We have been collaborating with Andre Thompson and OASIS since late 2021 on their project to highlight Black achievement at UC San Diego.

This project, led by Andre Thompson, started as a collaborative effort between OASIS and the Black Studies Project. The connection was made between Porsia Curry, the former Campus Diversity Officer and Director of the Black Resource Center and Erik Mitchell, UC San Diego University Librarian, who put us in touch with Porsia, who connected us with Andre. (It’s important to honor the connections made.)

After many personnel changes for both the Black Resource Center and OASIS, the effort was kicked off on March 5, 2024 with a celebration event. It is an initiative to create an interactive digital archive of Black excellence at UC San Diego, documenting and celebrating the achievements of Black students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

The keynote speaker was Stacia Smith Solomon, inaugural director of the Black Resource Center, and the event featured soul food provided by campus catering, and prizes provided by sponsors. The timeline banners were also displayed and attendees were given the opportunity to view them and leave post-it note comments or additions.