Recognizing Black History Month

CSUB events planned in February

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 3^rd, 2020

Throughout the month of February, the nation celebrates Black History Month. California State University, Bakersfield also recognizes and continues the tradition through various events and activities for community members, students, staff and faculty.

“CSUB shows its commitment to diversity, multiculturalism and the truth when it celebrates Black History Month. Celebrating Black History Month is exactly what it is – a celebration of the contribution of African Americans in this country and the continuing impact African Americans will have in years to come,” said director of outreach, Darius Riggins.

Black History Month will start with a kick-off on Monday, Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Student Union Patio.

Other upcoming events in recognition of Black History Month include:

Feb. 6: The Fourth Annual Gospel Fest will take place at 6 p.m. in the Icardo Center; Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The event will bring churches from Kern County together with music throughout the night.
Feb. 7: The 5th Annual Unity Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. in the Stockdale Room of the CSUB campus. Dr. Brenda Lewis, associate superintendent of instruction for the Kern High School District is the keynote speaker. The Unity Award will also be presented to a member of our campus community for outstanding contributions in promoting diversity and collaboration.
Feb. 12: Ethics in Leadership – A Conversation with Chief Lyle Martin will take place at 6 p.m. in the Dezember Reading Room, Walter W. Stiern Library.
Feb. 20: Dr. Tracey Salisbury will be this month’s Brown Bag Discussion speaker. It will take place in its usual lunchtime spot at noon in the Stockdale Room of the Runner Café.
Feb. 21: Darius Riggins will provide a presentation about Great Black Athletes, famous athletes of yesterday and today. It will be informative, fun and interactive. There will also be a couple door prizes given away. It will take place in Dorothy Donahoe Hall (DDH), Room 102G.
Feb. 23: CSUB will participate in the CSU Super Sunday event, with nine participating churches this year. Each church is assigned a speaker from our campus community, along with someone in outreach to provide information about CSUB to potential students and parents. Speakers will include: Dr. Lynnette Zelezny, Dr. Vernon Harper, Darius Riggins, Dr. Thomas Wallace, Dr. Markel Quarles, Dr. Tracey Salisbury, Dr. Nyakundi Micheika, Coach Greg McCall and EJ Callahan.
Feb. 25: Darius Riggins will give another presentation about famous black athletes, 6 p.m. at the CAIN AME Church (630 California Avenue, 661-325-9224).
Feb. 28: The Black History Month Parade at 10 a.m., beginning on 21st & V Street.

The last week of February will coincide with Homecoming festivities, including the Homecoming BBQ Kick-Off at 1 p.m. on Feb. 24, the Alumni Rising Runner Luncheon on Feb. 28 and the main event of the Homecoming BBQ and men’s basketball game (vs New Mexico State) on Saturday, Feb. 29.