The Black Student Union, Department of Pan African Studies and Black Alumni Association collaborated on activities that highlighted the accomplishments and achievements of the African diaspora during California State University, Northridge’s annual Black History Month celebration. This year’s theme was “Breaking the Chains to Create Change” and included rites of passage ceremonies for men and women, a panel discussion led by Black Panther members, a memorial service and cultural arts programs involving film and dance. In the photo, Pan African studies faculty member Faola Ifagboyede pays tribute to deceased Pan African studies faculty: Eleazu Obinna, Steven Buchanan and Jerome Brown at a memorial ceremony on Feb. 10 at CSUN. Ifagboyede performed the libation. The ritual of pouring libation is an African tradition and a way of giving homage to the ancestors. Photo by Lee Choo.
Political commentator Anthony Asadullah Samad, a political science and African-American studies professor at East Los Angeles College, lectured on “History is Now: The Evolution of Blacks in 21st Century Popular Culture” during the Department of Pan African Studies President’s Day Voter Registration Drive on Feb. 20. Photo by Jenny Donaire.
Members of black fraternities and sororities, also known as Black Greek-Letter Organizations (BGLOs), participated in the President’s Day Voter Registration drive by conducting voter registration and education at the event. Photo by Jenny Donaire.
The Harambee Student Association welcomed nearly 300 African-American high school students from throughout the San Fernando Valley to Cal State Northridge on Feb. 24 as part of the program’s mission to inspire students of color to go to college. In the photo, William Watkins ’74 (Urban Studies) and acting administrator for academic affairs/vice president for student affairs, welcomes the students to campus. Photo by Lee Choo.
Harambee Student Association members talked about topics ranging from why they chose CSUN to the challenges they face and how to pay for college during panel sessions with students during the annual conference. To the right, Pan African studies faculty member James Henry ’91 (Afro-American Studies), M.A. ’94 (Educational Policy/Leadership and African-American Studies) helps facilitate the discussion. Photo by Lee Choo.
