Message from the Artist
Hello, my name is Damilola. I am a second-year Art Studio major and digital artist. I am very grateful to have been chosen to create this artwork for Black Futures Month, as it has been a fun challenge to visualize what family and black culture can look like. I took inspiration from the many different forms black hair can take in order to design each character with a unique hairstyle that brings the piece to life.
About
February marks Black Futures Month, a collective envisioning of the path for Black life at UC Davis and beyond. Throughout this month, our dedication extends to recalling, commemorating, and gaining insights from Black history. It's an opportunity to recognize the global marginalization of blackness and strive internally to elevate marginalized identities within communities for genuine liberation.
History
Since 2017 Black Futures Month at UC Davis has been a shared vision of the trajectory for Black life on this campus and beyond. Members from African Diaspora Cultivating Education, AfroVibes, Black Campus Ministries, Black Leadership Council, Black Pre-Law Student Association, Campus Community Book Project, Cross Cultural Center, Department of English Studies, Ethiopian Student Association, Eritrean Student Association, Imani Clinic, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Resource Center, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Nigerian Student Association, Student Recruitment and Retention Center, Women/Non-Binary People of Color Scholars, and Womxn’s Resources and Research Center came together with a commitment to remembering, celebrating, and learning from Black History. It began a theme to look to the Future in celebration of African/African-American/Afro-Caribbean/Afro-Latinx/Afro/Black Diasporic peoples, to embrace a mission of inclusion and to enhance the visibility of the diaspora at the intersections.
Events
Black Futures Month Themed Meal
Feb 3, 2026 Lunch 11 am- 5 pm
Location: Segundo, Tercero, Cuarto
Come enjoy Ham and Bean soup and Sweet and Smokey Pork Ribs with Dirty Rice and Bacon as part of this weeks Black Futures Month Themed Meal
Sinners Movie Night
Feb 5, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Location: Cruess Hall 1002
Come enjoy or re-enjoy Sinners with community where you can look forward to food at 5 pm and a great conversation after. Come dressed in Black Dandyism 1930s attire to really help us bring this movie night to life! We heard if you dress up there's a chance to enter into a prize give away...
Okaidja Afroso Ensemble
Feb 6, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Location: Mondavi Center
Experience the soul of Ghana with the Okaidja Afroso Ensemble. Born into a family of musicians and storytellers, Afroso honors his roots in the coastal town of Kokrobite through rhythm, song, and movement. Purchase Tickets for Okaidja Afroso Ensemble
Black Futures Month Themed Meal
Feb 9, 2026 Dinner 5 pm- 10 pm
Location: Segundo, Tercero, Cuarto
Come enjoy “Hoppin John” Black eyed Pea and Rice Salad, Fried Chicken Biscuit Sliders with Braised Collard Greens and Bacon as part of this weeks Black Futures Month Themed Meal.
Black Women and Activism: Exploring History through Zine Making
Feb 10, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Location: Women's Resources and Research Center (WRRC) Library
Join us in kicking off Black Femme Magic Week as we step back into Black history. Come for an afternoon of knowledge sharing through making zines as we discuss Black women and activism in American history.
Feminism Trivia Night with Delta Sigma Theta
Feb 10, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Location: The Gunrock
The UC Davis WRRC is teaming up with the Lambda Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for a Trivia Night at 6pm at The Gunrock! Come for conversation, vibes, food, and some prizes. Test your knowledge, bring curiosity, and we will bring the food and fun!
BlerdOUT: Trivia Night
Feb 10, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Location: CADSS TV Area
Join BlerdOUt and test your knowledge of all things NERDY. Whether you are a seasoned BlerdOUT member or new to exploring your nerdom, join us for an evening of laughter, community, and competition. Sponsored by the BlerdOUT community and the Center for African Diaspora Student Success (CADSS).
Black Futures Museum
Feb 11, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Location: Center for African Diaspora Student Success (CADSS)
A pop-up immersive exhibit to celebrate Black creativity and imagination. Join us and walk through the past, present, and future.
Sankofa: Go Back & Get Our History
Feb 12, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Location: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) Resource Center
This panel discussion featuring authors C. Riley Snorton and Darius Bost alongside UC Davis professors Amina Mama and Antoine Johnson for a conversation about the first-ever Black history text to center queer voices, tracing the lives of LGBTQ+ Black Americans from enslavement to the present day. The conversation will delve into the book's exploration of how gender and sexual expression have always been intertwined with the Black freedom struggle. The expert panelists will discuss the historical contributions of Black queer, trans, and gender non-conforming Americans and their fight for sexual and gender justice with a Q&A for attendees.
Pasts That Propel Us: Queer Black History Book Discussion
Feb 12, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Location: LGBTQIA Resource Center
Book panel discussion on A Black Queer History of the United States.
Black Fashion & Jewelry: Make and Tell Stories of Resistance
Feb 12, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Location: WRRC Library
Students will be joining us for a debrief as we share our personal experiences within the healthcare industry as Black Women and paint our stories on a canvas! Topics include Microagressions, Implicit Bias, Stereotypes, and more.
Ekep Nkwelle
Feb 12, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Location: Mondavi Center
Last season, Ekep Nkwelle captivated the audience with her soulful voice alongside Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Now, the rising star returns to take center stage in Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. Purchase Tickets for Ekep Nkwelle.
Black Galentine Table Talk: Softness and Blackhood
Feb 13, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Location: WRRC Library
It's that time of year again! It's time to spread the love through shared experiences. Join us at the WRRC to make Galentine's Day cards, have some snacks, and be in community.
Black Futures Month Movie Night
Feb 13, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Location: CADSS Dance Room
Come out at the end of the week for a movie night on Friday, February 13th in CADSS from 5-7:30pm! The movie theme will align with Black Futures Month. We will have all the classic movie snacks such as popcorn, candy, and soda!
Black Futures Month Themed Meal
Feb 17, 2026 Lunch 11 am- 5 pm
Location: Segundo, Tercero, Cuarto
Come enjoy Shrimp and Grits and Dirty Rice, and Peach Cobbler with Whip Cream as part of this weeks Black Futures Month Themed Meal.
Winter Open House
Feb 17, 2026 @ 11:00am-3:00pm
Location: AAS Conference Room, Hart Hall 2nd floor
A short event with food provided to bring community amongst staff/faculty on campus and students. We will also play games and have meaningful conversations about what the department offers and help get students to where they want to be.
Pop the Balloon
Feb 17, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Location: CADSS
A variation of the YouTube sensation, join us for an evening of lighthearted fun and hot takes!
Essence of the Diaspora: A Celebration of Black Joy at the Silo
Feb 19, 2026 @ 11:00am
Location: Silo
Join us at the Silo as we celebrate Black Futures Month with vibrant energy, delicious food from Black-owned food trucks, resource tabling and captivating performances by our amazing Black student organizations.
Where Yo Fans At?
Feb 19, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Location: CADSS Dance Room
I know you've seen the line dancing trend, now is your chance to put your boots on the ground. Register now, link in Instagram bio: cadss_ucdavis
Soul Plates: A Panel on Feeding Mental Wellness in the Diaspora
Feb 21, 2026, Time: 12-1:30pm
Location: Olive Main Hall
This engaging panel offers Black students a welcoming space to explore mental health, connect with specialists, and ask meaningful questions about wellbeing in the Black community—all while fostering open dialogue, empowerment, and collective healing. Follow African Diaspora Mental Health Club on Instagram for more updates.
BGPSA: Black Futures Month Paint Night and Trivia
Feb 23, 2026, Time: 6 pm
Location: TBD
Unwind and let your creativity flow to start off the final week of Black Futures Month with a paint event on Monday, February 23rd from 6-8pm (location TBD). We have paint-by-the-number kits themed around nature and relaxation and charcuterie snacks. If painting isn’t your thing, we will also be running BFM trivia with prizes included!
Black Futures Month Themed Meal
Feb 24, 2026 Lunch 5 pm- 10 pm
Location: Segundo, Tercero, Cuarto
Come enjoy traditional French Style Potato Salad with Mustard Dressing, Senegalese Onion-Braised Chicken with Jollof Rice as part of this weeks Black Futures Month Themed Meal.
Breaking Bias: HIV prevention, research, and community voices
Feb 24, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Location: LGBTQIA Resource Center
Join us for an interactive panel and community conversation on HIV prevention and research, centering the experiences of Black and Brown communities. Researchers and community advocates will discuss bias, stigma, and access to care, with breakout spaces for small-group dialogue. The program connects with Black Futures Month and will include a raffle of safer sex prizes and free safer sex product distribution. Free food will be provided.
Ndlovu Youth Choir
Feb 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Location: Mondavi Center
Hailing from South Africa, the Ndlovu Youth Choir uplifts audiences around the globe with powerhouse vocals, mesmerizing choreography, and infectious energy. Purchase Tickets for Ndlovu Youth Choir
Speed Tournament
Feb 26, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Location: Wall Main
Don't miss this chance to test your speed skills and have some fun! Join students and staff for a fun, competitive speed tournament hosted by the Center for African Diaspora Student Success and the Black Student Union.
Panel & Cultural Expression Night
Feb 27, 2026 @ 6:00pm
Location: Gallagher Hall
Come join us for an engaging panel discussion celebrating leadership, innovation & equity, followed by spoken word & artistic expression!
Panelists include: Joshymar Graham, Krystal Scruggs and Jesse Brown
Alsarah & The Nubatones
Feb 27, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Location: Mondavi Center
Alsarah & the Nubatones were born out of a collective love for Nubian music, modern migration patterns, and the cultural exchanges between Sudan and Egypt. Purchase Tickets for Alsarah & The Nubatones
Third Annual Aggie Resilience Colloquium
Feb 28, 2026 @ 9:30am
Location: 1330 Walker Hall
Being a graduate student can be difficult, but hardship builds strong minds. And while our careers matter, longevity comes from the stories, connections, and people we grow alongside.
Join us for the Third Annual Aggie Resilience Colloquium, a full-day event centered on resilience, professional growth, and meaningful community. Expect a keynote, panel discussions, workshops, mentorship, networking, and space to celebrate how far you’ve come.
Family Reunion BBQ - Centered on Music, Joy & Reflection
Feb 28, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 3 pm
Location: Don Castro Recreational Area, Whisper Creek, CA
Admission is free and all students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are welcome!
Mardi Gras
Feb 28, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: International Center, UC Davis
“Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler” at UC Davis! This February, the UC Davis Black Student Union brings the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras to campus, celebrating the rich cultural legacy of the African Diaspora with both educational depth and joyful energy. Join us at the International Center for a powerful blend of history, music, and community as we honor Black heritage and create a space of belonging and celebration.
For additional events throughout the month, please visit the Aggie Black Excellence Calendar.