A variety of service projects in February will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Cal U plans a series of events in February to celebrate Black History Month and to encourage volunteer service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Events during “Black History Through the Decades” are open to the public. Admission is free unless otherwise noted.
Activities begin with a kickoff event at 11 a.m. Jan. 29 in the Performance Center.
Joe Webb, a motivational speaker, trainer, coach, entrepreneur and mentor, will deliver a presentation, “Walking Both Sides of the Street: The Road to Academic Success.”
Webb grew up in group homes and foster care and will discuss the value of higher education. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is pursuing a doctoral degree in higher education administration.
The presentation is sponsored by the Office of Social Equity and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Soul Food Luncheon and Dinner
The annual Soul Food Luncheon/Dinner will be held Feb. 6 in the Gold Rush Culinary Center inside the Natali Student Center. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner will be served from 4-7 p.m.
Cost is $8.25 for lunch and $10.60 for dinner for those not on a meal plan.
Menu items will be created from recipes contributed by members of the Cal U community. Soul food is a term used for an ethnic cuisine traditionally prepared and eaten by African Americans of the southern United States.
“The luncheon-dinner has become a very popular tradition that is truly a highlight event of our Black History Month celebration,” said Sheleta Camarda-Webb, director of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education.
“Members of campus have become more and more involved, giving this a personalized Cal U flavor.
“Also, everyone loves food, which has the power to unite people.”
Sponsors: AVI Foodsystems and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Other Black History Month events
Feb. 3— Barbershop, 2 p.m., Hamer Hall Room 128. Haircuts and shaves for men of color. Sponsor: Cal U Men United.
Feb. 5— Documentary viewing and discussion, 5 p.m., Natali Student Center Room 321. The Mask You Live In is an award-winning documentary that follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Sponsor: Cal U Men United.
Feb. 7—Panel Discussion, 11 a.m., Eberly Hall Room 110. (Note: this event has been rescheduled at 11 a.m. Feb. 26). Cal U faculty, staff and students will comprise a panel which will have an interactive discussion on intersections of culture and how it contributes to an individual’s growth and success. Sponsor: Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Feb. 11 — Moments in Time: BHM Trivia Night, 7 p.m., Performance Center. Student teams of 4-6 people will learn and share their knowledge about African history in the United States. Sponsor: Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Feb. 13 — Dez Duron, 11 a.m., Food Court, Natali Student Center. A pop, jazz and soul musical artist who gained fame after competing on the third season of The Voice.
Feb. 13 — Multicultural Affairs Night at Cal U Basketball, Convocation Center. Enjoy Vulcans basketball against Gannon and join the Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education staff for a chance to catch signature RED Vulcan Nation hats and other giveaways. Halftime performances at both games will include tributes to Black History Month. The women’s game begins at 5:30 p.m.; the men play at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for visiting students. Cal U students with valid CalCards and children under age 12 will be admitted free.
Feb. 22 — BSU Culture Café, 7-10 p.m., Performance Center. Sponsored by the Black Student Union this event will feature Cal U student performing music, spoken word and dance.
Feb. 25 — African Drum and Dance Ensemble, 11 a.m., Food Court, Natali Student Center. All are welcome.
Feb. 28 — Black Arts Festival, 7 p.m., Vulcan Hall. Cal U student art will be featured through live painting and spoken word. Refreshments, music and giveaways will all be part of the event. Sponsors: Department of Art and Languages and Cal U Women United.
Feb. 1-28 — Dream Legacy Challenge. For the second year, the Dream Legacy Challenge will be part of Cal U’s Black History Month celebration as the University also honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the challenge by registering their team through Orgsync. Points will be awarded for each hour volunteered, attendance at a Black History Month event and for each item donated to the Cal U Cupboard. At stake: free pizza for the winners.
Sponsors: Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
For more information about the challenge, email volunteer@calu.edu. For more information about Black History Month events at Cal U, contact the office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education at 724-938-5758 or email camardawebb@calu.edu.