February 2026 

For 2026, the various campus organizations and units have curated an extensive series of events under the theme Black Voices Across a Century: Joy, Legacy, and Liberation. This centennial celebration aligns with the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), which marks 100 years since Carter G. Woodson first launched Negro History Week in 1926. We warmly invite the entire USF community to join us in commemorating our rich history at events throughout February.

Monday, Feb. 9 | New Location! UC 415

The BRC has officially moved to the University Center's first floor! We will have a soft opening on Monday, Feb. 9. Our weekly hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that our center is currently closed while we move.

Be on the lookout next month for an invitation to our grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony!

This event is open to the USF community.

Are you currently a first-year student? Do you want to deepen your sense of belonging at USF through African American studies courses and cultural experiences? Do you want guaranteed housing in Toler Hall? Want to experience a 10-Day Black Heritage Immersion trip throughout the Southeast?

If so, apply to join the Marshall-Riley Living-Learning Community for the 2026–27 academic year. 

Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 11:59 p.m. PST

This opportunity is open to all first-year students.

Thursday, Feb. 12 | War Memorial at Sobrato Center | Tip-Off 6 p.m.

Unveiling of Bill Russell Way Outside Kalmanovitz Hall, Between Welch Field & Gleeson Library | 5 p.m.

Join us on what would have been Bill Russell’s 92nd birthday for the Inaugural Bill Russell Impact Classic, a historic celebration of one of the greatest to ever play the game and a proud USF Don.

This special evening marks 70 years since Bill Russell led the Dons to their second national title (1954–55, 1955–56) and includes the formal dedication of "The Bill Russell Way" on the USF Hilltop Campus. The first 15 students to attend the unveiling will receive a free BASE tote bag!

Beyond honoring his legendary career, the event will carry forward his spirit of justice, leadership, and compassion by supporting the Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund, helping USF students overcome unexpected financial challenges.

This event is open to the USF community.

Every Thursday, Feb. 26 – May 7 | 3:15–4:30 p.m. | CAPS Group Room 

Grow & Glow is an empowering and healing space that brings together students with the unique experience of being a global majority woman — present, past, future, and expansively.

Global majority focuses on Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, mixed heritage, as well as other culturally expansive communities.

This series of events is open to the USF community.

Friday, Feb. 27 | 11:45 a.m.–12:40 p.m. PST | UC 411 or Zoom 

Melanated Mental Matters is a drop-in space held monthly where students come to have an open and real talk about diverse topics affecting Black mental health and wellness. 

Led by Jevon Rice, Melanated Mental Matters is not group therapy, and you do not have to be a CAPS client to join.

Topics include: Ancestral Root Therapy & Black History, Politics & Black Mental Health, and Self-Care Is a Rebellion. 

No sign-up needed. Just drop in.

Off-campus students attending virtually, please complete this form, and you will be emailed telehealth options.

This series of events is open to the USF community.

Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Wednesday, Feb. 4 | Merritt College, SEAL Conference Room

This meeting will reinvent how communities engage in and benefit from scientific research. For too long, the scientific and medical fields have been criticized for research that provides little lasting value to participating communities. By centering community voices, this conference aims to tap into genuine engagement and transform Black men’s roles in brain health and AD/ADRD research. The event will be hosted at Merritt College, a public community college in Oakland, California.

Friday, Feb. 6 | 1:30–5 p.m. | San Francisco Marriott Marquis

Join Black, Jewish, Black-Jewish students for a powerful afternoon of real conversation, connection, and leadership — plus a fireside chat with Kayvon Thibodeaux (NY Giants), Emmanuel Acho (author and former NFL player), and Hannah Storm (ESPN broadcaster). There will be other pro athletes in attendance, Uber vouchers provided to get you there, and a free ticket to Super Bowl Experience for all students who attend. 

Registration Deadline: TODAY, Monday, Feb. 2

For more information, please contact John Eaves at john.eaves@uncf.org.

The Good Tidings Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026 GT Ventures Grant. This grant opportunity is designed to uplift and invest in young, talented Black youth who are interested in starting a nonprofit or business. The selected awardee will receive a one-time cash grant, along with 18 months of mentorship and access to our incubators of industry leaders. 

Applicant Requirements:

Application Deadline: Monday, June 1, at 12 p.m. PST

Center for Academic and Student Achievement

The Center for Academic and Student Achievement is your home for compassionate academic and personal support that promotes holistic student development. Each USF undergraduate student is assigned to an academic success coach. You can find out who your coach is in your Student Hub under "My Success Team." You may make an appointment with your coach or visit any coach during their regular drop-in hours without an appointment.

The Learning, Speaking, and Writing Centers

USF offers academic assistance to all students through the Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers. Services are available at no cost to USF students and include subject-specific tutoring, writing assistance, and communications-related support. The Learning Center also provides opportunities for academic skill development through one-on-one academic skills coaching, group workshops, and online resources. See courses supported by Peer Tutoring »

If you'd like to submit your event or content for an upcoming BASE newsletter, fill out our BASE Newsletter Intake Form. Submission deadlines apply.