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The nearly 100 people who gathered on campus before a concert last weekend were there to celebrate the start of Black Futures Month, but they also shared a broader purpose: to celebrate a storied history and work toward creating a bright future for all through networking, student support and more.

Ebony Lewis, chief strategy officer for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, welcomed attendees to the Black Futures Month kickoff event — which was open to all and drew a broad range of community members from throughout the region — before saxophonist Braxton Cook’s Feb. 8 performance, and in the process made at least one connection.

During her opening remarks, she mentioned a staffer-turned-medical student who she noticed was in attendance. A short time later, an undergraduate student asked the medical student to be his mentor, Lewis said.

“Part of what we are doing in this space is supporting a sense of belonging, retention and persistence, and networking, which can lead to mentorship opportunities,” she said. 

Lewis added the connection was a perfect example of UC Davis’ work with the , which seeks to streamline career pathways in areas such as health care, engineering and education for the state’s future workforce.

As the celebration of Black Futures Month continues with a series of events throughout the month, Chancellor Gary S. May reflected on the broad implications of commemorating our histories that build on a legacy for the future for us all.

“It’s also an opportunity to reflect on our country’s struggles and triumphs, and consider how much work still needs to be done in the name of equity,” May said. “While it’s important to honor and learn from our past, it’s just as crucial that we look forward and envision a better tomorrow for our communities.”

A need for networking

In 2023, Lewis, graduate student researcher Jee Young Bhan and Elaina Lopez of UC Davis’ , . Among their conclusions was a need for more networking spaces and events focused on supporting Black faculty, staff, students and alumni to thrive.

Lewis said Saturday’s kickoff event was also meant to help fill that need, further extending to the alumni and community members in attendance.

The networking event was held at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, and preceded Cook’s performance at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Lewis also noted the academic benefits of having students see Cook’s performance, especially for those who study music.

“It was great to provide our students with the opportunity to connect their coursework and academic studies with a very practical experience,” she said.

Ayana Bailey-Gaines, a fourth-year art history major and music minor, told the crowd at the Manetti Shrem Museum she was “happy that this space is full of so much Black excellence,” calling the event uplifting.

“It felt like being around family, although there were equal parts familiar faces as there were new,” she said a few days after the event. “I’m always happy to see our Black community come together because we help each other grow.”

The event was a collaborative effort among multiple campus partners, including the African and African American Alumni Association, or 5A; African and African American Faculty & Staff Associations from both Davis and Sacramento; the African Continuum Association; the Cal Aggie Alumni Association; the Center for African Diaspora and Student Success; the Cross Cultural Center; the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and the Manetti Shrem Museum.

More chances to celebrate

As Black Futures Month continues, many more events are planned. , and includes a wide variety of events.

The campus community can also celebrate a shared commitment to equity and respect during a 10-month campaign to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Principles of Community. The kickoff event for that campaign was held Monday (Feb. 10) at UC Davis Health, and .

All are welcome at the events celebrating Black Futures Month and the Principles of Community.