Join the CSUN Department of Africana Studies for the 3rd Annual Plaque Dedication Ceremony and March to the Black House! This powerful event honors the courageous students, faculty, and staff whose activism in 1968 sparked a movement that led to the creation of the Department of Africana Studies. Come celebrate their legacy and be part of an event filled with history, pride, and unity!

Event Agenda

11:30am: Introduction/ Welcome

• Curtis Byrd, Drummer and Resident
• Kayla Spruill, DHIAA Advisory Committee Board (Land Acknowledgement)Dr. Cedric Hackett, Director of DHIAA, Prof. AFRS (Recognition of Donors)
• President Erika Beck, CSUN
• Provost Meera Komarraju, CSUN
• Dr. Marquita Gammage, Chair, AFRS
• Dr. William Watkins, VPSA
• Shiva Parsa or Jina Gonzalez, EOP

11:50am: Libation

• “Lift EV’RY Voice and Sing” (Acapella)

11:55am: Prayer

• Rev. Zedar Broadous

12:00pm: Plaque Dedication

• Hermoni Douglas, BSU President
• Dr. Barbara Rhodes, DHIAA Founder, AFRS Emeritus, Founding Faculty
• Dr. Rehema Gray, AFRS Emeritus, Founding Faculty
• Shabazz Burwell, (Son of Dr. Bill Burwell)

12:20pm: March to Black House

12:45pm: Rose Quartet/ Reception/ Self-Viewing of Posters from the Storm

1:05pm The Storm -Teach In (Rev. Zedar Broadous)

1:25pm: Moment of Silence for the Passing of Recent AFRS Faculty

• (Bill Burwell, prof. Johnie Scott, James Dennis, etc.)

1:26 PM Honoring Torchbearers (Read HEAL names / RA)

1:29pm Dr. Bill Burwell Commemoration (Dr. William Watkins, VPSA)

1:35pm BSU: Winning the Black House

• Darrius Riggins, Alumni

2:15pm Completion of the 3rd Annual Plaque Dedication