DAVIS, Calif. – For the past two years, in conjunction with the UC Davis African American Faculty and Staff Association, UC Davis Athletics has held the Black Faculty & Staff Student-Athlete Social, a place where Aggie Black student-athletes can meet, greet and learn about resources available to them from members of the UC Davis Black campus community.
 
The event has also been a space where that networking has led to Aggies earning internships and other opportunities while also helping to "put faces to the names" of the impactful black figures of UC Davis.
 
"Transitioning from the vibrant connections of my Texan family and community to the unfamiliar landscape of Davis was a challenge, magnified by the stark cultural differences I encountered," recalls UC Davis AAFSA Chair and former Aggie Kimberly Evans. "However, it was through the support and guidance of Black Faculty and Staff within the UC Davis African American Studies department that I found my footing.
 
"Their encouragement led me to discover a community of Black students and faculty who not only welcomed me but provided the foundation for my journey for shaping my identity at UC Davis. To this day, I acknowledge that connection is the reason I am still here on campus 20 years later.
 
"AAFSA is passionate about bringing together individuals with shared experiences and aspirations, creating a space where our collective experiences and challenges are celebrated and understood. Ultimately, initiatives like the Black Faculty, Staff, and Student-Athlete Social are integral in nurturing a sense of belonging for Black students, staff and faculty.
 
"This event reaffirms the importance of resources and building relationships that reinforce the fabric of Black experiences at UC Davis."
 
The most recent Black Faculty, Staff and Student-Athlete social was held in February of this year in the Bruce Edwards Club Room. The evening was filled with the sounds of chatter as student-athletes and UC Davis staff and faculty began to connect throughout the room.

"I look forward to this event each year as it allows us to share with Black student-athletes the many resources there are on campus," said Devon Seward Howland, a current advisor within the UC Davis Internship and Career Center. "And it helps provide a face and a name, so our Black student-athletes know where to go for services and support in their academic and career journey. I 100 percent support the social as it helps break the ice and create the sense of community, we need to help our students prepare for their futures."
 
This year, a particular story was shared by Howland about how at the previous year's social he had met Jailen Burrell, a current member of UC Davis Men's Track & Field. That meeting and connection between Howland and Burrell directly led to an internship as the Aggie sophomore continues to plan for his future away from Davis.
 
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to UC Davis Athletics and all the other Black Faculty and Staff for their collaboration in this event each year and their commitment to promoting solidarity and networking for our Student Athletes," said Evans. "Together, we are shaping a more successful and supportive environment for Black students at UC Davis."
 
Beyond just shaping a more successful and supportive environment, for years to come the Black Faculty & Staff Student-Athlete Social looks to be a platform for Black student-athletes to confidently begin to build for a positive future.

This story is an example of UC Davis Athletics' commitment to the Ignite Strategic Plan Pillar of "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" by helping provide DEI curricular and co-curricular opportunities for student-athletes, staff and coaches. Read more about our strategic plan here; IGNITE