will draw on his experiences as an activist and organizer for the Movement for Black Lives in a book talk presented by the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences and the Black Faculty Staff Association. Harris is an assistant professor in the Department of Global and International Studies at UC Irvine.
Black Gala (Feb. 29, 6:30 p.m., organized by BRC, Black Scholars, and Residents)
To conclude the month-long celebration, the Black Resource Center, Black Scholars, and Residents, will be hosting a gala honoring Black history.
Throughout February, Cal Poly Pomona invites students, faculty, and staff to participate in these events that aim to foster a sense of community, understanding and appreciation for the Black community on our campus.
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