CSUMB’s Black History Month ends on a high note

By Walter Ryce

Cal State Monterey Bay’s version of Black History Month has screened the films “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and Spike Lee’s “School Daze,” turned the Otter Student Union Ballroom into a roller skate party, and served up traditional Black Southern food at the Dining Commons. 

And there’s more to come. 

The headline event is the All Black Gala, so named because attendees are encouraged to dress in black formal wear for the occasion, which begins at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Otter Student Union Ballroom. But it’s not a stuffy affair. 

There will be food and drink, a photo booth, speeches and conversation, with students emceeing the entire program with youthful energy. And a high-powered speaker, Dr. Lori Patton-Davis, is on tap for a keynote. 

“The All Black Gala committee [seeks] a thought-provoking, meaningful, and relevant message that resonates,” said committee member and director for Teaching, Learning and Assessment, Vivian Waldrup Patterson. “Dr. Lori Patton-Davis rose to the top primarily because, in these politically challenging times, she is fearlessly brave.” 

It’s such a popular event that it’s sold out this year, but organizers are considering an even bigger venue next year. 

After the gala, three consecutive and very different events will bring the month to a close. 

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, there is a screening of the film “La Suprema” in the west lounge of Redwood Hall (formerly Student Center, Bldg 12). It follows the Spanish-speaking, Afro-Colombian residents of a remote town in the Caribbean region of Colombia who want to watch a world title boxing match that a former resident is competing in. But they have no electricity or TV so they have to get resourceful. 

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Black History Month committee and the Campus Health Center are partnering on a combination blood drive and sickle cell awareness event, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Redwood Hall. To donate blood, RSVP here. 

The final event of the month is the Black History Month Celebration, 12 - 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the Rookery on the top floor of the Otter Student Union. It will feature an exhibition co-curated by the Visual and Public Art department and the Helen Rucker Center, with a Waffle Roost food truck parked nearby.