By Bianca Machain, March 14, 2025
Walking into a room of historical figures may be a rare feat, but here at Cal Poly Pomona, it happens every February.
Though currently caught in the midst of an erasure, Black History Month, a staple celebrated every year for decades, is especially important for Black communities because it honors the past and looks ahead to future innovations.
Here on campus, the Black Resource Center puts on many events that continue to be significant to students and staff alike; Dinner with the Deans, Haircare events, Spirit Week, dodgeball tournaments, and Black women’s Galentine’s, February is all about community. These events are made to not only make Black students feel welcomed but also engage everyone in important cultural conversations.
The final event of Black History Month was the Black History Experience, where students watched significant Black figures come to life. Ida B. Wells, Chuck Berry, Dorothy Height and Susie King Taylor are just a few of the Black historical figures represented at the event. Students were dressed and acted as these important figures. Students and staff alike were encouraged to take a step into the past and learn from Black historical figures. Learning about how their lives were changed after their contributions, how they shaped the world we live in today and even how their race contributed to the scope of their achievements.
Attendees were encouraged to ask questions about their history, lives and anything about their contributions to society. These student actors and hosts are from different backgrounds and majors and contributed to the event coming to life. Each historical figure was dressed in appropriate attire such as nurse outfits and long poodle skirts. Some tables were even adorned with timeline-appropriate books or props.
The conversation around Black historical figures who are not well-known is vital to keeping Black history alive. It is also fundamental to understand history as the people who are making it. Azra Phillips, a plant science student, who represented Marsha P. Johnson at the event, said attendees should take away the point to “be who you are, accept yourself as an individual and be you no matter what anyone says.”
These students will eventually become the face of Black history, therefore understanding their cultural past is fundamental to their future contributions.
“Black history means a point in which you stop and reflect on the great contributions that African Americans have made to this country,” Soraya M. Coley said.
Some of those meaningful contributions were showcased at the event. Inventions such as the stoplight, the folding bed, laser cataract surgery, UV camera and toilet paper holders were all shown as inventions not known to be contributed to by Black inventors. These inventions have made our modern day more convenient and were contributed by Black inventors who have changed technology for the better.
Black History Month is meant to encapsulate the full scope of all Black history, not just slavery.
“Black History is not just slavery,” said Erianah Benjamin, a history student who was representing Ida B. Wells. “Black History is so rich. Black culture is so rich.”
Benjamin also noted she hopes (through the event) people understand the depth of Black History.
Many important things should be taken away from not only this event, but Black History Month as a whole. Black history is rich, diverse and should be explored year-round. Understanding the past is fundamental to moving forward in the future.
For those interested, the Black Resource Center is open to all students with resources available such as free printing, gender neutral restrooms, computers, tutoring and so much more. Located in Building 95 L110 across from Campus Center, the BRC is always happy to welcome any students who want to use the facilities or just need a place to connect and recharge in between classes.
Feature image courtesy of Bianca Machain