Black Excellence Month Kickoff

Feb. 2, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., USU 2310

The Black Student Center (BSC) will kick off the celebrations with a brief presentation discussing the history of the Pan-African flag, a raising of the flag and a live drumline performance. Food will be provided at the event, which is open to all students.

Def Jam Open Mic Night  

Feb. 5, 5-7 p.m., USU Amphitheater

The BSC, in collaboration with the Cross-Cultural Center, invites students to enjoy a night of poetry, spoken word and music. The event is open to all students.

Professional Styling: How to Tie a Tie

Feb. 9, 1-2 p.m., USU 3300

As part of the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, the BSC will host a session of professional styling to teach students how to tie a tie. The event is open to all students.

Sista Fest

Feb. 10, 5-7 p.m., USU 2310

In collaboration with the Women and Gender Equity Center, the BSC will host an event to celebrate Black women on campus. This year’s theme, “Rooted and Radiant,” is focused on providing mentorship to young Black women looking to navigate professional spaces. The keynote speaker is Wendy Stewart, MiraCosta College’s chief diversity officer. The event is open to all students.

Black Jeopardy Game Night

Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m., USU Ballroom

Students are welcome to join the BSC for a night of culturally relevant games. Food will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Carnaval

Feb. 18, 5-8 p.m., USU Ballroom

Join the BSU and the Latinx Center for a celebration of dance and heritage from various communities across Latin America and the African diaspora. The event will feature live music, cultural foods and mask painting inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval and New Orleans’ Mardi Gras festival.

Ebony Fashion Show

Feb. 20, 5-8 p.m., USU Ballroom

The inaugural Ebony Fashion Show will provide a space for students to showcase their elegance on the runway. The event will highlight the creative expression of students across CSUSM student centers to showcase cultural displays through fashion.

Black Org Fair

Feb. 25, 5-7 p.m., Forum Plaza

All students are invited to learn about the various Black student organizations at CSUSM. Representatives will be featured from various academic, social, faith-based and national Panhellenic Council organizations.

2/27 Black Excellence Gala

Feb. 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m., USU Ballroom

As the finale of Black Excellence Month, the BSC will host an inaugural event in collaboration with Tukwut Life to celebrate and highlight the Black community. The evening will showcase achievements and inspiring stories from the community, followed by a student performance and live DJ. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest attire to honor the occasion and the remarkable accomplishments being celebrated.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The festivities will conclude with the annual Black Excellence Awards Gala on Feb. 27.

In addition to the listed events, plans are in the works for events that include a meet-and-greet with the Black Faculty & Staff Association, and Networking with Excellence through the Career Center.

Black Excellence Month events are open to all students and the campus community.

Black Excellence Month Flag-Raising Ceremony and Lunch

Feb. 4, 11:30 a.m., Chavez Circle flagpole/USU Ballroom

Start the month of celebration with words of welcome, encouragement and reflections from members of the campus community followed by a celebratory lunch. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural heritage and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice. All are welcome to attend and engage with the BSC community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black excellence.

Black Brilliance In Motion: A Workshop for Black-Identifying Males With Hip-Hop Artist Quentin Robinson

Feb. 4, noon, Arts Building 101/Black Student Center (USU 4200)

In collaboration with Arts & Lectures, this workshop will help Black men use movement to connect with who they are and create their own path. Following the workshop, at 1 p.m., attendees are invited to an Q&A session with Robinson in the Black Student Center. The event is open to students, staff and faculty.

Creating Our Excellence: A Keynote With Kevon Lee

Feb. 11, noon, Black Student Center (USU 4200)

Lee, a motivational speaker, will deliver a speech empowering students to chart their path with excellence. Attendees will leave with a greater skill set to navigate the societal context in which we exist.

Divine Nine Panel

Feb. 13, noon, Black Student Center (USU 4200)

All are invited to learn about the National Pan-Hellenic Council and expand their network through the Divine Nine, which represents all nine member NPHC organizations.

Carnaval

Feb. 13, 5 p.m., USU Ballroom

Join this annual collaboration with the Latinx Center to celebrate with cultural games, food and entertainment. 

Black Student Center Birthday Hour

Feb. 18, noon, Black Student Center (USU 4200)

Come celebrate the Black Student Center’s eighth birthday! This event is intended to honor the history of the center while continuing to push for progress in the years ahead.

Black Excellence Awards Gala

Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m., USU Ballroom

The Black Student Center is hosting this inaugural event in collaboration with Tukwut Life to celebrate and highlight the Black community. The evening will be a showcase of achievements and inspiring stories from our vibrant community. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest attire to honor the occasion and the remarkable accomplishments being celebrated. Please RSVP using this form by Feb. 17

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Shanelle Watkins, assistant director of the Black Student Center, plans to highlight achievements of Black students at CSUSM and recognize historical figures throughout February. 

A range of exciting events and activities are planned for the month to showcase and honor Black excellence. The festivities will conclude with the inaugural Black Excellence Awards Gala on Feb. 23.

Black Excellence Month events are open to all students and the campus community.

Black Excellence Month Flag Raising Ceremony and Brunch

Feb. 1, noon, Chavez Circle flagpole/USU Ballroom

Start the month of celebration with words of welcome, encouragement and reflections from members of the campus community followed by a celebratory brunch. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural heritage and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice. All are welcome to attend and engage with the BSC community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black excellence.

Divine Nine Panel With Student Leadership and Involvement Center 

Feb. 8, noon, Black Student Center 

Learn about the historical significance, cultural wealth and inspiring influence of Black Greek letter organizations.

Black Art Expo II

Feb. 13, noon, Arts Building Showroom

Discover the captivating artworks of Black students at CSUSM, encompassing a range of expressions from music to poetry to visual arts. The exhibition will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk and engage with the artists from noon to 1 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the creativity on display and support the vibrant community of Black student artists.

Black Student Center Birthday Hour

Feb. 15, noon, Black Student Center

Come celebrate the Black Student Center’s seventh birthday! There will be music and sweet treats available to enjoy. 

Carnaval With Latinx Center

Feb. 16, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom 

Join this annual collaboration with the Latinx Center to celebrate with cultural games, food and entertainment. 

Black Excellence Awards Gala 

Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., USU Ballroom 

The BSC is hosting this inaugural event in collaboration with Tukwut Life to celebrate and highlight the Black community. The evening will be a showcase of achievements and inspiring stories from our vibrant community. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest attire to honor the occasion and the remarkable accomplishments being celebrated. 

SistaFest With Women Gender Equity Center 

Feb. 29, 11:30 a.m., WGEC USU 3200

Join the WGEC and BSC for the inaugural SistaFest to celebrate Black womanhood. There will be an amazing lineup of speakers, activities and performances that honor the experiences and contributions of Black women. Spread the word, bring your friends and let's uplift each other in solidarity and joy!

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

The theme for the month this year is “Continuing the Legacy of Black Brilliance.” The contributions of many across the African diaspora have helped to advance our world. This theme centers our brilliance and ingenuity, inspiring our students to see and remember that they too are brilliant and that brilliance is needed to impact generations to come. 

Hosted by the CSUSM Ujamaa Achievement program, each Thursday in February during U-hour, the BSC will hold an event centered around empowering students to take ownership of their academic experience and continue the legacy of Black brilliance.

Wednesday, Feb 1: Flag Raising Ceremony

Feb. 1, noon, Chavez Circle flagpole/USU Ballroom

Join us as we start our month of celebration with words of welcome, encouragement and reflections from members of the campus community, followed by a celebratory brunch.

Continuing the Legacy Workshop I: Be What You See

Feb. 2, noon, Black Student Center

The first part of our series will be visioning and planning your Black brilliance. Join us to motivate and create our academic visions for the semester.

Black Student Union Meeting

Feb. 7, noon, Black Student Center

Black Feminist Thought Dialogue

Feb. 8, noon, Women and Gender Equity Center

In collaboration with the WGEC, the BSC will have a dialogue around Black feminist thought and its relevance in the Black woman community.

Continuing the Legacy Workshop II: It Takes a Village

Feb. 9, noon, Black Student Center
It’s time to meet your village! The Black Excellence Resource Fair is a formal introduction to the many resources and initiatives available to the Black student community. It will allow students, faculty and staff to network and establish connections with the Black clubs, organizations and initiatives at CSUSM, as well as other departments on campus that are dedicated to Black student success. 

 

Social Action Doc Series With Civic Engagement

Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m., Zoom event

Join the Department of Service Learning and Civic Engagement for a virtual film viewing and discussion led by members of the BSC. The film is “Brother Outsider,” a documentary about Bayard Rustin, the “unknown hero of the civil rights movement.” You can register for the event here. 

BSU Meeting

Feb. 14, noon, Black Student Center

Continuing the Legacy Workshop III: Finding Your Power

Feb. 16, noon, Black Student Center

Join us for lunch and a roundtable discussion with Dr. Franklin Garrett, director of education initiatives at UC San Diego, as we discuss academic resiliency and finding your power and maintaining it on your academic journey. 

 

Carnaval With Latinx Center

Feb. 16, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom

Come celebrate the culture and traditions within the Afro-Latinx community.

BSU Culture Show

Feb. 17, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom

This event will showcase the rich cultural heritage and diverse experiences of people of African descent. It will feature a variety of activities, such as traditional dance and music performances, visual arts and the CSUSM tradition of Black hair shows, featuring a variety of Black hairstyles. The event aims to educate and inform attendees about the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Africa, and to promote cultural understanding and appreciation.

BSU Meeting

Feb. 21, noon, Black Student Center

Continuing the Legacy Workshop IV: Keep That Same Energy

Feb. 23, noon, Black Student Center

Join us as we practice mental wellness, reflect on Black Excellence Month and manifest our academic achievements for the semester via meditation.  

BSU Meeting

Feb. 28, noon, Black Student Center

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306