SDSU celebrates 'African Americans and Labor' during Black History Month

San Diego State University’s Black Resource Center (BRC), in partnership with multiple campus organizations, invites the community to a monthlong celebration of Black history, culture and contributions. This year’s theme, "African Americans and Labor," highlights the role of Black workers in shaping American society.

“This theme focuses on the various and profound ways that work—whether free or unfree, skilled or unskilled, vocational or voluntary—intersects with the collective experiences of Black people,” wrote Christopher Manning, vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, in an email to the SDSU community. “In addition, the national theme helps us remember the significance of Black labor in building industry, community, and civil rights, both historically and today.”

SDSU’s Department of Africana Studies is among the various groups hosting a number of campus events. The department will be highlighting the unique contributions of African Americans to American culture and society through its two-day Black Classic Film Festival and three part lecture series.

“With some of our campus partners, we will share important topics and events that expand knowledge and understanding of Black culture and heritage for our students,” said Adisa Alkebulan, associate professor in Africana Studies.

Alkebulan and his department’s partners will kick off the festivities on Feb. 3 with SDSU’s Black History Month Opening Ceremony at the Africana Studies Collection in Love Library, followed by the "What is Black History?" lecture.

Throughout the month, events will explore Black history, culture and scholarship, beginning Feb. 5 with a presentation on the archaeology of Nathan Harrison, who was born a slave in Kentucky then later became a Palomar Mountain homesteader. He is now recognized as one of San Diego's earliest Black pioneers. 

On Feb. 6, Black artistry takes center stage at Black, Culture, Art & Soul, an evening of live music, spoken word, and cuisine. Feb. 7 brings Paint Talks: Black Love, an opportunity for artistic expression and community building.

Students can expand their professional networks at the BRC Career Fair Feb. 21 and celebrate the legacy of Black cinema at the Black Classic Film Festival Feb. 21-22.

The celebration concludes Feb. 28 with the Black Research Symposium and the BRC Birthday Celebration.

For a full list of events, visit the BRC’s event website and follow @sdsubrc on Instagram. Additional information is available via email at [email protected].

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

Feb. 3: The Black History Month Opening Ceremony, hosted by the Department of Africana Studies, begins at 3 p.m. at the Africana Studies Collection, 3rd floor, Love Library. 

Feb. 3: The “What is Black History” Lecture, hosted by the Department of Africana Studies, will be held 4-5 p.m. at the Africana Studies Collection, 3rd floor, Love Library. 

Feb. 5: Black History Month Lecture Series Part 1, hosted by the Department of Africana Studies, will be held at 3 p.m. at 201 Arts & Letters. Archaeology of Nathan Harrison will be presented by Seth Mallios, University History Curator and professor of anthropology.  

Feb. 6: Women of Color Empowerment Group, hosted by the Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center (BRC), will be held 5:30-7 p.m. at the BRC. Be part of a drop-in group and experience an event designed to affirm, uplift and empower women of color while addressing mental well-being and navigating intersectional identities.

Feb. 6: Black, Culture, Art & Soul, hosted by the BRC, will be held at 6 p.m. at Scripps Cottage, featuring a presentation of Black arts including live music, food, and spoken word.

Feb. 7: Paint Talks: Black Love, hosted by the BRC, begins at 5 p.m. and will be facilitated by BRC student assistants. This event provides an opportunity to connect with others, explore artistic expression and build community through painting.

Feb. 12: Black History Month Lecture Series Part II, hosted by the Department of African Studies, will be held at 3 p.m. at 201 Arts and Letters. Asfaw Beyene, SDSU professor of mechanical engineering will be discussing the Cushitic Calendar.  

Feb. 12: Dance with the Diamonds, will be held at 4 p.m. in the BRC backyard. All are invited to learn new and classic line dances.

Feb. 20: Black History Month Lecture Series Part III, hosted by the Department of Africana Studies, will be held 3 p.m. at 201 Arts and Letters. Kishauna Soljour, an assistant professor specializing in Public Humanities and African Diaspora Studies, will be the featured speaker.

Feb. 21: Black Classic Film Festival (Day 1), hosted by the Department of Africana Studies), will be held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Montezuma Theater featuring a showcase of classic Black films. 

Feb. 21: The Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center Career Fair will be held at noon at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center and is an opportunity for students to network with industry leaders and strengthen one’s professional development.

Feb. 22: The Black Classic Film Festival (Day 2), hosted by the Department of Africana Studies, will be held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Montezuma Theater. 

Feb. 28: The Black Research Symposium will be held noon-2 p.m. at the Africana Studies Collection, 3rd floor, Love Library. The event is a showcase of scholarship by students, faculty and staff relating to Black History Month’s 2025 national theme and the Africana phenomena.

Feb. 28: The Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center (BRC) Birthday Celebration will be held 4-5 p.m at the BRC.