Celebrating Black History Month

February is recognized as Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements and acknowledge the struggles of African Americans throughout history. According to the Black History Month website, the origins of Black History Month date back to 1925 when Harvard historian, Carter G. Woodson hoped to raise awareness of African Americans' contributions to society. In 1926, just a year later, Woodson launched an event celebrating African Americans in February, meant to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. To explore African-American/Black student organizations at UCLA and how they are observing Black History Month, click the link below. 

Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) reached out to a handful of the African-American/Black clubs and organizations on campus. The following information was provided by those who have responded; however, this is not an exhaustive list of African-American/Black organizations at UCLA. To explore more African-American/Black student organizations at UCLA, click the button below. 

Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA)

“The Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) at UCLA is dedicated to connection, awareness, representation, empowerment and support for all Black graduate students and individuals of the African Diaspora, both within the University and in the surrounding areas,” shares Bre’Aujanae Moore BGSA, Secretary of BGSA for the 2024-25 academic year. 

Upcoming public events:

• BGSA & ASUCLA present Black Love! Join them on Tuesday, Feb. 11, starting at 6 p.m. in the Kerckhoff Hall, for an evening of joy, featuring soulful rhythm and blues karaoke paired with a relaxing “Sip'n Paint” activity. 

Follow BGSA on Instagram @bgsa_ucla to stay connected! 

Afrikan Student Union (ASU)

“The Afrikan Student Union (ASU) is the official political voice of all Afrikan students on UCLA's campus,” shares Kahlila Williams, Afrikan Student Union chairperson. “ASU has a long and rich history on the UCLA campus since 1966. Today, the organization continues to promote and serve the broad cultural, educational and professional interests of students of Afrikan descent at UCLA and in the greater Afrikan community.” 

Upcoming public events: 

• UCLA Women's Black Excellence Basketball on Feb. 2 at noon at Pauley Pavilion.

• BLK LA cookout on Feb.1 at noon at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.
  To learn more about ASU, explore their Instagram @blackbruins or linktree by clicking here.