A semi-formal gala headlines CSUMB’s Black History Month

By Walter Ryce

Cal State Monterey Bay’s signature event for Black History Month is the annual All Black Gala, happening at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.

It’s an all-black attire, semi-formal affair that brings together the greater community and the campus community to celebrate Black history, culture and achievement, and to foster community and belonging. 

Another aim – new this year – is to raise money for the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence, in honor of its namesake community leader and educator, who died last November. The gala is free for students and $20 for everyone else. There are also sponsorship and donation opportunities on the All Black Gala web page. 

The two-hour program provides a chance to dress up, mingle and connect in a friendly atmosphere, while enjoying a baked chicken or vegetarian dinner and hearing from keynote speaker Phillip Agnew.

Agnew is an educator, writer, trainer, strategist and co-founder of Dream Defenders and Black Men Build. He was named one of the 100 most influential African Americans in the nation by EBONY magazine and The Root. 

This year’s gala theme is “Still We Rise: Resistance, Resilience, and Reclamation.” The event previously was held in the Otter Student Union, but due to its growth in popularity — it sold out the last two years, and attracts many elected officials — it’s been moved this year to the larger University Center. 

The event is co-organized by the Helen Rucker Center, Associated Students of CSUMB and the Otter Cross-Cultural Center.

Tori Mills is coordinator for the Helen Rucker Center, as well as staff advisor for Black Students United and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“The thing I like about the All Black Gala is being able to be in community,” Mills said. “It is like a family reunion. I also appreciate the way we are able to celebrate our students, staff and community members, and honor all of their hard work with awards.”

More information can be found on the All Black Gala web page. 

Other CSUMB Black History Month events include: 

• A screening and discussion of the 1992 Spike Lee film “Malcolm X,” starring Denzel Washington, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence
• Screenings and discussion of Spike Lee’s three-part “Come Hell and High Water,” about Hurricane Katrina’s effects on New Orleans residents, 1 - 3 p.m. Feb. 11, 18 and 25, at the Helen Rucker Center
• A special dinner inspired by African, Caribbean and soul food, accompanied by a performance by local band Ashe, 5 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the dining commons 
• A Red Cross blood drive and information sharing in support of those living with sickle cell anemia, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the University Center