UC San Diego is strongly committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable and inclusive university community in which all can flourish and feel a sense of belonging. Our Heritage Months foster community connections, promote mutual understanding and educate Tritons about the history, achievements and contributions of many unique people and cultures we are fortunate to have as valued members of our vibrant community. Our Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence guides our ongoing efforts related to campus climate, access and success. To learn more about our progress, please review our 2023 Progress Update.
During the month of February, students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in a series of events in observance and celebration of Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Black Culture Through Artistic Expression.”
Numerous events will be held, including UC San Diego’s 22nd Annual Black History Month Scholarship Brunch on Saturday, February 24 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m to recognize UC San Diego student scholars. Our featured speaker and performer, multi-genre recording artist and instrumentalist Damien Sneed, is a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer and faculty member at both Howard University and the Juilliard School. To reserve a table or purchase tickets, please contact BlackHistoryMonth@ucsd.edu.
In recognition of this annual event, two hours of administrative leave with pay have been approved for employees to attend UC San Diego Black History Month activities. Supervisors, upon request, may approve the use of such leave when the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.
As part of our recognition of Black History Month this year, we also encourage you to visit two new spaces on campus that reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion:
National Pan-Hellenic Council Plaza at UC San Diego
The NPHC Plaza, a student-led initiative, opened in October 2023. It serves as a community gathering space and honors history, fosters unity, collaboration and cultural appreciation for the contributions made by the Divine Nine Black fraternities and sororities. The plaza is the first of its kind in the state of California.
Ventanas
Ventanas is UC San Diego’s newest residential dining facility and proudly offers a year-round menu featuring cuisine inspired by the African diaspora. It serves as a symbol of representation, diversity and inclusion for our students and campus community.
On behalf of the campus community, we express our sincere appreciation to the members of the UC San Diego Black History Month Planning Committee for their work to coordinate these educational and celebratory campus activities.
