2015-2016 African American History Month (February)
African American History Month (February 2016)
Events
Music and Invited Speaker: On Wednesday February 24th from 6-8:30pm in Rizza Auditorium our celebration of Black History Month culminated with an ensemble of musicians and artists including John Ramas Ann'al (Entertainer, Guitarist, Keyboardist), Shannon Lacy (Entertainer, Percussionist), and the Women's Choir of Good Samaritan Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo. Also, invited speaker Captain Donald H. Flowers, USN (RET) shared his personal experiences of perseverance in his presentation entitled, Ascending Through Perseverance. Thank you to all who attended the event and thank you to those who made it happen including Dining Services, AV staff, Facilities, and members of the Unity Council Subcommittee.


Dining Center Events: African American Cuisine was served for lunch throughout the month, including Afro-Caribbean, Mardi Gras celebration, Ethiopian, and Soul Food.
Movie and Discussion: On Sunday February 21st at 5:30pm in Rizza, ASCMA and the Unity Council showed the film 42, the story of Jackie Robinson (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453562/). Following the showing a panel discussion with moviegoers was held where topics of black history and contemporary relevance were discussed.
Captain Robert Cook, President of the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates, Inc., visits Cal Maritime
On January 25, 2016 the Unity Council welcomed Captain Robert Cook to campus. As a student at SUNY Maritime, Captain Cook formed a student group that would later develop into the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates (OBMG). Following graduation and work in the industry, Captain Cook was one of the founding members, and president, of OBMG. His organization has provided support to maritime students and graduates for over 20 years, including to Cal Maritime students and graduates in the form of financial support, professional networking, and social support. During his visit, members of the Unity Council and current students listened to Captain Cook's experience and wisdom as well as engaged in active discussions about how to improve diversity and equity at Cal Maritime. On behalf of the Cal Maritime community, the Unity Council is grateful to Captain Robert Cook (and OBMG) for his leadership on diversity in the maritime industry and for helping support Cal Maritime's growth and development toward becoming a more inclusive multicultural community.
Pictured above from left to right: Cadet Cory Horton, Captain Robert Cook, and Dr. Ian Wallace
Unity Council members, students, and Captain Robert Cook (center)
African American History Month Web sites
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
http://asalh100.org/black-history-themes/2015-theme/
African Americans and Maritime History
African American History - San Francisco Maritime
African Americans in the UC Merchant Marines and US Maritime Service
A Salute to African American Mariners (MARAD)
African Americans in the US Coast Guard
Voyage to Discovery - Maritime Heritage: African American History (NOAA)
Organization of Black Maritime Graduates, Inc (OBMG)
African American Documentary Films (lists)
10 must watch Black History Documentary Films (PBS)
Black Documentaries (The Grio)
Wikipedia list of African American Documentary Films
African American News Outlets