This year the City of Arcata is recognizing the Center’s impactful work with a special proclamation. To mark this honor, a celebration and kick-off event will take place at the Gutswarrak Student Activity Center on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. The event, featuring a Black Community Mixer, invites students to connect with Umoja Center staff while enjoying food, music, and games, and building meaningful connections.
This year’s theme is Black & Better Than Ever.
“Black folks, especially Black-Americans, carry a legacy of consistently beating the odds. Black Liberation Month, more commonly known as Black History Month, is a time for our ancestors to be honored through remembrance of their sacrifices, their struggle, and most importantly their triumph,” says Alexus Harrelle Deshazier, Umoja Center coordinator.
“For this year’s theme and calendar of events, there is a special focus on centering the celebration and recognition of this triumph,” Deshazier adds. “For example, our Black Humboldt Alumni Panel features four Black-identified alumni of Cal Poly Humboldt, and will focus on discussing their own success in their chosen career paths, and how their own identities and experience have helped shape their chosen pathways. I’m incredibly proud of our event line-up this year and look forward to celebrating Black Liberation Month with the Cal Poly Humboldt on- and off-campus community.”
Black Liberation Month events are presented with support by campus and community partners, including the Umoja Center, Black Humboldt, Outdoor Adventures, the Sustainable Humboldt Innovative Futures Trust, and Athletics.
In addition to the kick-off and mixer event, the celebration also includes:
The People’s Mic Poetry Night
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m.
Gutswarrak Student Activities Center
Local performers from throughout the community will share their art in an open-mic style format.
Black Humboldt Alumni Panel
Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m.
Native American Forum (BSS 162)
The panel will include four Cal Poly Humboldt alumni from different career fields who will share their experiences at Humboldt.
Black Culture Trivia Night
Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.
Gutswarrak Student Activities Center
Umoja Center students and staff host trivia centered on Black culture.
Black to the Land: Paddle Out
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center
Explore Humboldt by kayak, in collaboration with Black Humboldt and the Outdoor Adventures.
Karaoke Night: Umoja Takeover
Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
Gutswarrak Student Activities Center
Karaoke night that centers on Black singers, songwriters, and musicians.
Afro-Latinx Cultural Food/Cooking
Friday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.
Food Sovereignty Lab
Members of Mother’s Cooking Experience and The Ville Co. will prepare Soul Food Tacos. Space is limited and students must register here in advance.
Melanin Thursday
Thursday, Feb. 27 at noon
University Quad
Green and Gold celebrations in the University Quad with members of the Umoja Center.
Blackout Basketball Game + Black Staff and Faculty Recognition Night
Thursday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Lumberjack Arena
The Lumberjacks face off against Chico State. Halftime shows will recognize Black faculty and staff.
For more information including a list of events and locations, visit humboldt.edu/umoja/events