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 on remarkable achievements in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and beyond.

Highlights:

  • Exploring the Stars: Enjoy a special screening of National Geographic's "The Space Race," followed by an enriching discussion panel featuring SpaceX astronaut, artist and geologist Dr. Sian Proctor; Mera Burton; and alumna Zephanii Smith Eisenstat '15.
  • Theatrical Brilliance:  Experience Sankofa Theare Company’s powerful performance of "Death of a Salesman" presented by the renowned Sanfoka Theatre Company.
  • Community and Wellness: Join us at a community health fair, generously sponsored by the Abbott Foundation, focusing on health and wellness in our community.
  • Celebrity Wine Tasting: Engage in a unique wine tasting event and discussion with Dusty Baker, a celebrated former Major League Baseball player and manager.
  • Cinematic Excellence: Attend the screening of "Complexity," a compelling film directed by Cleve Brown '18. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Stockton's own Brandon Leake, the acclaimed "America’s Got Talent" champion.

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.

Dusty Baker
Wine Tasting and Discussion
Dusty Baker

Join us in Sacramento on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the incredible achievements of baseball legend Dusty Baker. John Adams '07 will moderate a discussion with Baker, a former professional baseball outfielder, manager in Major League Baseball and owner of Baker Family Wines. The event is being hosted by the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

Film & Discussion
Afternoon with an Astronaut

Join us at the Janet Leigh Theatre on Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. for an exclusive pre-release screening of "The Space Race," followed by a conversation with trailblazing SpaceX astronaut, afrofuturism artist and geologist Dr. Sian Proctor—the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft. This compelling film narrates the journeys of pioneering Black astronauts who overcame the barriers of social injustice to make monumental strides in space exploration. In addition to "The Space Race," we will be previewing NASA's "The Color of Space" series. 

This screening and discussion session is a collaborative effort between University of the Pacific, National Geographic Documentary Films and NASA’s DEIA Outreach and Initiatives Office. Don't miss this chance to delve into the inspiring stories of Black astronauts and their profound impact on society: past, present and future. 

The Space Race
Brandon Leake
Film & Discussion
Complexity

"Complexity," an award-winning film directed by Cleve Brown '18 and starring Stockton native and "America’s Got Talent" champion Brandon Leake, will be screened at the Janet Leigh Theatre on Feb. 17 at 3 p.m.

A discussion with Brown and Leake will follow the screening. Topics will include the process of making the film, mending the divide between police and citizens impacted by police brutality and healing social divisions in a nation deeply impacted by gun violence. There will be an opportunity for audience questions.

Community Health Fair

Faculty and students from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy will facilitate a comprehensive, service-based health fair at Victory In Praise Church in Stockton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m on Feb. 24. Services provided include blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes testing and immunizations. Blood pressure machines and diabetes monitors will also be provided while supplies last.