University of the Pacific's annual Black History Month celebrations honor African-Americans' history and heritage and that of the African Diaspora.
Highlights from over the years:
2024
A special screening of National Geographic's "The Space Race," followed by a panel discussion featuring SpaceX astronaut, afrofuturism artist and geologist Dr. Sian Proctor featuring SpaceX astronaut, artist and geologist Dr. Sian Proctor and former NASA staff member Mera Burton
“Death of a Salesman” performed by the renowned Sankofa Theatre Company; a wine tasting and discussion with Dusty Baker, legendary former Major League Baseball player and manager and current owner of Baker Family Wines. The event was hosted by McGeorge School of Law.
A screening of the film, “Complexity”, and a post-screening discussion with the film’s director Cleve Brown ’18 and star Brandon Leake, acclaimed spoken word poet and America’s Got Talent Champion. Both Brown and Leake were born and raised in Stockton.
A Community Health Fair, facilitated by the faculty and students from Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences and Dugoni School of Dentistry was held at Victory In Praise Church in Stockton.
2023
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, a standout for the Denver Nuggets in the 1990s and subject of the upcoming Showtime documentary “Stand,” discussed his fight for social justice. Abdul-Rauf, formerly known as Chris Jackson, was interviewed by Pacific Men’s Basketball Head Coach Leonard Perry Feb. 21 in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. Topics included Abdul-Rauf’s basketball career, Islamic faith and how his fight for justice shaped his life.
Independent hip-hop artist LaRussell shared his musical and entrepreneurial journey Feb. 10 in the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center. The Vallejo native discussed his independent production company called “Good Compenny” and his innovative business practices that allow his fans to share in the profit of his streamed music as a means to build community wealth.
A Community Health Fair, facilitated by the faculty and students from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, and Dugoni School of Dentistry was held at Progressive Community Church in Stockton Feb. 18. Participants received free diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings and vaccinations. The first 150 participants received a bag of fresh produce and health care items. Free blood glucose monitors, testing supplies and blood pressure machines were also provided to qualified recipients.
2022
Student Co-Chair: Semaj Martin `22
Featured speakers included the Syracuse 8, whose stories are shared in the book, "Leveling the Playing Field: The Story of the Syracuse 8"; actress Christina Elmore from the HBO hit series "Insecure"; and award-winning actress and playwright Sardia Robinson, who performed her one-woman play "Yardie to Yankee."
A Community Health Fair, facilitated by the faculty and students from Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, was held at Victory In Praise Church in Stockton.
Later that evening a free gospel concert headlined by award-winning band Red Hands and Grammy-nominated gospel artist Anita Wilson was held for the community at that same location.
2021
All events held virtually due to the pandemic
Student Co-Chair: Semaj Martin `22
Keynote speakers Dr. Yusef Salaam and Raymond Santana, two members of the Exonerated 5, were interviewed by Tracy Simmons, Assistant Dean for Admission and Financial Aid, McGeorge School of Law. Their stories, along with the remaining three members of the five who were wrongfully convicted of crimes, were featured in the groundbreaking and award-winning 2019 Netflix production "When They See Us," directed by Ava DuVernay.
McGeorge School of Law hosted a screening and discussion of the documentary film "The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till," led by the filmmaker Keith Beauchamp.
Author Anna Malaika-Tubbs held a virtual discussion about her New York Times Bestselling book, "Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation."
Artist Yazmin Monet Watkins sang as part of ASuop’s Brickyard series. Dance collective Step Afrika! performed and provided a brief history of stepping. Music producer Teak Underdue was interviewed about his career and shared advice on having a successful career in the music industry.
2020
Student Co-Chair: Michael Campbell `20
Our keynote speaker, actress Lauren Ridloff, discussed how affirming differences can help us to be better people. She is best known for her roles in the AMC series "The Walking Dead" and the Marvel film "Eternals."
Spoken word poet and Stockton native Brandon Leake performed prior to Ridloff’s presentation. Later that year, Brandon became the first spoken word poet to win the hit NBC series "America’s Got Talent." Another spoken word artist, Prentice Powell, was featured in ASuop’s Brickyard series held in The Lair.
McGeorge School of Law held a Diversity Mixer and hosted Professor Teri McCurty Chubb for a lecture as part of its annual Diversity Week Celebration.
2019
San Joaquin Delta College partnered with University of the Pacific to provide a wide range of events. Featured keynote artists The Hamiltones performed at Warren Atherton Auditorium. A tribute to the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin was presented in words and song. The children and grandchildren of the Tuskegee Airmen presented the history and impact of their ancestors on the world.
The Ethnic Studies department hosted poet Jamaal May for a poetry reading and discussion with Pacific students.
Wayne and Shirley Weigand and Geraldine Edward Hollis spoke about Weigands’ book "Desegregation of Public Libraries in the Jim Crow South" during an event sponsored by the Library. Hollis, now a Stockton resident, was a member of the Tougaloo Nine and is currently an author, community activist and volunteer.
2018
Student Co-Chair: Chris Cannon `16 COP
The keynote speaker was attorney, CNN commentator and NPR political analyst Angela Rye. She served as the executive director and general counsel to the Congressional Black Caucus for the 112th Congress. In 2015, she earned a spot on Fortune Magazine's "40 Under 40 Women to Watch." In 2017, she was named to the Root 100 list of "Most Influential African Americans."
Gospelfest was headlined by Maranda Curtis. Her latest EP, "The Maranda Experience, Vol. 1," debuted at number one on Billboard’s gospel chart when it was released in 2017. Singer/songwriter Cheryl Fortune and worship leader Kristal Stallworth also performed.
In collaboration with the Pacific Ethnic Studies Committee and McGeorge School of Law, Paul Butler, Professor of Law, and author of “Chokehold: Policing Black Men,” gave lectures on Pacific's Stockton and Sacramento Campuses.
In partnership with San Joaquin Delta College, several events were held on that campus including presentations on violence prevention, health and wellness, civil rights activism in education and the internationalization of hip hop music; a play by TOASTCO; and a steel drums concert.
2017
BHM Student Co-Chair: Shani Boyd `17
Emcee and spoken word poet Brandon Leake opened the night with his poetry. Music artist/rapper and author Lecrae gave a lecture based on his best-selling book, "Unashamed," followed by a performance of his hits over the years including singles from the #1 Billboard album "Anomaly."
The Black Campus Ministries student club hosted its sixth annual Praise Dinner in DeRosa University Center Ballroom. Software Engineers from Netflix presented a panel discussion on the topic “Behind the Scenes in the Tech Industry” in Faye Spanos Concert Hall.
Hosted by the Ethnic Studies Department, Poet Arisa White presented a series of poems about love and loss. Gospelfest was headlined by Grammy-award winning artist Donald Lawrence & Company and included performances by artist Lena Byrd Miles and Ascension Dance. Hosted by Pacific’s Theatre Arts Department, actor Steven Anthony Jones performed a one-man play, Thurgood, about the life of former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Poet Arisa White shared her poetry and insights with students hosted by the Ethnic Studies Department. With Our Words, Inc. hosted “Bless the Mic Night” at Victory in Praise Church in Stockton.
A closing reception and soul food dinner hosted by Pacific’s Black Alumni Club concluded the month’s celebration. The evening included a recap of the month’s accomplishments and a gift of appreciation to long-time Black History Month supporter and former staff member in Pacific’s Psychology department for 30 years, Cris Clay.
2016
BHM Student Co-Chair: Mariah Ghee `18
Actor and director Nate Parker served as the keynote speaker and discussed the importance of being an activist and fighting for the rights of all people. He also discussed his latest film, Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner, Birth of a Nation.
Black Campus Ministries Student Club hosted their 5th Annual Praise Dinner at the Alex & Jeri Vereschagin Alumni House.
Local artist Kristal Stallworth-Little, BET’s Sunday Best Season 7 winner Geoffrey Golden and gospel music icon Kirk Franklin performed to a capacity crowd during Gospelfest at the Bob Hope Theatre.
Poet Patricia Spears Jones shared her groundbreaking poetry collection and commentary on what it takes to become a successful poet in the 21st century.
2015
Author, scholar and political activist Dr. Angela Davis gave a lecture discussing ways to combat oppression and the need for gender equity and prison reform. Poet and professor Dr. Rowan Ricardo Phillips demonstrated how he creates art through language during an interactive poetry reading. Gospelfest wrapped up the month’s celebration with performances from Anthony Brown, Group Therapy and the largest selling female gospel group of all time, The Clark Sisters.
2014
Grammy and Oscar Award-winning hip-hop artist and actor Common performed at the Bob Hope Theatre and spoke about how each individual can make impactful change in the world. Poet Claudia Rankine shared poems during an evening of poetry readings at Wendell Phillips Center and provided insights to Pacific students on the process of creative writing. The month ended with the spirit-filled performance from the #1 gospel recording artist in America, Tye Tribbett, at Gospelfest.
2013
The NBA's all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lectured about his love of history and how it has impacted him. He also discussed the value of teamwork and how we can all make a difference in our communities.
Grammy award winner Anthony Hamilton discussed his career and work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and performed.
Grammy nominee Anita Wilson and Stellar award winner JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise performed at the Gospelfest.
2012
Student Co-Chair: Kerry Robinson `12
Grammy Award winner India.Arie gave a lecture and performance in her “Songversation” at the Bob Hope Theatre. Gospel artists Vadia, Anita Wilson, JJ Hairston and Youth Praise performed at Gospelfest. Poet Tyehimba Jess provided a lecture and poetry reading at Pacific’s Stockton campus.
2011
Deon Kipping, James Fortune and Fortune's youth ensemble FIYA (Free in Yahweh’s Abundance) performed at the “Reach Out and Praise” concert held at the Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College. This event was held in partnership with San Joaquin Delta College Associated Students.
2010
BHM Student Co-Chair: Chinwe Ohanele `10
Our keynote speaker was CNN journalist Soledad O' Brien, host of the "Black in America" documentary series. She participated in a moderated discussion held in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. The first and second parts of the documentary explore issues impacting African-Americans and were shown as part of the celebration's film series.
2009
Actor and human rights activist Danny Glover performed "An Evening with Langston and Martin" with friend and fellow actor Felix Justice. The two-man play consists of dramatic readings from the works of poet Langston Hughes and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Marvin Sapp and Deon Kipping performed for the gospel concert.
2008
Rapper and activist Chuck D of the politically-conscious rap group Public Enemy spoke. "The Meeting," a critically acclaimed play about the lives and philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X, was performed.
2007
Cartoonist Aaron McGruder, creator of the "The Boondocks" comic strip and animated television series, gave a lecture. World-renowned African ballet troupe Le Ballet performed.
2006
Scholar Dr. Michael Eric Dyson gave a lecture. Dyson has written numerous books, including "Holler if You Hear Me," "Is Bill Cosby Right?" and "I May Not Get There with You: The True Martin Luther King Jr." The Kennedy Center also put on the play "Color Me Dark."
2005
Scholar Dr. Cornel West, author of the best-selling book "Race Matters," served as the keynote speaker. His writings have been credited with helping change the course of American dialogue on race, justice, and democracy.
2004
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker gave a lecture. Walker is best known for her novel "The Color Purple," which was made into a motion picture of the same name.
2003
Influential film director Spike Lee, known for such films as "Malcolm X" and "Do the Right Thing," spoke. His films often capture various aspects of the Black experience and address controversial issues.
2002
Author Terry McMillian, who penned the best-selling novel "Waiting to Exhale," spoke on campus. Other speakers included painter Faith Ringgold and Civil Rights attorney and activist Benjamin Hooks.
2001
Singer, comedian and television host Wayne Brady performed during two shows in Pacific's Black History Month celebration.
