Join Us to Celebrate Black History Month
This February, we invite you to participate in a series of engaging and insightful events commemorating Black History Month. Our focus this year is centered around the topic of freedom of expression.
Highlights:
- Cinematic Excellence: An evening with legendary actor Giancarlo Esposito, who stars in the new film, Captain America: Brave New World. He will discuss his journey through the entertainment industry and his keys to reaching success in work and in life.
- Musical Brilliance: Pacific’s acclaimed Chamber Orchestra led by Guest Conductor, Michael Alexander and featuring Conservatory of Music Professor Brittany Trotter (flute) will perform various works including Symphony No. 1 (1930), titled “Afro-American Symphony”, composed by William Grant Still. Still is often referred to as “the Dean of Afro-American Composers.”
- Legal Legacy: McGeorge School of Law’s Black Student Law Association (BLSA) pays tribute the legendary Nathaniel Colley, the first African-American lawyer in the City of Sacramento.
- Community and Wellness: Join us at a community health fair, generously sponsored by the Abbott Foundation, focusing on health and wellness in our community.
- Engaging Conversation: An interactive discussion led by Lisa Lovett, host of the hit podcast, Seasoned Dialogue that will include performance of Lovett’s poetry and spoken word pieces.
These events are designed to celebrate, educate, and inspire by highlighting the diverse and significant contributions of Black individuals in our communities and the world. We look forward to sharing these experiences with you and honoring the rich heritage and enduring impact of Black history and culture.
February 18
Giancarlo Esposito
Join us in Stockton for a moderated discussion with Emmy® nominated film, television and stage actor, director and producer, Giancarlo Esposito, known for his roles in “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul” and “The Mandalorian," and soon to be released Marvel movie "Captain America: Brave New World." He will discuss his journey to become more than just a “working” actor, but a quality thespian, despite the standard industry hurdles many people of color face while trying to break into “the industry.” He will also speak candidly about embracing the various aspects of his bi-racial and acting identities and discuss how loving what you do for a living can help launch a successful career. Esposito will speak on February 18, 2025, 7 p.m., at the Faye Spanos Concert Hall on Pacific’s Stockton campus.
February 12
Conservatory of Music’s Chamber Orchestra
Join us in Stockton on Feb 12 at 7 p.m. when Pacific’s Conservatory of Music’s Chamber Orchestra, led by guest conductor Michael Alexander from University of Wisconsin Green Bay, will perform works by Jennifer Higdon, Alberto Ginastera, Carlos Simon and William Grant Still. Pacific’s Dr. Brittany Trotter will perform as concerto soloist in Simon’s Movements for Flute and Orchestra. Simon holds the Composer Chair with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is composer-in-residence with the Kennedy Center. The concert will conclude with William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1 (1930), titled “Afro-American Symphony.” Still is widely regarded as the "Dean of Afro-American Composers.”
February 13
The Time is Now: Honoring the Legal Legend and Black Pioneer Nathaniel Colley
Join us in Sacramento on Feb 13 at 6:00 p.m. when the McGeorge School of Law and the Sacramento Center for Inclusion and Diversity will present, “The Time is Now: Honoring the Legal Legend and Black Pioneer Nathaniel Colley” in the Lecture Hall. This discussion highlights Colley’s accomplishments and impact as the first African-American lawyer in Sacramento. This event will be facilitated by the Black Student Law Association (BLSA).
February 22
Community Health Fair
Faculty and students from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy will facilitate a comprehensive, service-based health fair at Progressive Community Church in Stockton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb 22. Services provided include blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes testing and immunizations. Blood pressure machines and diabetes monitors will also be provided while supplies last.
February 24
Lisa-Marie Lovett
An interactive discussion with acclaimed poet and host of the hit podcast Seasoned Dialogue, Lisa-Marie Lovett, will be held on February 24 at 7 p.m. in the DeRosa University Center Ballroom. Although a self-professed introvert, Lovett has found a way to step out of her comfort zone and embrace the discomfort of having the world listening to her every word. She will discuss what her journey has been like so far and share some words of encouragement, inspiration and advice for members navigating through life opportunities and challenges.
