UC San Diego will celebrate Black History Month in February with events that pay tribute to legendary figures in African American history. These individuals helped make our nation a better place through activism and service, including 2018 commencement speaker John Lewis, often called “one of the most courageous persons the civil rights movement ever produced.”

This year’s theme, “War and Peace: The Complexity of History, Service and Activism within the Black Diaspora,” will be reflected in events such as film screenings, educational seminars and the 16th Annual Black History Scholarship Brunch Celebration. Decorated Army Commander and motivational speaker Colonel Gregory Gadson will serve as keynote speaker at the Feb. 24 fundraising event. The veteran, who has served in every major conflict of the last two decades, will discuss overcoming obstacles—Gadson’s biggest challenge happened in Iraq in 2007 when an IED attack led to both of his legs being amputated above the knees. Learn more about purchasing tickets here.

Event highlights of UC San Diego’s Black History Month Celebration, many of which are free and open to the public, include the following. All event details can be found at blackhistorymonth.ucsd.edu.