ARCATA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics marked the closing of the basketball seasons with an unforgettable evening, bringing together cross-campus partners and the Umoja Center for a celebration that blended sports, community, and culture. The event, themed "Blackout Night," not only honored graduating seniors but also paid homage to Black History Month.
The campus came alive as students, faculty, and fans joined in the festivities, creating an atmosphere of unity and pride. The collaboration with the Umoja Center, a vital hub for Black student success and community-building, added a special dimension to the event.
One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of senior athletes who have dedicated their time and efforts to Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics. The heartfelt tributes and acknowledgments underscored the resilience, commitment, and achievements of these seniors, leaving an indelible mark on the campus sports community. The women's seniors featured guards Sara Ahmadpour and Jayci Bayne, while the men's celebrated their lone senior guard Kareem Clark.
"Blackout Night" was not just a celebration of athletic accomplishments but also a platform to celebrate Black History Month. The event incorporated various elements, including a dinner hosted by the Umoja Center, tabling of clubs, halftime award presentations, and a symbolic gesture with free blackout-themed shirts distributed to attendees, signifying unity and the significance of the month.
"The Blackout Game is a highlight of our Black Liberation Month programming, as it allows the students to take a lead role in recognizing and celebrating our Black Staff and Faculty here at the University," said Harrelle Deshazier, Academic Advisor and Interim Coordinator for Cal Poly Humboldt's Umoja Center. "It is so important for our Black student population to see themselves in the educators and leadership on campus, and I am grateful for the opportunity to shed a spotlight on these individuals. My gratitude towards the Athletics department to share space for this event is immense, and I look forward to seeing how much further our future collaborations can go."
The collaboration with cross-campus partners and the Umoja Center exemplifies Cal Poly Humboldt's commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. By blending sports and special recognition throughout the evening, the university continues to create meaningful experiences for its students and contribute to the broader societal dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Cal Poly Humboldt basketball student-athletes came together and expressed what Black History Month means to them, watch the full video at the link below.
Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics expresses gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of "Blackout Night" and looks forward to building on the momentum in future events that celebrate the rich tapestry of its community. The Lumberjacks would also like to extend a thank you to the families, friends, faculty, staff, and supporters that traveled to support the teams this season and celebrate the seniors in the final home game.
