The theme of Black History Month (BHM) 2023 is Black Resistance, recognizing how African Americans have resisted historical and ongoing opression in all forms and continue to advocate for a dignified, self-determined life in a democratic society in the United States and beyond. Learn more at the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) website.

 

Wednesday, February 1

Monday, February 6

Sanfoka Film Festival: Maya Angelou, And Still I Rise
6 p.m.
Peters Business Building – Alice Peters Auditorium (UBC 191)
Hosted by Africana Studies
Free film screening that celebrated the amazing life of the exuberant and inspiring Dr. Maya Angelou.

Tuesday, February 7

African American Student Leadership Conference
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fresno Convention Center – New Exhbit Hall
Hosted by Fresno County of Office of Education
Conference addressing the critical components that surround the many dimensions of leadership for high school students. Registration and addtional information is available on the conference website.

Thursday, February 9

Celebrating 50+ Years of Black Studies with California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber
6 p.m.
Student Recreation Center – Leon S. and Pete P. Peters Educational Center (PEC)
Hosted by Africana Studies
Dr. Shirley Weber is a former San Diego assemblyperson from San Diego with over 40 years of Black studies teaching experience at San Diego State. Come hear Dr. Weber share her experience, strength, vision and history for the 50th anniversary of Black studies in academic institutional spaces.

Saturday, February 11

United Through Our History
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Hosted by Friends of Allensworth and California State Parks
Celebrate and preserve the history of Allensworth! Visitors are welcome to tour the park's historic buildings and enjoy live entertainment, music and food.

Monday, February 13

Sanfoka Film Festival: One Night in Miami
6 p.m.
Alice Peters Auditorium (UBC 191)
Hosted by Africana Studies
Free screening of the 2020 film based on the night of Feb. 25, 1964, in Miami, Cassius Clay joins Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcolm X, as discuss the responsibility of being successful Black men during the Civil Rights Movement.

Monday, February 20

Sanfoka Film Festival: The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
6 p.m.
Alice Peters Auditorium (UBC 191)
Hosted by Africana Studies
Free screening of Stanley Nelson's documentary about the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party, one of the 20th century's most alluring and controversial organizations that captivated the world's attention for nearly 50 years.

Tuesday, February 21

Mardi Gras Amazing Race featuring the New University Diversity Officer
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Starting Location: Between University Center and the USU
Hosted by Africana Studies
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a race across campus to decode a message. Meet Dr. Rashanda Booker, the new University Diversity Officer at the end of the race. Random drawing for prizes to determine "top" teams!

Wednesday, February 22

Black History Month Block Party
3 to 6 p.m.
Resnick Student Union – Leon S. Peters Outdoor Event Plaza
Hosted by Spotlight Events
Community-oriented celebration featuring Black-owned businesses, entertainment, free food and on- and off-campus resources!

Thursday, February 23

Sanibonani Open Mic Night – Be Bold. Be Heard. Be Unapologetically You!
6 p.m.
Fresno State Library – Ellipse Gallery (2nd Floor)
Hosted by Africana Studies
Join our Sanibonani open mic night for poets, writers and musicians at the Vintage Room!

Sunday, February 26

Super Sunday
Start time and venues vary – find your local location for information!
Hosted by the African American Initiative
Annual event promoting higher education opportunities within the CSU by Black students, alumni, faculty and staff. Collaboration with Fresno County Office of Education and Clovis Unified School District.

 

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About Black History Month

Historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson conceived of a week in February to promote awareness of African American contributions to society. First hosted in 1926, the movement spurned educational and cultural events and efforts within the United States. In 1976, the celebration expanded to a month-long period and President Gerald. R. Ford implored the nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”