Written by Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S.
Associate Vice Chancellor, Office for Health Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Curated by Rebecca Jorrin, M.S.
Education Coordinator, Office for Health Equity Diversity and Inclusion

This month we celebrate Black History at the University of California and across the United States. On February 1st University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., released a letter to the UC community.

During Black History Month (February 1 – March 1, 2022) please join us to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Black Americans—listed below are events that can help you get you started. During these celebrations, you may see symbols of a raised fist on celebratory flyers across the community. This is an iconic and global symbol that represent resilience and solidarity against oppression. Yet, some mistakenly conclude that this symbol endorses violence. This could not be farther from the truth. 

Here is a good article on the history of the raised fist as a symbol of freedom against oppression:  "The history of the raised fist, a global symbol of fighting oppression" from National Geographic. 

The misrepresentation of the raised fist as an endorsement of violence highlights the negative bias experienced by minoritized groups, particularly Black communities. Research has shown the Black people are more often inappropriately associated with being violent, even when there is solid evidence to the contrary. These false associations have harmful and even deadly consequences, as we continue to witness in multiple unjustified shootings of Black people across the country. Each of us can do our part to change this. When you hear misinformation about this symbol, please consider challenging and educating--help others to hear and see the call for solidarity against oppression.

This is the time honor and celebrate Black Americans, the time to broaden our knowledge of Black history, AND time for us to stand up against racism, as allies and advocates. To help you do this, the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion has provided a curated list of educational resources, events, and ways to get involved in support of our local communities.


Black History Month Events:

At UC Davis/UC Davis Health

Within the local community  


Self-paced education:


Ways to support our local communities:

  • Volunteer - List of community volunteer opportunities.
  • Refer to the Small and Diverse Chambers of Commerce when searching for a supplier:
    • Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
    • Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce
    • Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
    • Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce
    • Davis Chamber of Commerce
    • Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce