As Black History Month marks its 100th anniversary, University of the Pacific will host a series of events exploring how members of the African diaspora define their own narratives and share stories that reflect their value, beauty and impact on the community.

Highlights include a conversation with NBA insider Chris Haynes, panel discussions on the power of Black voices, concerts and a community health fair. See the full schedule of events.

“Black Voices: Controlling the Narrative,” a day-long series of panel discussions, begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 in the McCaffrey Center. Topics include news coverage and censorship, the importance of literacy in early childhood and supporting community movements. The conversation moves to the Janet Leigh Theatre at 3 p.m. where attendees will watch media clips followed by a robust conversation on the images and themes depicted. Local authors and bookstore vendors will be on site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chris Haynes, a Fresno, California, native and nationally recognized NBA reporter, joins Pacific as keynote speaker Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the DeRosa University Center. Haynes will discuss his unconventional path to success in sports journalism. He is currently a sideline reporter for the professional three-on-three league, Big3, and provides commentary for Amazon Prime’s NBA Insider.

The annual Community Health Fair returns Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Progressive Community Church in Stockton. Attendees will receive free blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes testing as well as immunizations. Blood pressure machines and diabetes monitors will be provided while supplies last. Screenings are provided by students and staff from the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences and Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

The Conservatory of Music will perform two concerts in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. The Pacific Wind Bands takes the stage Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. conducted by Professor Vu Nguyen. The performance is inspired by Henry Dorn’s “I, Too, Am America” and includes featured soloist and soprano Lisa Williamson, described by the Washington Post as “silvery of voice” and “a showstopper.” She is Pacific's artist-in-residence this spring. 

The Pacific Wind Bands ensemble recently received national acclaim, winning the American Prize in Band/Wind Ensemble Performance in the college and university division.

The Pacific Jazz Ensemble performs Friday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Professor Patrick Langham, the concert features guest pianist Orrin Evans, Grammy-nominated bandleader of Captain Black Big Band. Tickets for both performances are available in advance or at the door.

The McGeorge School of Law will host a screening of “John Burris: Godfather of Police Litigation” at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 at the Guild Theater, just a few blocks from Pacific’s Sacramento Campus. A moderated question and answer session will follow with civil rights attorney John Burris and filmmakers Doug Harris and Brian Spencer.

First observed in 1926, Black History Month has since evolved into a monthlong national celebration.

“The purpose of Black History Month is to honor the history, culture and contributions of Black Americans to the advancement and making of the United States of America,” said Mary Lomax-Ghirarduzzi ’89, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “Specifically, founders of the month knew formal widespread commemorative celebrations offer an opportunity to hold a mirror up to our nation, allowing our country to learn about and confront hard truths about who we are as Americans, and push Americans to live up to our founding ideals.”

Pacific has a rich history of bringing dynamic speakers and engaging thought leaders to campus for Black History Month. Last year, actor and producer Giancarlo Esposito, star of “Captain America: Brave New World” spoke on campus. Previous guests have also included Spike Lee and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Most of Pacific’s Black History Month events are free and open to the community. Learn more about this year’s celebration.