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UCSD Black History Month February 2005

I am pleased to announce that UCSD will celebrate Black History Month 2005 with a series of programs and activities focusing on the achievements of African Americans. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate in this important observance. The theme for this year's Black History Month is Powerful Voices: Celebrating the Voices of the African Diaspora. Activities range from dialogues to dances, speakers to soul food and are included on a calendar of 40 events planned to celebrate Black History Month throughout UCSD.

Some activities include:

*An art exhibit and reception featuring life-size mandala art forms co-sponsored by CLICS (Center for Library and Instructional Computing Services) and the Cross-Cultural Center at 4 p.m. Feb. 3 at CLICS. A special aspect will be a "drum circle" performed by UCSD drummers.

*A celebration of African and African American heritage through dance, spoken word, song and a step show sponsored by Thurgood Marshall College at noon Feb. 15 in the Price Center Plaza.

*"Rags to Riches," an informal recital given by Cecil Lytle, Thurgood Marshall College provost, at noon Feb. 23 in Conference Room 111A. The program is a review and performance of African American music for the piano throughout the 20th century.

*"An Afternoon with the Stars" sponsored by the UJIMA network, Career Services Center and UCSD Alumni Association during which outstanding African American alumni are invited to speak to current students about their careers and the paths that led them there, from 3-5 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Career Services Center.

*The celebration will culminate on February 26th with the third annual UCSD Black History Month Celebration and Scholarship brunch featuring journalist and commentator Bebe Moore Campbell at 10:30 a.m. in the Faculty Club, and the UCSD Black Alumni Chapter reunion dinner dance at 6:30 p.m. at UCSD Eucalyptus Point. Please visit http://blackhistorymonth.ucsd.edu for detailed program information.

In recognition of this annual event, I am approving two hours of administrative leave with pay for employees to attend a UCSD Black History Month activity. Supervisors, upon request, may approve the use of such leave when the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties.

On behalf of the campus community, I would like to express deep appreciation to the members of the UCSD Black History Month Planning Committee for their work on this UCSD celebration.

Please join me, the members of the UCSD Black History Month Planning Committee, and our colleagues and guests as we celebrate Black History Month at UCSD.

Marye Anne Fox Chancellor