All Black Gala
The All Black Gala is a formal event that celebrates Black hxstory and the immense diversity of Black culture, brilliance, and lived experiences. Created through a partnership from the Otter Cross Cultural Center, Associated Students of CSUMB, and the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence, the aim of this event is to foster a sense of belonging and to cultivate community amongst various campus populations in order to address campus retention, progression, and graduation. By bringing together students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members, this event offers opportunities to build networks, learn from one another, and participate in critical and contemporary discussions that impact society. All proceeds raised at the event will benefit the activities of the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence.
2024 All Black Gala: Education is Elevation
February 25, 2024, 4:00pm — 6:00pm
OSU Ballroom
5118 Inter-Garrison Road., Seaside, CA 93955
Come learn about our local hxstory through a celebration of Black Excellence as exemplified by the accomplishment of Black students, staff, and community members. A special keynote address will be given by George Lee Jr. (@theconsciouslee). If you are unable to attend, but still wish to contribute, please consider making a donation using the link below.
RSVP required. Parking permits are required. Parking passes will be provided to guests who RSVP. Semi-formal attire atmosphere.
2023 All Black Gala Photo Album 2023 All Black Gala Photo Booth Photo Album
2024 All Black Gala Keynote Speaker: George “Conscious” Lee Jr
George “Conscious” Lee is a dynamic orator, innovator, educator, and influential content creator. Conscious Lee has a dedicated, engaged audience of over 3 million followers across TikTok, IG, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
His work sits at the intersection of media, socio-political issues, and popular culture. Lee is “purposefully provocative” as a tool to elevate and educate around pertinent topics of his generation through social media content, speaking engagement, lectures and online courses. Lee believes: You cannot change what you don’t know needs to be changed. His work aids people in uncovering what needs to be changed and equips them with the tools on how to change. The starting point is “consciousness.” His style provokes dialogue and conflict meant to inspire transformation. Lee has developed a brand of educational entertainment that translates an understanding of oppression, consciousness, intersectionality, and gender identity to both the TikTok generation and baby Boomers alike.
Born in Bryan, Texas to incarcerated parents, Lee overcame childhood adversity to attend the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees while becoming one of the top college debaters in the country. He was a member of the first African-American duo to become a number one seed in the National Debate Tournament, where they were touted for their unique introduction of hip hop to sustain sophisticated arguments. Lee’s masterful knowledge of Hip Hop culture and his academic expertise across African-American Studies, Human Relations and Higher Education enable him to connect across audiences and deliver impactful results through Conscious University. Lee has also led dozens of workshops and taught at more than six educational institutions.
His work was recognized as a 2022 receipt of YouTube’s Content Creator Choice award. In 2022, he was also nominated for his first NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Social Media Personality and was selected in the second creator class of YouTube’s Black Voices Fund. His views have garnered millions of views and been featured in Forbes, Essence, the Washington Post, Yahoo Life, The Atlantic, Business Insider and The New York Times. He has partnered with organizations including BET, YouTube, University of Kentucky, and many more! In his free time, Lee enjoys traveling, attending trail rides in rural Texas and creating memories with his family.
Instagram: @theconsciouslee
Facebook: @theconsciouslee
TikTok: @theconsciouslee
Twitter: @theconsciouslee
YouTube: @theconsciouslee
www.theconsciouslee.com
Past Speakers:
- 2017: Dr. Angela Davis
- 2018: Shaun King
- 2019: Mike Brown Sr. & Dr. David Ragland
- 2020: Kevin Willmott
- 2021: Dr. Brittney Cooper
- 2022: Dr. Brian Corpening with special performance by Daniel Summerhill
- 2023: Dr. Calvin Mackie