Chico State Black Resource Center will host its annual Young Black and Gifted event in celebration of Black History Month on Thursday, February 12. 

The Black Resource Center serves as a space for connection, support, and empowerment for Black students on campus. The center is dedicated to encourage Black excellence by providing academic resources, mentorship, and a welcoming space where students can build community and feel seen and supported. Located at the Meriam Library, Room 143, the Black Resource Center is part of the Infinity Center at Chico State. 

The Young, Black, and Gifted event will be a social-focused celebration that is open to all students. Attendees can expect a variety of games, including jump rope, Jenga, Connect Four, cup pong, and rounds of musical chairs. The event will also feature a DJ and free food, which will include ribs, mac and cheese, and cornbread.

These events aim to create a fun, inclusive space where students can come together to celebrate Black culture, build connections, and enjoy celebrating the community during Black History Month.

Student worker Christian Hutson, one of the cultural programmers at the Black Resource Center, emphasized the importance of the center on a campus where less than 3% of students identify as African American. Hutson said the center plays a critical role in cultural representation, celebration, and providing a safe space for Black students.

“It’s difficult when you look around, and not everyone is like you. A lot of Black students describe their experience as being the only Black student in their classroom,” Hutson said. “Personally, I’m one of the few students in my major. Being able to see other people who look like me and have that sense of community is especially important, along with access to workshops that are centered around Black experiences.”

In addition to the Young, Black, and Gifted event, the Black Resource Center will host other events throughout February to celebrate Black History Month, including the Unity Celebration & Community Dinner on February 25, hosted in partnership with the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center.

For more information about the Black Resource Center and upcoming events, visit Room 143 in the Meriam Library Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., or check out their Instagram.

Arlette Valdivia can be reached at [email protected]