Upcoming Events
Last Updated: May 23, 2025 8:52:48 AM PDT
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UC San Diego Black Staff Association Calendar of Events and Activities.
June 17: 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Black Excellence Awards
Join the UC San Diego Black Staff Association as we honor a powerful legacy with this year’s theme: “We Are the Blueprint: An Unapologetic Legacy of Excellence” which reflects the strength, resilience, and boundless creativity of Black communities throughout history. It is a powerful affirmation that we, the descendants of freedom fighters, visionaries, artists, scholars, and advocates, are the architects of change.
Come celebrate Black excellence, resilience, and culture ---unapologetically through live entertainment signature cultural dishes, joy, community power, opportunity drawings and much more. This annual event is open to all students, faculty, and staff at UC
Come celebrate Black excellence, resilience, and culture ---unapologetically through live entertainment signature cultural dishes, joy, community power, opportunity drawings and much more. This annual event is open to all students, faculty, and staff at UC
"Juneteenth: Celebrating African-American freedom, families, heritage and becoming the ancestors DREAM!" - Unknown
Juneteenth Reading List | Source: The National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Tuesday, June 17th: | Doors Open at 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PST | Registration |
- Zoom Background
May 1: General Body Meeting [Financial Freedom]
This session is designed to support financial wellness within our community by providing tools and knowledge to navigate financial uncertainty. Led by a UCU banking representative, we’ll explore strategies to build financial confidence, resilience, and long-term stability, especially during challenging times.
Facilitated by: Dr. LaWana Richmond
Panelist Bio | Monisha Donaldson |
When:
- Thursday, May 1st | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. PST | Zoom Registration |
- Event Flyer
February 20: Presidents' Day Forum
Our Strength, Our Story: Resilience in Every Chapter
The Presidents’ Day Forum is a signature event held during Black History Month as an opportunity to engage in critical dialogue with insightful panelists on the U.S. Presidency and current political climate. These robust conversations are opportunities to deepen our understanding of the political landscape and its impact on the Black community. The session includes an open Q&A segment.
Navigating oppression: Insights from Black Staff Association’s President’s Day Forum
Facilitated by: Dr. LaWana Richmond
Panelist Bio | Tony Young |
When:
- Thursday, February 20th | Noon - 1:30 PM PST | Zoom Registration |
- Event flyer
February 2025: Black History Month [Event Calendar]
Join us in celebrating Black History Month as we come together to honor the rich, resilient, and inspiring history that shapes our collective story. This is a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate the contributions, culture, and achievements of Black communities.
All are welcome to attend the events—let’s unite in community, connection, and celebration. Together, we can uplift the past, embrace the present, and inspire the future.
We look forward to seeing you there!
#BlackHistoryMonth #CommunityCelebration #HonoringOurHistory
November 14: General Body Meeting [2024 Post-Election Debrief]
General Body Meetings (GBM) are held on a quarterly basis during the academic year. All are welcome to attend GBM meetings as they are an opportunity for BSA members, friends, perspective members, and the UC San Diego community to join together, discuss how BSA can support individual and campus needs, and hear updates on BSA Executive Board priorities.
Join us for an insightful virtual event to discuss the 2024 post-election outcomes, share perspectives, and consider how we can collectively influence change moving forward. Together, we’ll reflect on what these results mean for us and strategize for future engagement. This is a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the political landscape and its impact on the Black community.
This session will be led by guest speaker [Christopher Wilson] and includes an open Q&A segment.
When:
- Thursday, November 14th | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. PST | Zoom Registration |
- Event flyer
September 14: Friends Of The Malcom X Library
Gift Day—a special opportunity to show your appreciation for the Malcolm X Library! Make a tax-deductible donation to support the quality programming that makes a difference in our community. Your contribution helps keep our library vibrant and thriving, offering resources and programs that educate, inspire, and uplift. Let's give back to the library that gives us so much!
❤️ #SupportYourLibrary #MalcolmXLibrary #CommunityFirst #GiftDay
When:
- Wednesday, September 14th | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Registration: Patricia 619-838-6789 | Carmen 619-726-3404
- Venue: Malcolm X Library | 5148 Market St, San Diego, CA 92114
- Event flyer
September 4: BASF Meet & Greet
Please join the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund (BASF) and BSA for an exciting afternoon discovering the latest updates from the foundation's game-changing mentoring program. Details of the program will be shared along with amazing opportunities to connect, learn, and enjoy.
***Updated Aug 30th***
To accommodate more of our members and enhance engagement, we are rescheduling the in-person event to a virtual format on September 10th. This shift will provide greater flexibility and accessibility for everyone.
This event is sponsored by VC Advancement and jointly hosted by the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund and the Black Staff Association.
When:
- Wednesday, September 10th | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. PST | Zoom Registration
- Event flyer
June 18: 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Black Excellence Awards
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Black Excellence Awards honors Black culture, and the unique efforts and distinctive works of the recipients being recognized. During this event, we will explore what the Juneteenth
holiday means for Americans, celebrate Black excellence, and explore ways in which all communities can observe, reflect, and educate in commemoration.
This year’s theme “UC San Diego Honors Juneteenth: “A Gospel Journey to Freedom” focuses on experiences of faith, liberation, freedom, signature dishes. Attendees will be educated on the historical relevance of soulful gospel
music. The UC San Diego Black Staff Association will honor the rich traditions of Black culture, excellence, and the distinctive works of recipients being recognized. Join us for an unparalleled experience with complimentary food, joy, entertainment, opportunity drawings and more!
holiday means for Americans, celebrate Black excellence, and explore ways in which all communities can observe, reflect, and educate in commemoration.
This year’s theme “UC San Diego Honors Juneteenth: “A Gospel Journey to Freedom” focuses on experiences of faith, liberation, freedom, signature dishes. Attendees will be educated on the historical relevance of soulful gospel
music. The UC San Diego Black Staff Association will honor the rich traditions of Black culture, excellence, and the distinctive works of recipients being recognized. Join us for an unparalleled experience with complimentary food, joy, entertainment, opportunity drawings and more!
"Juneteenth: Celebrating African-American freedom, families, heritage and becoming the ancestors DREAM!" - Unknown
Juneteenth Reading List | Source: The National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Tuesday, June 18th: | 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PST | Registration |
June 17: We've Come This Far by Faith: The Black Church - Past, Present & Future
Topic: "We've Come This Far by Faith: The Black Church - Past, Present & Future"
This virtual panel discussion will explore the shift in perspectives across generations and the
potential identity crisis facing the Black Church."
| Panelist Bios |
When:
- Monday, June 18th | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PST | Zoom Registration |
- Event flyer
April 25: General Body Meeting
General Body Meetings (GBM) are held on a quarterly basis during the academic year. All are welcome to attend GBM meetings as they are an opportunity for BSA members, friends, perspective members, and the UC San Diego community to join together, discuss how BSA can support individual and campus needs, and hear updates on BSA Executive Board priorities.
| Panelist Bios |
When:
- Thursday, April 25th | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PST | Zoom Registration |
- Event flyer
March 26: Spring Social
Please join our campus community in celebrating making it through another quarter by joining the joint Spring Social.
This event is jointly hosted by the Black Staff Association, LGBTQ Staff Association, Chicanx/Latinx Staff Association, the American Indian and Indigenous Faculty and Staff Association, and the Pan Asian Staff Association.
When:
- Tuesday, March 26th | 3:00 p.m. - 5:PST | Registration |
- Event flyer
February 29: Navigating Imposter Syndrome
Navigating Imposter Syndrome
In the job search process at UC San Diego.
"Leveraging your transferable skills for success."
Workshop led by: Sally Morgan, Principal Human Resources Analyst
- Hosts: BRC & BSA
- Thursday, February 29th | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM PST | Registration |
- Location: The Black Resource Center | Campus Map |
- Event Flyer
February 21: HDH 25th Annual Black History Month Luncheon
A day of celebration with music, food, dancing, vendors, giveaways, remembrance, and celebration!
- Theme: Celebrating Arts, Culture & Community
- Host: Housing, Dining & Hospitality | Partners: HDH JEDI Advocates, Black Staff Association
- Wednesday, February 21st | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM PST
- Location: Price Center Ballroom A & B | Campus Map |
- Event Flyer
February 15: Presidents' Day Forum
2024 Presidential Election: A Flawed Democracy or Simply a Crisis of Epic Proportions?
The Presidents’ Day Forum is a signature event held during Black History Month as an opportunity to engage in critical dialogue with insightful panelists on the U.S. Presidency and current political climate. These robust conversations are opportunities to deepen our understanding of the political landscape and its impact on the Black community. The session includes an open Q&A segment.
Facilitated by: Dr. LaWana Richmond
Panelist Bios | Ted Womack | Sidiqa Hooker |
When:
- Thursday, February 15th | 11:30AM - 1:00 PM PST | Registration |
- Event flyer
February 2: Postponed - BRC x Soul Sunday Black History Month Kick Off
This event is postponed as a result of the upcoming weather. A new date will be considered.
Join us for an extraordinary evening as UC San Diego's Black Resource Center collaborates with Soul Sunday to kick off Black History Month in an event filled with music, cultural celebration, and unity. Let's celebrate resilience, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of the Black community. Don't miss the chance to kick off Black History Month with a memorable evening of unity and celebration!
When:
- Friday, February 2nd (Save the Date) | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Registration | Seating is first come, first served.
Tickets for UCSD students, staff and faculty are $5. Please drop off your cash at the BRC. If you have questions or concerns please contact the brc@ucsd.edu - Location: NPHC Plaza at UC San Diego
- Event flyer
February 2024: Black History Month Calendar
The annual “Call for Programs” for Black History Month 2024 is here! We come together as a community each year to honor and celebrate our rich and collective history. Please submit your completed form here as part of the Call for Programs process which includes the option to upload an image/flyer along with a link to your webpage for additional event details.
Most Sincerely,
The Black History Month Planning Committee
November 1: General Body Meeting
We invite you to join us tomorrow for the General Body Meeting with guest speaker Terri Winbush, Chief Human Resources Officer. The General Body Meeting is an opportunity to join us for a round-table discussion on current priorities that impact our collective experiences within UC San Diego. Share your concerns and let your voice be heard!
When:
- Wednesday, November 1st | 1:00 p.m. PST | Zoom Registration
- Event flyer
June 20: 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
This year’s theme “Hip Hop, Liberation & Kujichagulia” focuses on education, signature dishes, and the historical relevance of soulful music. The UC San Diego Black Staff Association will honor the rich traditions of Black culture, excellence, and the distinctive works of recipients being recognized. Join us for an unparalleled experience with complimentary food, joy, entertainment, opportunity drawings and more! | Juneteenth Events & Registration |
"Nobody's free until everybody's free"—Fannie Lou Hamer
Juneteenth Reading List | Source: The National Museum of African American History and Culture
Enjoy listening to our Juneteenth Playlist
June 5: Support for UC President Drake
February 24: Black Grad, Faculty, & Staff Wine Down Mixer
February 16: Presidents' Day Forum
The Presidents’ Day Forum is a signature event held annually during Black History Month (February) as an opportunity to engage in critical dialogue with insightful panelists on the U.S. Presidency and current political climate. The session includes an open Q&A segment.
| Panelist Bios |
When:
- Thursday, February 16th | 11:30 PM PST | Registration |
February 15: "Celebrating The Joy And Resistance Of The African Diaspora"
'Black History Celebration: A day of celebration with music, food, dancing, vendors, giveaways, remembrance, and celebration!
- Wednesday, February 15th | 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM PST
- Location: Café Ventanas at Eleanor Roosevelt College | Campus Map |
- Ticket: Free Event
February 2023: Black History Month Calendar
- | Events |
January 31: Solidarity Circle
January 26: Prevention. Purpose. Partnership.
Doctors are seeing diseases that you’d expect to see in older patients — heart disease, diabetes, mental health, stress, and stroke — in relatively young black Americans. While genetics may play a role in certain instances, socioeconomic factors have a significant impact on how Black Americans are able to prevent and treat certain conditions. Knowing your risks of these conditions can help you make positive changes to take control of your health.
| Panelist Bios |
When:
- Thursday, January 26th | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. PST | Zoom Registration |
- Event flyer
January 17: ABSENCE - Terence Blanchard
Celebrated jazz trumpeter and film composer Terence Blanchard pays homage to legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter.
Terrence Blanchard is the composer for all of Spike Lee’s films and is the first Black artist to have his work presented by The Metropolitan Opera Fire Shut Up In My Bones based on Charles Blow’s autobiography.
Special Presentation, next Tuesday 17 January. Terence Blanchard & The E Collective
40% off Promo Code: BSA23
- Tuesday, January 17th | 8:00 p.m. PST | About | Tickets
December 8: Inaugural Celebration of Cultures
| Reserve Your Ticket | Thursday, December 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Town Square
You are invited to celebrate the diverse cultures and employees that comprise UC San Diego with multicultural food and performances at the inaugural Celebration of Cultures event on Thursday, December 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Town Square. The event theme “I Am UC San Diego,” recognizes that while we bring unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds, we are also united as a Triton community. As part of this event, all Tritons are invited to share stories, strengths and personal attributes that connect them to UC San Diego using the hashtag, #iAmUCSanDiego.
Tasting samples of Native American, Jamaican, Mexican and Japanese fare will be provided to the first 500 UC San Diego employees who reserve their ticket online through this link Reserve Your Ticket. If you are unable to register for the event, you can still enjoy the festivities as food truck vendors will also be selling menu items. In addition, the event will include cultural dance and musical performances, opportunity drawings, and more.
In recognition of this annual event, two hours of administrative leave with pay have been approved for employees to attend the event. Supervisors, upon request, may approve the use of such leave when the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.
We would like to thank the event partners VC-RMP IDEA Task Group, Human Resources, Black Staff Association (BSA), Chicano/Latino Staff Association (CLSA), Pan Asian Staff Association (PASA), and the Intertribal Resource Center (ITRC) at UC San Diego.
Please join us for this inaugural Celebration of Cultures event. We look forward to seeing you there.
Gary C. Matthews
Vice Chancellor
Resource Management & Planning
Pierre Ouillet
Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer
Becky R. Petitt
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Terri S. Winbush
Chief Human Resources Officer
Campus Human Resources
Janet L. Kamerman
Chief Human Resources Officer
Health Human Resources
November 10: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' celebrates rich black culture and heritage.
AMC UTC 14 |Today, Nov 10, 2022 | 5:00 PM | Resered Seating |Closed Caption
Loction:
UTC AMC Theatres 14 in the UTC Mall
4425 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92122
October 26: General Body Meeting
The General Body Meeting is an opportunity to join us for a round-table discussion on current priorities that impact our collective experiences within UC San Diego. Share your concerns and let your voice be heard!
When:
- Wednesday, October 26th | 11:30 a.m. PST | Zoom Registration
- Event flyer
June 16: 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery across the nation and is often celebrated in African American communities with storytelling, special recipes and fellowship. During the UC San Diego celebration, we explored what the Juneteenth holiday meant for Americans, celebrated Black excellence, and explored ways in which all communities can observe, reflect, and educate in commemoration.
On behalf of the Black Staff Association and Executive Board and event sponsors, "Thank you for joining us in this joyous celebration!"
“Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won,
you earn it and win it in every generation.”
—Coretta Scott King
you earn it and win it in every generation.”
—Coretta Scott King
Event Sponsors
May 5: Black Girl Magic "And Justice for All"
The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson | Join us in a panel discussion on the historic confirmation of the first African American woman as a United States Supreme Court Justice.
Confirmed Panelists:
- Provost Marisa A. Abrajano, Ph D., MA, BA
- Honorable Tilisha T. Martin, JD, MJM, MSW, CWLS
- Attorney Jennera Crenshaw, JD, BA
- Community Activist Kathleen Harmon, MSW
When:
- Thursday, May 5th | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. PST | Registration | This session will be recorded.
- See Event Flyer
February 17: Presidents' Day Forum - BSA Signature Event
Black History Month Black Health and Wellness 2022 | BHM Events |
Presidents' Day Forum - BSA Signature Event
When:- Thursday, February 17th | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. PST | Registration |
- Event Flyer click here
January 19: General Body Meeting
Please share and plan to attend.
When:- Wednesday, January 19th | 11:30 a.m. PST | Zoom Link
- See event flyer
December 6: COVID-19 What Now & Jingle Joy Jam 2021
We invite you to join us for a riveting conversation on how the COVID-19 pandemic is yet another crisis exacerbating disparities experienced by the Black community. In addition to the health of those we hold dear, the pandemic is affecting everything from work/life balance to finances to mental health. This event will focus on the mind & body and include a jam session for the healing of our souls.
When:
- Thursday, December 6th | Noon – 1:30 p.m. | Registration
- Event Flyer click here
September 4 & 5: AfroCon
AfroCon *Volunteers Needed
When:
- *Saturday, September 4th, 2 - 8 p.m.
- *Sunday, September 5th, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Event Info: | afrofuturismlounge.com | Registration
September 30: Black Family Reunion
Black Family Reunion - A celebration for UC San Diego Black Staff and Faculty
When:
- Thursday, September 30th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Location: Dirty Birds | Registration |
- Event Flyer click here
August 5: BECOP Book Club - Lean Higher Education: Increasing the Value and Performance of University Processes
BECOP Book Club | Lean Higher Education: Increasing the Value and Performance of University Processes
When:
- Thursday, August 5th | 12:00 p.m. PST | Registration
