Black Student Center to Host Monthlong Black Excellence Celebration

Black Student Center to Host Monthlong Black Excellence Celebration

By Cyndi Cunningham

As Cal State San Marcos commemorates Black Excellence Month, the Black Student Center will host a series of events to celebrate the brilliance and resilience across CSUSM through arts, education, student engagement and community fellowship. The monthlong celebration will conclude with the annual Black Excellence Gala on Feb. 27.

Black Excellence Month Kickoff

Feb. 2, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., USU 2310

The Black Student Center (BSC) will kick off the celebrations with a brief presentation discussing the history of the Pan-African flag, a raising of the flag and a live drumline performance. Food will be provided at the event, which is open to all students.

Def Jam Open Mic Night

Feb. 5, 5-7 p.m., USU Amphitheater

The BSC, in collaboration with the Cross-Cultural Center, invites students to enjoy a night of poetry, spoken word and music. The event is open to all students.

Professional Styling: How to Tie a Tie

Feb. 9, 1-2 p.m., USU 4200

As part of the "My Brother's Keeper" initiative, the BSC will host a session of professional styling to teach students how to tie a tie. The event is open to all students.

Sista Fest

Feb. 10, 5-7 p.m., USU 2310

In collaboration with the Women and Gender Equity Center, the BSC will host an event to celebrate Black women on campus. This year's theme, "Rooted and Radiant," is focused on providing mentorship to young Black women looking to navigate professional spaces. The keynote speaker is Wendy Stewart, MiraCosta College's chief diversity officer. The event is open to all students.

Black Jeopardy Game Night

Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m., USU Ballroom

Students are welcome to join the BSC for a night of culturally relevant games. Food will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Carnaval

Feb. 18, 5-8 p.m., USU Ballroom

Join the BSU and the Latinx Center for a celebration of dance and heritage from various communities across Latin America and the African diaspora. The event will feature live music, cultural foods and mask painting inspired by Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval and New Orleans' Mardi Gras festival.

Ebony Fashion Show

Feb. 20, 5-8 p.m., USU Ballroom

The inaugural Ebony Fashion Show will provide a space for students to showcase their elegance on the runway. The event will highlight the creative expression of students across CSUSM student centers to showcase cultural displays through fashion.

Black Org Fair

Feb. 25, 5-7 p.m., Forum Plaza

All students are invited to learn about the various Black student organizations at CSUSM. Representatives will be featured from various academic, social, faith-based and national Panhellenic Council organizations.

2/27 Black Excellence Gala

Feb. 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m., USU Ballroom

As the finale of Black Excellence Month, the BSC will host an inaugural event in collaboration with Tukwut Life to celebrate and highlight the Black community. The evening will showcase achievements and inspiring stories from the community, followed by a student performance and live DJ. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest attire to honor the occasion and the remarkable accomplishments being celebrated.

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