As we enter February, Cal State Fullerton begins a celebration and acknowledgment of Black History Month. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing, honoring and appreciating the profound impact of Black history on our campus, society and the world. We celebrate the rich and diverse tapestry of Black and African American history, recognizing the importance of honoring figures like Bayard Rustin, whose contributions to the Civil Rights Movement by organizing the 1963 March on Washington or Bessie Coleman who was the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license thus paving the way for gender and racial barriers in aviation. Also notable historical figures like Claudette Colvin at the age of 15 who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955, which served as the precursor to the Montgomery Bus Boycotts. We would be remiss not to mention our very own Titans for equitable justice such as John Anderson, a custodian, in the 1960s initiating the first organization of what we know of today as the Black Faculty and Staff Association and Wacira Gethaiga advocating to create space for black students at CSUF as the African American Resource Center. The list goes on.
At CSUF, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community that values the perspectives and experiences of all our members. During this month and beyond, we encourage you to engage in events and activities that celebrate Black history and culture, deepen your understanding of the challenges faced by Black communities and amplify the voices of Black scholars, artists and leaders on our campus and beyond. The Black History Month Website features a calendar of events and programs for the campus.
Titan community, please join us as we reaffirm our commitment to create a campus environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. By acknowledging and honoring the rich diaspora of experiences and historical events that have shaped Black history, we can move forward together in our pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
Cecil Chik
Assistant Vice President
Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
Alyssa Adamson
Co-President
Black Faculty and Staff Association
Gregory C. Brown
Co-President
Black Faculty and Staff Association