Celebrating Black Heritage: Highlights from the 55th Annual Black Family Day

On May 24, the UC Davis main quad became a vibrant epicenter of Black heritage as families, students, and artists convened for a celebration of Black excellence, empowerment, and community. Organized by the UC Davis Cross-Cultural Center, the event aimed to unite families for an afternoon filled with delightful food, uplifting music, and a tribute to the resilience and diversity of Black culture. Over 100 individuals, spanning ages 3 to 80, participated enthusiastically. Attendees enjoyed performances from Bay Area artist John Mackk and the UC Davis Majorettes. Additionally, the Divine Nine chapters showcased their rhythmic prowess at the National Pan-Hellenic Council StompFest. The event also featured an array of traditional foods and crafts from the African diaspora, with speakers addressing pressing social issues. Program Coordinator Makhi Jones remarked that Black Family Day serves as both a day of remembrance and an opportunity for new experiences for Black families and the broader community at Davis.