Celebrating Black History Month
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Art, in its many forms, provides a medium to convey and communicate our unique stories. stories. For both the artist and the beholder, art can be intensely healing and transformative. Our stories have the power to inspire, validate, and encourage others. For Black History Month 2024, we honor the theme of African Americans and the Arts, acknowledging that Black writers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and other artists have detailed not only the pain but also beauty, growth, progress, and power of the African American diaspora.
As we move through February and the rest of the year, we invite our BIPOC campus community to consider the benefits of self-expression and story-telling through art. What release might writing, talking, painting, dancing, or other forms of creating and self-care provide? For our community members who identify as allies, how can they create supportive spaces for Black colleagues? What resources, whether they be time, money, or emotional energy, can be devoted to honoring and bolstering Black art and voices?
As mental health professionals, the Employee Assistance staff also honors and acknowledges the therapeutic benefits of a safe space for stories to be shared, and new insights to be gleaned. If individual counseling is not the right fit, consider a support group session or an interactive workshop. We highlight the following events, resources, and opportunities for this month and beyond.
Campus and Community Support
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Employee Assistance facilitates a virtual BIPOC support group every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 12-12:50. This group is an opportunity to meet BIPOC staff, faculty and postdocs from across campus, and to share your unique story and experiences. Topics are selected by group members at the start of each session. Please email kpatchell@berkeley.edu for registration, Zoom link, and bCal notifications.
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Employee Assistance counselor Kiran Johl, LCSW will host a workshop titled Understanding Your Relationship to Work on April 3rd from 12-1:15 pm. Participants will use a cultural lens to explore and examine the origins of their interactions with work. This workshop especially focuses on the experiences of second-generation folks and POCs. There will be opportunities for self-reflection and group sharing. Register in the UC Learning Center.
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The Pacific Center for Human Growth hosts a variety of peer support groups, including a virtual group for Black, Indigenous, and other Womxn of Color groups, and Precious Gems, a group centering Black Women of Trans Experience and non-binary and questioning folx of the African Diaspora.
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The Oakland LGBTQ Center offers general support groups for the BIPOC community, and more focused groups such as the Black Men’s Awareness Club. More information can be found on the Oakland LGBTQ Center website.
Campus and Community Events
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This is a great time to connect (or reconnect) with the Black Staff and Faculty Organization (BSFO) as they offer a wide range of events throughout February. On-campus offerings include a luncheon and gathering at the Campanile for a Black National Anthem performance. Off-campus offerings include a game night, a symphony performance, and samba lessons. See the full list of events here
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The East Bay Meditation Center welcomes Black/African/African American folks of all experience levels to join in a virtual day of meditation. See more information about Black People Meditate: Compassion Practice for the Resilient Heart on their website.
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Join in celebration for the 7th Annual Black Joy Parade in Oakland (14th St and Franklin) on Feb. 25th. This event is appropriate for all ages and showcases Black-owned businesses and entertainment.
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Support local artists and stories (and share your own) with Write Now! SF Bay Supporting Writing & Art by People of Color.
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The Museum of the African Diaspora is a non-profit organization located in SF and is committed to celebrating Black culture. In addition to contemporary art, they offer educational courses for all ages.
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Do not forget that UC Berkeley staff receive a 10% discount on art classes at the Berkeley Art Studio.
Mental Health Resources
Employee Assistance can answer questions about your mental health benefits and coverage through UC, and help you locate a referral. You can schedule an appointment via phone, email, or in person.
Additional resources for locating therapists, especially therapists of color, are below:
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Learning and training opportunities offered at Cal(link is external)
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Racial Justice Skills for White Practitioners of meditation at East Bay Meditation
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See a list of Parenting Resources on our Work/Life webpage
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Talking to Young Children about Race and Racism: PBS website - Talking about Racism
- Black History Month Activities & Events for Kids and Families in the Bay Area