University of the Pacific's annual Black History Month celebration involves a number of activities that honor the history and heritage of African-Americans and the African Diaspora. University of the Pacific's Black History Month Planning Committee presents the 2023 Black History Month Celebration.

The events calendar includes our featured speakers: LaRussell -independent hip-hop artist and entrepreneur from the San Francisco Bay Area; and former NBA star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, featured in the documentary, “Stand” premiering on Showtime February 3; a virtual panel discussion led by Vice-President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Professor or Communication Dr. Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi; book reading and discussion about Black history and theater with author/Professor Macelle Mahala; and a variety of discussion and events hosted by the Center for Identity and Inclusion. A Community Health Fair, sponsored by Abbott Fund, Future Well Communities (little "TM" symbol) will be held at Progressive Community Church in Stockton. Faculty and students from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy will facilitate this comprehensive, service-based health fair. Services provided include free health screenings and COVID-19 vaccinations. McGeorge School of Law will host its annual Diversity Week February 6-10.

  • Download full 2023 Pacific BHM calendar: (jpg) | (pdf)
Mahmoud Abdul Rauf
Mahmoud Abdul Rauf

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf will be in conversation with Pacific Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Leonard Perry, on February 21, 2023, 7:00 p.m. at Faye Spanos Concert Hall. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is an activist and former NBA star whose life journey will be shared in the Showtime documentary, “Stand”, premiering February 3. An author of his own story published by Kaepernick Publishing, “In the Blink of an Eye: An Autobiography”, he continues to fight for justice. Abdul-Rauf first came to public attention as a Louisiana State University freshman sensation then named Chris Jackson. Despite having Tourette’s syndrome, he went pro after his sophomore year, was picked third in 1990 by the Denver Nuggets, and converted to Islam. The event is free and open to the public. 

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An Evening with LaRussell

LaRussell is an an independent hip-hop artist and entrepreneur from the San Francisco Bay Area. He will be speaking at DeRosa University Center on February 10, 2023, 7:00 p.m. The lecture is free, but seating is limited. : LaRussell's musical journey began as a child writing raps with his older sister to spending most of his time in high school writing, making beats and battle rapping. His independent collective and production company “Good Compenny”, aids other independent artists in successfully launching their careers. After dropping 3 successful albums in 2021, he announced that he was selling shares of his music catalog to fans which allows them to begin earning passive income as his music is streamed. A local music collective that includes high school as well as Pacific students and alumni, Stockton Soul, will perform as the event's opening act. 
 

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An Evening with LaRussell
Black Theater, City Life
Black Theater, City Life

Pacific faculty member, Professor Macelle Mahala will host a special reading and discussion of her latest book, Black Theater, City Life. If is a rich study of contemporary African American theater institutions reveals how they reflect and shape the histories and cultural realities of their cities. Black Theater, City Life looks at Karamu House Theatre, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh Playwrights’ Theatre Company, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, the African American Shakespeare Company, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, and Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company to demonstrate how each organization articulates the cultural specificities, sociopolitical realities, and histories of African Americans. Professor Mahala will read excerpts from her book followed by Q & A with the audience. The event will be held Feb. 7, 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM at the Alex & Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House. This event includes a reception in which you can meet the author. There is no charge for this event and it is open to all.

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Community Health Fair

The Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy faculty and students, will facilitate this comprehensive, service-based health fair. Services provided include free health screenings and COVID-19 vaccinations.  The health fair will be held at Progressive Community Church in Stockton from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m on February 18th.  

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