CSUB celebrates Black History Month virtually in February

Black Faculty and Staff Association organize events to commemorate the month

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 3^rd, 2021

As the nation celebrates Black History Month and recognizes those who have paved the way for our country, California State University, Bakersfield also would like to take the time to pause and reflect on those who have changed the world.

Michelle Obama once said, “There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much history yet to be made.” The quote is fitting as this year’s theme for CSUB’s celebration is “Year of the Black Woman.

“It is always said that history repeats itself. Blacks are feeling that now more than ever. The difference now, is that finally the world is acknowledging how dynamic the Black lineage is, how phenomenal Black women are, and how Blacks have and will continue with fervor to contribute to the advancement of our nation, our world. You better recognize,” said Tamar Anthony, co-chair, CSUB Black Faculty and Staff Association.

CSUB celebrates Black History Month virtually in February

Black History Month will officially commence on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m., with the first event of “What They Didn’t Teach You in History Class,” organized by the Black Faculty and Staff Association. It falls in line with the theme for the first week, which is “Black History, Education and Social Justice.”

Each week will address a different theme, or aspect, of Black History Month or Black culture. The weeks will go as follows:

Week two: Black Mental Wholeness;
Week three: Black Popular Culture; and
Week four: The Strength of the Black Voice

“Black History Month represents the acknowledgement of contributions past and present of those of African descent, particularly in the United States. From slavery to white supremacy to discrimination and social injustice, African Americans continue to rise against the odds set before them. Without Black History Month, many Black accomplishments and pioneering firsts would not be known. Many unique topics that concern the Black community may not be discussed,” said Darius Riggins, director, Department of Outreach and Recruitment.

The annual Unity Breakfast and Awards will take place on Friday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. Again, this year’s event will take place via Zoom and will still offer guest speakers.

During the week of Black Popular Culture, events will include panels on “Race, Gender and Bias in Medicine: Experiences and Insights,” a presentation by Royal Crowns featuring Black hairstyles and headwraps and A Night with Amanda Seales, actress, singer, comedian and activist.

This month’s Brown Bag Discussion will also be a discussion on Black Superheroes, honoring the life of the late Chadwick Boseman with a tribute.

Other events during the week will include:

Thursday, Feb. 18 – Expression Nights – Active Mic: Mental Health Through Music via Instagram live – 7 p.m.;
Thursday, Feb. 18 – Black Women Authors, a Walter W. Stiern Library Exhibit; and
Friday, Feb. 19 – Black Women Authors with guest speaker, Terry McLenahan at 6 p.m.

The last week of Black History Month will feature the “Strength of the Black Voice” with a panel about Kern County’s Racial Climate, Black Economics with CSUB Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. Niyakundi Michieka on Monday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m., and Building Bridges, a community conversation.

The month of festivities will conclude with the CSU systemwide African-American initiative. Leaders from participating campuses, including CSUB, visit various churches from the African-American communities in Bakersfield. This year, due to COVID-19, leaders will send in video messages to the congregations to encourage and plant the seed for higher education.

In these unprecedented times, it’s important to come together in unity and celebrate those who have come before.

“This is a time for all who have an affinity toward the Black community to come together to remember the past, acknowledge the present and look forward toward the future. It is only by respecting one another and working together with all peoples can we move forward as ‘one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all,’” added Riggins.