All Black Gala
February 7, 2026, 4:00pm — 6:00pm
University Center Auditorium
4314 6th Ave, Seaside, CA 93955
The All Black Gala is a dress-up affair! The event is an all black attire affair that celebrates Black history and the immense diversity of Black culture, brilliance, and lived experiences. Created through a partnership from the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence, Associated Students of CSUMB, and the Otter Cross Cultural Center, the aim of this event is to foster a sense of belonging and to cultivate community with various campus populations in order to address campus retention, progression, and graduation. By bringing together students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members, this event offers opportunities to build networks, learn from one another, and participate in critical and contemporary discussions that impact society.
The All Black Gala also celebrates our local history and leaders through our Awards Ceremony that celebrates Black Excellence exemplified by students, staff, and community members. A special keynote address will be given by Dr. Lori Patton Davis, Professor in the Education and Leadership Department at UCLA. If you are unable to attend, but still wish to contribute, please consider making a donation using the link below. All proceeds raised at the event will benefit the activities of the Helen Rucker Center and Black student success.
This years theme is "Still We Rise: Resistance, Resilience, and Reclamation." The celebrates the power, brilliance, and legacy of Black communities past, present, and future. Join us as Together, we will gather in unity and elegance to uplift, remember, and affirm that—still—we rise.
RSVP required. All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin are welcome. Parking permits are required. Parking passes will be provided to guests who RSVP. Semi-formal attire atmosphere.
Register for All Black Gala 2026
2026 All Black Gala Keynote Speaker: Phillip Agnew, Co-Director, Black Men Build
Phillip Agnew grew up as the oldest of four boys in the West Englewood neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. He is a co-founder of both Dream Defenders and Black Men Build, where he currently serves as Co-Director. A nationally recognized educator, strategist, writer, trainer, speaker, and cultural critic, Phillip has dedicated his life to organizing and empowering
Black communities.
He first found his voice as a student leader at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he helped organize the Student Coalition for Justice in response to the killing of Martin Lee Anderson at a Bay County Boot Camp. The coalition united students from FAMU, Florida State University, and Tallahassee Community College. In 2012, Phillip co-founded Dream Defenders, a statewide organization that gained national prominence following the killing of Trayvon Martin. His leadership has earned him recognition as “one of this generation’s leading voices,” and he was named one of the 100 most influential African Americans in the nation by EBONY magazine and The Root.
In 2019, Phillip joined the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign as a National Surrogate and was later named a Senior Advisor. He is the immediate past Co-Director of Black Men Build, which leads efforts to bring Black men into the movement for racial, social, and gender justice, equipping them with the tools to become a powerful political force. A proud graduate of Florida A&M University, Phillip is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
We look forward to learning from Phillip Agnew and his expertise on working with Black youth.
2023 All Black Gala Photo Album 2023 All Black Gala Photo Booth Photo Album
Past Speakers:
- 2017: Dr. Angela Davis
- 2018: Shaun King
- 2019: Mike Brown Sr. & Dr. David Ragland
- 2020: Kevin Willmott
- 2021: Dr. Brittney Cooper
- 2022: Dr. Brian Corpening with special performance by Daniel Summerhill
- 2023: Dr. Calvin Mackie
- 2024: George “Conscious” Lee Jr
- 2025: Dr. Lori Patton Davis