In celebration of Black Liberation Month, the Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence is coordinating several on- and off-campus events with partners campuswide to celebrate Black history. Activities will feature a dance workshop, speakers, movie screenings, games, workshops, paddling, and more.
Black Liberation Month spotlights Black culture. According to the Umoja Center, this year’s theme is #KuumbaforLiberation—Kuumba is the Swahili term for creativity, which guides the Center’s ongoing work.
“Events for Black Liberation Month 2023 are designed to intellectually, artistically and communally stimulate Kuumba in our students and community,” Douglas Smith, Umoja Center Coordinator says.
“We are excited to kick off the month with guest speaker and Cal Poly Humboldt alumnus Jordan McGowan, who has been a key contributor to the development of the thriving Black community in Sacramento,” he adds. “From kayaking to academic and dance workshops that celebrate culture, to guest speakers such as activist Akemi Kochiyama, who will explore the history of Black and Asian solidarity, the Umoja Center is looking forward to sharing the month with our campus and local communities.”
Black Liberation Month Events
Friday, Feb. 3
5 p.m.
Nelson Hall East, Goodwin Forum RM 102
The month of events kicks off with a screening of “The Living Legacy of the Black Panther Party,” a docu-series directed by Jordan McGowan, Cal Poly Humboldt alum and CEO of an organization that works toward Black Liberation, the Neighbor Program, and colleagues including Melissa Charles. A workshop and discussion about the legacy of the Black Panther Party and how the Neighbor Program builds upon it will follow.
8 p.m.
Gutswurrak Student Activities Center
A viewing of the award-winning film “King Richard.”
Sunday, Feb. 5
11-3p.m.
Big Lagoon
Black to the Land: Paddle Out event in Big Lagoon. Lunch is provided, but space is limited—register in person at the Umoja Center located at Nelson Hall East 206 or via email umoja@humboldt.edu.
Monday, Feb. 6
4 p.m.
Library, RM 209
Afro-Rithms: From the Future Game . According to the Umoja Center, this is a “storytelling exploration game that bridges science fiction with issues of racial justice and historical truths to reinterpret Africana and Indigenous ancestral intelligence.”
Tuesday, Feb. 7
5 p.m.
The Great Hall (CCC RM 260)
Leveraging our Ancestral Intelligence with Afrofuturism: Searching for our Undiscovered Stories with the Megascope will focus on Afrofuturism, which combines science fiction and fantasy.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
5:30 p.m.
The Great Hall (CCC RM 206)
Join actress and founder of the Black Latina Movement, Crystal Ramon, for Afro Latinx Dialogue Part II: Beauty, Double Standards, and Appropriation in Afro-Latinx Culture.
Thursday, Feb. 9
5 p.m.
Nelson Hall East RM 106
Screening of an episode of “Proud Family” that highlights the seven pillars of Nguzo Saba, followed by a discussion.
Friday, Feb. 10
8 p.m.
Gutswurrak Student Activities Center Lounge
Screening of “Get Out.”
Saturday, Feb. 11
5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Lumberjack Arena
Cheer on the women and men’s basketball teams as they take on CSU Dominguez Hills. Black faculty and staff will be recognized at halftime.
Wednesday Feb. 15
5-6:30 p.m.
Siemens Hall RM 120
Black Media Digest event will discuss Black media.
Saturday Feb. 18
Noon-3 p.m.
Kinesiology and Athletics RM 202A
Celebrate Black excellence at the Black Women Empowerment Workshop where attendees will learn a choreographed routine to Beyonce’s “Brown Skin Girl,” followed by a discussion and free dinner to follow at Mothers Cooking at Northtown Coffee in Arcata.
Sunday Feb. 19
11-3 p.m.
Big Lagoon
Black to the Land: Paddle Out event at Big Lagoon. Lunch is provided, but space is limited—register in person at the Umoja Center located at Nelson Hall East 206 or via email umoja@humboldt.edu.
Wednesday Feb. 22
5:30 p.m.
The Great Hall (CCC 260)
The Black and Asian Solidarity event will feature a discussion with Akemi Kochiyama, granddaughter of civil right activist Yuri Kochiyama.
Thursday Feb. 23
8 p.m.
Gutswurrak Student Activities Center South Lounge
It’s ‘90s Karaoke Night. Come dressed on theme and get ready to pay tribute to Black musicians.
For more information or for a downloadable calendar of Black Liberation Month events, contact the Umoja Center at (707) 826-4588, or visit Nelson Hall East 206 or umoja.humboldt.edu/black-liberation-month