California State University, Northridge will celebrate Africana studies with a series of events that explore what makes the discipline so important during a time of political uncertainty and challenges to advances made toward social and racial equality.

“Community Revival: Celebrating Heritage, Activism, and Representation” begins Wednesday, Nov. 1, with a presentation by Africana studies professor emeritus Selase Williams on the state of the discipline and culminates on Saturday, Nov. 4, with the second annual plaque dedication ceremony honoring the founders of what is now CSUN’s Department of Africana Studies.

“Honoring the historic legacy and activism of students, faculty and the local community, we celebrate Africana Studies week as a reminder of the significant contributions we have made to higher education, said Marquita Gammage, chair of the Department of Africana Studies. ”These ceremonies also serve as an opportunity to remind us how we can once again serve as innovators in higher education as we chart new paths, and expand the discipline of Africana Studies here at CSUN and globally.”

Africana studies professor Cedric Hackett, one of the organizers of the celebration, said “Community Revival: Celebrating Heritage, Activism, and Representation” “honors the multifaceted fabric of history and culture while reiterating the ideals of fortitude, self-determination, and harmony.”

“The 1968 CSUN ‘Storm at Valley State,’ a student-led action that led to the creation of the department, acts as a strong cornerstone, kindling the activism and tenacity that burn brightly in the hearts of our people,” Hackett said. “As we celebrate the hardships and triumphs that have molded our history, we honor the students and staff who have devoted their lives to the causes of justice and representation at San Fernando Valley State (now California State University, Northridge). This theme perfectly captures the development of our presence here. It honors the resilience of social ties and the continuing historical memory of those who battled for reform, shedding light on the path forward for upcoming generations to carry on the quest for a more just and inclusive institution.”

The events include:

• Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.: “State of Africana Studies” presented by Selase Williams in the Northridge Center of the University Student Union, located on the east side of the campus, off Zelzah Avenue.
• Thursday, Nov. 2, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.: “My AfroRican State of Soul” featuring Lucas Rivera in the Northridge Center.
• Friday, Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: A panel discussion with Africana studies alumni in Kurland Hall, located in the Younes and Soraya Center for the Performing Arts on the south side of the campus off Nordhoff Street.
• Saturday, Nov. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The 2^nd Annual Plaque Dedication Ceremony with a march to the Black House. The march will begin between Sierra Hall and Jerome Richfield Hill on the west side of the campus, and will culminate at the Black House on Halsted Street.

For more information about the event, call the Department of Africana Studies at (818) 677-3311. For information about parking on campus, visit the visitor parking information website.

Africana Studies, celebration