Golden State Today

This February, the University of California, Davis community will come together to celebrate Black Futures Month. The event reflects the campus's commitment to honoring and learning from the history of Black Americans while envisioning a promising future for scholars contributing to society.

The month-long celebration features various events organized by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; the Cross Cultural Center; Intercollegiate Athletics; Student Housing and Dining Services; among others. Details are available on the Aggie Black Excellence website.

Key events include a performance by UC Davis' National Pan-Hellenic Council during halftime at the women's basketball game on February 6. On February 8, the official kick-off reception will be held at the Manetti Shrem Museum, offering refreshments and insights into campus initiatives supporting African Diaspora students.

Following this reception, jazz musician Braxton Cook will perform at Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall. Tickets are currently available with discounts for groups, employees, and students.

On February 11, a social event hosted by UC Davis Athletics and the UC Davis African American Faculty and Staff Association will take place at Bruce Edwards Club Room in UC Davis Health Stadium.

February 20 will see a special basketball game and social organized by the African and African American Alumni Association (5A) and Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA). A pregame reception is scheduled before UC Davis faces Cal State Bakersfield in men's basketball.

The month's events conclude on February 27 with a dinner menu featuring African American dishes served across Segundo, Tercero, and Cuarto dining commons from 5-9 p.m., after a brief closure from 4-5 p.m.

Chancellor Gary S. May, Inez Anders (Interim Director of the Center for African Diaspora Student Success), and Zelewit Molla (Community Coordinator of Cross Cultural Center) have shared messages emphasizing reflection on historic contributions of African Americans and recognition of new Black leaders.