African American History Month kicks off on February 1 and the Associated Students (ASSC) and Black Student Union (BSU) are hosting tons of events to commemorate the wide ranging experiences of African Americans in the U.S. and to connect and share information with the campus community.
National African American History Month celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation’s history. Black History Month officially began in 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford asked Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”¹ Every year since then, every American president has dedicated February as African American History Month.
A few of this year’s events include:
African American History Month Kick-off and Resource Fair
- FEB 1 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | Fireside Dining Room
- Grab some dessert, and play games and trivia in the Fireside Dining Room!
All The Power to the People Exhibit
- FEB 3 | 11:00am – 3:00pm | Oakland Museum
- Join a group visit to the Oakland Museum’s exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the black panthers.
Equity Training Series: Whiteness & Racism
- FEB 10 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
- Professional Development discussion for faculty and staff
13th Documentary Discussion
- FEB 13 | 11:30am – 1:30pm | Skyline College Theater
- Panel Discussion tackles issues of racism and mass incarceration
Historically Black Colleges & Universities Transfer Panel
- FEB 21 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | Fireside Dining Room
- Learn about HBCU life at a panel discussion with HBCU alumni
Brothers & Sisters Conference
- FEB 28 | 9:00am – 2:00pm | Bldg 6, Rm 6-202
- Student conference on navigating college
Article by Connor Fitzpatrick