Black History Month Opening Celebration: Honoring a Century of Black Commemorations

Publish Date: Feb. 3, 2026

On February 3rd, our Black History Month Opening Celebration powerfully marked a century of Black commemorations, honoring the richness, complexity, and ongoing evolution of Black life, culture, and resistance.

The program opened with a deeply moving keynote by Dr. Ambrose. Formerly a professor at the University of California, Riverside in Black Studies with a focus on Black healing, Dr. Ambrose’s work embodies the living legacy of Black history. Their reflections centered on Black trans and queer spiritualities, religious expressions, and ethical frameworks as vital sites of communal healing, activism, and moral imagination.

Vivian Williams, a student from Crafton Hills College, delivered a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem. This was followed by a performance from Ryan Frierson, an Inland Empire–based cellist who has performed with orchestras and chamber groups from San Diego to Los Angeles. Frierson played a piece by a Black composer, honoring the profound contributions of Black musicians to classical and contemporary music traditions.

The celebration concluded with dominoes, spades, music, and dancing. Attendees were encouraged to linger and enjoy refreshments together.

The Dean of Enrollment Services and Co-Chair of the Black History Month Committee, Dr. Willie Blackmon, captured the spirit of the event saying, “The opening ceremony was a true celebration of Black people not being a monolith, but instead embracing all facets of Black identity, experience, and expression.”

This opening ceremony was just one of many educational and community-centered events taking place throughout February, as Crafton Hills College continues to celebrate Black History Month.