All Black Gala
February 23, 2025, 4:00pm — 6:00pm
OSU Ballroom
5118 Inter-Garrison Road., Seaside, CA 93955
The All Black Gala is a formal event 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.
RSVP required. Parking permits are required. Parking passes will be provided to guests who RSVP. Semi-formal attire atmosphere.
Register for All Black Gala 2025
2025 All Black Gala Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lori Patton Davis
"Is Black History Month Dead?: Reflections on Black Life in the Anti-DEI Era"
Lori Patton Davis, Ph.D. is the Heyman Endowed Chair and Faculty Director of the UCLA Educational Leadership Program. Dr. Patton Davis is one of the most highly respected, accomplished, and influential scholars in the field of higher education. Her work challenges higher education to acknowledge, examine, and deconstruct the systems of oppression that are embedded within our institutions. Her work is grounded in critical race theory, Black feminist thought and intersectionality. Dr. Patton Davis’ scholarship focuses on student development theory and practice; intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation among college students; African American educational experiences with a focus on Black women; and cultural centers. “Education Week” named her among the top 200 educators in the country and “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education” honored her as one of the top 35 women influencing higher education.
Dr. Patton Davis was the first Black woman to serve as the president of the Association for the Study of Higher Education. She has served as an advisor to university presidents and other senior administrators, philanthropic foundation executives, culture center directors, and educators in urban K-12 schools. She is the lead author of “Student Development in College,” the most widely-adopted publication by student affairs graduate programs across the country-meaning that she is one of the most influential voices in developing higher education practitioners.
In a time when the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is under unprecedented attack, Black History Month takes on new significance and urgency. Dr. Patton Davis' keynote challenges the prevailing narratives that seek to diminish or erase Black contributions to society, while offering a powerful reflection on the resilience and brilliance of Black life. As we reflect on the complexities of Black life in the Anti-DEI era, this address seeks to inspire a renewed commitment to justice, innovation, and the unwavering belief that Black people are not only deserving of equity but are the architects of their own future.
We look forward to learning from Dr. Patton Davis and her expertise on best practices, how we can positively impact the experiences of our Black students on our campus, and how we can continue to implement Black student success initiatives.
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