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| A gospel choir performs during Opening Ceremonies for Black History Month in 2005. |
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| A student protrays King Mansa Musa during the Kings and Queens Pageant, part of Black History Month in 2004. |
President Barack Obama made history when he was inaugurated into office as the nation's first African American president. Black History Month at Cal Poly Pomona will certainly reflect that milestone.
Several campus organizations have lined up a variety of events this month. Each event contributes to the theme, “Embracing Multiculturalism within the Black Community.”
In addition, the theme for the 18th annual Unity Luncheon, “Embracing Change,” was inspired by Obama's historical election.
“The month of February gives our community a chance to show the impact that African Americans have on our daily lives,” says Shelly Bruce, president of the Black Student Union. “It's a fun and educational opportunity to showcase the dynamic talents of so many African American students who are not widely recognized like this so often.”
Most events are free and open to the public. For more information about the events, contact the African American Student Center at (909) 869-5006.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Opening Ceremony
Ursa Major, Bronco Student Center
Noon
Opening ceremonies feature African stilt dancers, drummers, singing and traditional African dancers.
Shades of Queens: Real Connections
Centaurus, Bronco Student Center
7 to 9 p.m.
Members of the Shades of Queens club discuss present-day issues affecting young women.
Thursday, Feb. 5
Passport to the African Diaspora
University Residence Halls (Alamitos, Aliso, Encinitas and Montecito)
6 p.m.
The program explores the ethnic and cultural diversity in the black community by looking at the African influence in various regions of the world. There will be several cultural presentations and activities, including the tasting of regional delicacies.
Sunday, Feb. 8
Alpha Phi Alpha: Miss Black and Gold
Ursa Major, Bronco Student Center
7 to 9 p.m.
African American students showcase their talent and knowledge in this scholarship pageant.
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Beyond Stepping
Ursa Minor, Bronco Student Center
6 to 9 p.m.
African American fraternities and sororities host an open forum to discuss their service work in their local communities.
Thursday, Feb. 12
Langston Hughes Soul Lounge and Dinner
Ursa Major, Bronco Student Center
6 to 9 p.m.
During a dinner reception, students perform various forms of art, such as poetry readings and music, as a tribute to the late James Mercer Langston Hughes. Hughes was an African American poet and novelist prominently known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. Tickets are $10.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Exploring Diversity within the Black Community Gender Discussion
Ursa Minor, Bronco Student Center
Noon
A panel discusses the intersections of gender expression with their culture. A Q&A session will follow.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Appreciation of the Black Woman
Ursa Minor, Bronco Student Center
6 to 9 p.m.
Presented by the National Society of Black Engineers and Omega Phi Psi, participants perform various forms of art as a tribute to African American women.
Thursday, Feb. 19
Kings & Queens Pageant
Ursa Major, Bronco Student Center
Noon
Ethnic and women's studies professor Dr. Toni Humber leads a presentation on the history of African kings and queens.
Multicultural Council Quarterly
Ursa Major, Bronco Student Center
6 to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 22
Delta Sigma Theta: Salute to the Black Man
Ursa Minor, Bronco Student Center
4 to 6 p.m.
Members of the sorority will present awards to outstanding African American male students. They will honor various students who have made an impact on campus and in their local communities.
Friday, Feb. 23
Comedy Night
Ursa Major, Bronco Student Center
6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy stand-up comedy by Hollywood entertainers. A panel Q&A presented by the Black Student Union will follow.
Tuesday, Feb. 24
18th Annual Unity Luncheon
Ursa Major, Bronco Student Center
11:30 a.m.
Inspired by the recent inauguration of President Barack Obama, “Embracing Change” is this year's theme for the Unity Luncheon. The keynote speaker is Dr. Gloria Morrow, one of the nation's leading psychologists. The Unity Luncheon is be under the direction of the Black Faculty & Staff Association. The goal of the event is to unify the campus community, emphasize diversity and raise money for scholarships. Tickets are $15 for faculty and $12 for students.
Jeopardy
Centaurus, Bronco Student Center
6 to 7 p.m.
Just like the game show, students compete against one another in this tournament presented by the National Society of Black Engineers.
Thursday, Feb. 26
Closing Ce
remonies
Cultural Center Patio
Noon
Elders' Reception
Ursa Minor, Bronco Student Center
The annual dinner recognizes elders on campus and in the community.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Black Tour of Los Angeles
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Members of the African American Student Center take a bus tour of historic sites in Los Angeles connected to black history. This is an all-day event. Tickets are $10 and include lunch and transportation.