CSUSB kicks off Black History Month with celebration of culture and community

CSUSB's annual Black History Month (BHM) celebration will offer a variety of events at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses that highlight the culture, achievements and contributions of the African American community, while recognizing the trailblazers who have paved the way both past and present.

This year’s theme, "The power of Black labor: Building wealth and shaping America," will highlight the profound and diverse ways work has intersected with the collective experiences of Black people.

The campus community is invited to attend the Black History Month opening ceremony that will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) North patio; the event will be moved indoors to the SMSU North Conference Center if inclement weather occurs.

Attendees will enjoy music from a DJ, as well as a spoken word performance at noon. Soul food and traditional meals will be provided at the event, which will be catered by two Black-owned restaurants. Hosted by the Black History Month committee, the opening ceremony will be an opportunity to learn about this year’s Black History Month theme, the upcoming BHM events at CSUSB, and the importance and history of the celebration.

Throughout the month, there will be events and activities that promote camaraderie, showcase Black culture and art, and celebrate the diversity that makes up the Coyote family.

The monthlong festivities will culminate with the annual Pioneer Breakfast, set for Feb. 28 from 9-11 a.m., in the SMSU North, second floor. A premier event for the campus and community during CSUSB’s Black History Month celebration, the Pioneer Breakfast attracts distinguished community leaders, political figures and alumni. The longtime campus tradition also serves as a fundraiser for student scholarships.

For more information and to get the full list of events, visit the Black History Month website.