Get Ready for 44 Days, Saint Mary’s Signature Celebration of Black History
We're Making a Joyful Noise. For 44 days beginning February 11, Gaels take part in talks, workshops, and events, exploring everything from the intersection of sports and activism to racial dynamics within the literary canon.
As institutions throughout the United States and Canada begin recognizing Black History Month, Saint Mary’s College is proud to announce the sixth annual 44 Days—the College’s signature celebration of Black history, scholarship, culture, and excellence.
Hosted by the Black Leadership Coalition (BLC), along with numerous campus and community partners, 44 Days will encompass a series of talks, workshops, and events from February 11 to March 26, centered on this year’s theme: “Making a Joyful Noise.”
“The events of 44 Days represent a vital opportunity for us to come together to celebrate—to ‘Make a Joyful Noise,’” said Saint Mary’s President Richard Plumb. “And also to reflect, to listen, to learn, and forge better and stronger communities.”
More Than a Month
The inaugural 44 Days took place in 2017 to honor the 44th president of the United States—and first African American president—Barack Obama. But the celebration’s meaning goes far beyond that, BLC co-chairs Courtney Gordon and Cynthia Cooke St. Ange shared in a joint statement. “We want to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of Black history that should be extended beyond 28 days.”
A celebration of Black joy feels especially timely, Gordon and St. Ange noted. “Particularly as we continue to see constant instances of racially motivated incidents and racial bias at the forefront of our culture, we believe it’s important to uplift and empower the Black community on campus and beyond,” she said.
In past years, the BLCS has brought dynamic speakers to campus—from Black Panther director Ryan Coogler—whose film career was sparked by his time at Saint Mary’s—to “MeToo” founder Tarana Burke. This year, on March 9, the College welcomes Guthrie Ramsey, award-winning music historian, composer, and author of the recently published Who Hears Here? On Black Music, Pasts and Present, to speak on America’s Black musical legacy. And on March 23, the SMC community will have the chance to join Shaun M. Anderson, an internationally recognized scholar and award-winning professor at Loyola Marymount University, as he discusses the intersection of sports, social media, and activism.
Other 44 Days events include a student-led discussion of race, power, and representation in College Seminar texts (February 20), a deep dive into Frederick Douglass’ autobiography (March 13), and School Daze: an immersive networking and training experience for Black high school students from San Ramon Valley Unified and West Contra Costa School District (March 17).
“We want to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of Black history that should be extended beyond 28 days.”
In conjunction with 44 Days, the SMC Black Student Union will be hosting Homecoming Week, February 6–10, a nod to the annual “homecoming” celebrations of Black joy and culture that take place at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Gaels will have a chance to participate in BSU’s General Body Meeting (February 8) and Homecoming Night on Chapel Lawn (February 10), which will include “Black-owned food trucks, Black-owned businesses and social justice organizations, a bounce house, games, music, and more!” says BSU leadership.
Stay tuned, too, as Saint Mary's editorial team highlights the personal histories and achievements of African American Gaels, past and present.
DETAILS BEING ADDED: Keep an eye on the updated list of events for 44 DAYS.
Hayden Royster is a Staff Writer with the Office of Marketing and Communication. Write him.