This February marks a very important celebration- a century of commemorating Black History Month. We encourage folks to read about the history of Black History Month on ASALH’s webpage, and to explore their programming throughout the month.
“Black history’s value is not its contribution to mainstream historical narratives, but its resonance in the lives of Black people.” —Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
As Employee Assistance Counselors, we often ask the question, “How does that resonate with you?” What we are asking is- what meaning does this have for you? What stuck with you? We know that one event, one interaction, one news article, one art piece can mean 1,000 different things to 1,000 different people based on their unique lives and perceptions.
So this month, we ask you, “What resonates for you when you consider Black history?” What matters to you- which historical events, which changemakers, which authors, which artists, what places do you want to highlight? When we all identify a particular aspect of Black history that matters to us, we keep history alive, relevant, and resonant.
Campus Support and Events
- Employee Assistance facilitates a virtual BIPOC support group every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 12-12:50 pm. This virtual space is for faculty and staff to join together to explore BIPOC-related topics including workplace experiences, care for self and others, and mental health. Participants are encouraged to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Group is facilitated by an EA counselor, and participants are welcome to bring topics of interest to discuss. Please email kpatchell@berkeley.edu for registration, Zoom link, and bCal notifications.
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This is a great time to connect (or reconnect) with the Black Staff and Faculty Organization. Their next meeting is February 18- email bsfo2@berkeley.edu to join their email list.
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Join Black Lives at Cal for Black History Walking Tours on Feb 6th, 11th, or the 16th. Tours will begin at the Koret Visitor Center/Cal Athletic Hall of Fame, Memorial Stadium at 12pm and last for 90 minutes. More information about sign-ups and solo tours can be found here: https://blac.berkeley.edu/our-projects/join-guided-black-history-tour
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Save the date for the University of California Black Administrators’ Council (UCBAC) virtual conference on Feb 11th and Feb 26th from 9am-12:30pm. Learn more about the UCBAC here: https://diversity.universityofcalifornia.edu/about/black-administrators-council/
Community Support and Events
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The Black Joy Parade is back for the 9th consecutive year! This year, the event falls on Feb. 22nd starting at 12:30pm. The Black Joy Parade is fun for all ages, and showcases Black-owned businesses, entertainment, and artistry.
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The Oakland Museum of California is perennially a resource to learn about the many cultures that make up Oakland. Their Great Hall is currently hosting a Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain exhibit through March 1st.
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The San Francisco African American Historical & Cultural Society is a great place to learn more about Black history, life, and culture. In addition to a Black History Month 2026 Kick-Off event on February 6th, they host an African American Legacy Book Club.
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Join the Oakland Asian Cultural Center on Feb. 7th for a kid-friendly Lunar New Year x Black History Month event, promoting Asian and African American Solidarity. This event is free, and will highlight lion dancers, drummers, performers, and arts and crafts.
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The Black History Film Festival is hosted by the Oakland Public Library in West Oakland on Feb. 21st, while New Parkway Theatre is also hosting the Kingmakers of Oakland’s Black Film Festival on Feb. 12th.
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 include:
- Therapists of Color Bay Area Directory(link is external)
- LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color(link is external)
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network(link is external)
- Therapy for Black Girls(link is external)
- The Endurance Center(link is external)
- Psychology Today
Oakland LGBTQ Center offers support groups for the community, including a dedicated recovery space for BIPOC folks.
East Bay Meditation Center offers peer-led groups focused on deepening spiritual practices. These offerings are especially focused on diverse communities and include groups for many diasporas. A Racial Justice Skills for White Practitioners group is also available.