SAN DIEGO — The University of California, San Diego, will honor U.S. heroes who broke barriers of exclusion and forged a path of success for African Americans as part of the university’s celebration of Black History Month. The theme for 2011 is “Breaking Down Barriers for Over 150 years,” which champions the men and women who rallied around the cause of freedom.

Events this year will be amplified as part of the UC San Diego’s ongoing effort to enhance the campus climate and broaden the diversity of the campus community and curriculum.

“As UC San Diego celebrates 50 years of achieving the extraordinary, it’s essential that we remember the legacy of those at the forefront of social justice and equality,” said Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. “As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we remain committed to enriching the diversity of our campus and ensuring accessibility for all promising students.”

In addition to signature events, such as the Ninth Annual Scholarship Brunch and the Evening with the Stars, more events have been added, expanding the celebration into the month of March.

“This year we can look forward to a strong increase in student and community involvement,” said Pamela Frugé, co-chair of the celebration. “We have grown alumni participation with the Evening with the Stars event, where alumni come back to campus to connect, network and mentor current students in their academic and professional career goals. In line with the 50th anniversary of UC San Diego, we are highlighting ‘Barrier Breakers,’ staff, faculty and students who have forged a path for African Americans on this campus.”
            
Events include:

• Black History Month Opener, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 1), Price Center Plaza: UC San Diego students, faculty, staff and members of the community will gather together to celebrate the achievements, struggles and persistence of people of African descent both in the U.S. and abroad.

• Don Cheadle Film Series, Part 1, 3:30 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 3): This series will showcase films starting actor Don Cheadle. Part 1 features “Hotel Rwanda” and “The Traitor.”

• The 2011 Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Diversity Awards Program, 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 8, Price Center West Ballroom: The awards recognize employees, students, faculty, staff and other members of the UC San Diego Community who have made an outstanding contribution in the areas of equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity at UC San Diego during the past year. This event is free and the campus community is encouraged to attend.

• Don Cheadle Film Series, Part 2, 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10: This second installment of the Don Cheadle series will showcase “Talk to Me” and “Devil in a Blue Dress.”

• Black History Month Scholarship Brunch, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 26, UC San Diego Faculty Club: UC San Diego will hold its annual celebration of Black History Month with this traditional event which includes a tasty soul food brunch, keynote address, local gospel choirs, a silent auction and recognition of outstanding student scholars.

• Black Radio Exhibit “Do You Hear Us?” Feb. 1–28, at the lower level of the west wing in Geisel Library: The Black Radio exhibit celebrates the African-American presence on the airwaves from the 1920s through the present.