Taylor Wright, assistant athletic director for student-athlete services at Pacific, cherishes the recognition of success, culture and courage that is celebrated during Black History Month.

“Black History Month is a reminder of the beauty of being Black, and the diversity of our culture and people,” said Wright, a member of the Black History Month Planning Committee. “Black History Month symbolizes everything our ancestors endured and overcame. It allows us to reflect on the contributions, challenges, success, and achievements. We rejoice and celebrate Black historical figures that came before us and gave us hope. Without Black history, there is no history.”

The student leader of Associated Students of University of the Pacific’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts encourages all Pacificans to amplify and build on those thoughts throughout the year.

“Take the Black voices you hear and the things you learn during this month and make a conscious effort to carry them throughout the year so it truly becomes a habit,” said Angel Zhong ’23, DEI director for ASUOP.

Black History Month comes at a time when Pacific is engaging in efforts to become a national model for DEI in higher education. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and regents are part of the effort.

“Black History Month is much more than a month,” said Mary Wardell-Ghirarduzzi, inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “When you engage in Black history, you have a clear understanding of connecting those dots that help us identify solutions for current-day issues.”

The university’s Black History Month Planning Committee has created a robust calendar of events. The celebration includes former athletes who pushed for equality, creative and socially conscious actresses and the unique combination of a health clinic/gospel music concert at a Stockton church.

Movies, panel discussions on racial and social issues as well as game nights, karaoke and Black History trivia contests are part of the schedule. For more information, call 209.946.2899 or visit the Black History Month page. The events are scheduled to be live, but virtual components might be added.

“It is always exciting to present Black History Month events to the community,” said Randall Ogans, Black History Month Planning Committee co-chair. “It is a reflection of many months of hard work the planning committee has put in and our contribution to moving the university’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives forward.”

The lineup includes:

Sardia Robinson: Robinson grew up in Jamaica and immigrated to Chicago. Her one-woman play From a Yardie to Yankee is a critically acclaimed autobiographical show that recounts the dangers she faced living in Jamaica, and the struggles she endured after immigrating. The play tells her life’s story through 15 characters, all based on real people. Feb. 17, 5 p.m., Long Theater. 

The Syracuse 8: In 1970, eight Black student football players at Syracuse University boycotted the program to demand access to  academic tutoring , better medical care and starting lineup spots based on merit rather than race. The book Leveling the Playing Field: The Story of the Syracuse 8 tells the story through the eyes of the players, three of whom will speak on campus—John Lobon, Gregory Allen and Abdullah Alif Muhammad. Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Faye Spanos Concert Hall. 

Christina Elmore: Elmore is a Harvard University graduate and actress who has performed  on stage, television and film. After five seasons as a series regular on TNT's hit series The Last Ship, she stars as Marie in Lena Waithe's newest series Twenties on BET. She had a recurring role as Condola on HBO's Insecure. Her presentation “Black Stories Matter” Is Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Faye Spanos Concert Hall.

Health clinic and Gospelfest: The comprehensive, free health fair starts at 10 a.m. on Feb. 26 at Victory Praise Church in Stockton and will be led by faculty and students from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and community health care organizations. The clinic is supported by The Abbott Fund, a partner with Pacific in battling the diabetes epidemic in Stockton. 

The gospel fest concert (7 p.m.) is headlined by award-winning group Red Hands and Grammy-nominated artist Anita Wilson. Health clinic participants will receive free tickets to the concert while the supply lasts.

Attendees must follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols for admission to events. Learn more here.