February is Black History Month, and the Student Development Office has planned several events for students, faculty, staff, and the community.
We invite you to join us for one or more events!
Black History Movie Series
"Get Out"
Wednesday, February 7 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. in SSC 212
Directed and written by Jordan Peele, "Get Out" is an Academy Award winning genre movie, meaning it is purely mystery/thriller. However, Peele masterfully blends the film’s traditional horror elements with the horrors of everyday life faced by Black Americans today.
"Poetic Justice"
Wednesday, February 14 from 12 to 2 p.m. in SSC 212
Join us this Valentine’s Day and watch "Poetic Justice" which was also nominated for an Oscar for best song. Directed by the late John Singleton, Poetic Justice features Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur in a love story about trust (or lack thereof), art, and family. Singleton, curated this film with the experience and voice of the Black women who lost their partners to gun violence in mind.
"The Wiz"
Wednesday, February 21 from 12 to 2 p.m. in SSC 212
Join us in celebrating Black History Month through one of the most iconic, musical movies of all time! When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross).
Both the film and stage productions of "The Wiz" have one common theme – they highlight the perseverance of Black people in adversity and they’re a rallying call for racial liberation. Aside from the contextual underpinnings of the plot, The Wiz stands out for its take and celebration of African dressing and hairstyles. ~ Melissa Simon-Hartman
"Do the Right Thing"
Wednesday, February 28 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in SSC 210
Spike Lee has long been among the filmmakers responsible for landmark films depicting race relations in America. Lee's monumental 1989 drama "Do the Right Thing" brilliantly captures racial tensions on one blistering hot day in a Brooklyn neighborhood.
Campus Events
Celebrating African American Influence on American Music
Tuesday, February 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Quad
Join us on the Quad as we play music by influential Black musicians. Stop by our tent to learn more about the influence African American culture played in sacred music to rock and roll and hop-hop and rap.
Lucille’s BBQ Food Truck will also be on the Quad selling food. Barbecue is an integral cuisine in Black history. The oldest Black owned restaurant in the United States is also touted to be Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna, AR which has been open since at least 1910.
Bobcat Days: Celebrating Black History Month
Tuesday, February 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Quad
Bobcats celebrate together! Join us in celebrating Black History Month. Culinary Arts will be passing out soul food samples and Lucille’s BBQ Food Truck will be on site selling food. Students and staff from the School of Arts, Media, Performance, and Design will provide a live jazz band performance, as well as African drumming and dance instruction. Stop by the Student Development booth to learn more about African American influence on music and dance.
We will also have resource tables from campus departments and clubs such as Success Coaching, Academic Counseling, Career Resources, Financial Aid, CARE Corner, and more.
Black History Month Speaker: Kobe Musse
Wednesday, February 21 at 10 a.m. in SSC 212
Join ASG for a conversation with Kobe Musse. Born in a Kenyan refugee camp, Musse is fluent in Somali and intimately understands the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee students. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education, he holds a bachelor's degree in Africana Studies from SDSU. His commitment to working with youth stems from a deep love for his community. As a community college counselor, Kobe focuses on empowering diverse students, drawing from his personal experience navigating the challenges of community college.
Black Student Experience Panel
Thursday, February 22 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in SSC 212
This panel will feature current Saddleback College students as they share experiences and ideas for a more inclusive campus.
Screening of "Wade in the Water: A Journey Into Black Surfing & Aquatic Culture" followed by Director Q&A
Thursday, February 29 from 12 to 2 p.m. in SSC 212
Following historical experts and community leaders in the BIPOC surfing movement, "Wade in The Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture" (2023) reclaims the 1000-year-old tradition of Black surfing and aquatic culture, inspiring the next generation of Black surfers. This award-winning documentary braids historical accounts with modern-day testimonials, dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, and most importantly celebrates the overlooked history of Black surfing’s legacy and honors its current movement. A Q&A with filmmaker David Mesfin will follow the screening.