UCLA Department of African American Studies

When We Free the World: Film Screening & Discussion
2026-02-17 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Broad Art Center, Room 2160E, 240 Charles E. Young Drive, North Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Description:
The Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies invites you to the Los Angeles screening of When We Free The World on Friday, April 25, 2025!
Doors Open: 5:30pm,
Screening Begins: 6:30pm
Join us for a screening of When We Free The World, anew documentary film on Black manhood in America. The screening will be followed by a conversation with film producers Kevin Powell and Evangeline Lawson, moderated by Professor Marcus Anthony Hunter.
*Light refreshments will be available*
All are welcome, including the differently-abled/disabled
Free with RSVP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qd3grph/lp/06fb0751-0f88-4a8a-8edf-378ec497a72c

SINNERS: A Film Screening
2026-03-06 15:00 - 18:00 | Lani Hall, 445 Charles E. Young Dr East 2520 Schoenberg Music Building, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Join us for a special screening of Sinners, preceded by an intimate mini-panel on the rich, chilling history of Black Horror. From the shadows of the past to the hauntings of the present, we’re diving deep into the metaphors behind the monsters.

Afro-Indigenous Solidarity & the Power of Music
2026-04-23 16:00 - 17:30 | UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center—Optimist Room, 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Hosts:
Moderated & Co-Hosted by Professor Kyle T. Mays (UCLA)
Co-Hosted by Author & Professor, Bryce Henson (Texas A&M University)
Featuring Guest Speakers:
Bassist, Singer, & Composer, Esperanza Spalding
Vocalist, Actor, Activist, & Educator, Julia Keefe

Event Description:
In times of increased state violence, the arts and creative expression are needed more than ever. This conversation centers Black and Indigenous art, in particular music, to imagine how we might imagine and find moments of solidarity through art and culture. This conversation will feature Grammy award winning artist, Esperanza Spalding and Indigenous jazz vocalist, Julia Keefe, to reflect on the impotence and meaning of art in these times, and how art can serve as a source of solidarity between Black and Indigenous communities.

*Parking in UCLA Structure 8 available for pay-by-plate space
Seating is limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis

FILM SCREENING: The Cry Of Jazz
2026-05-07 15:00 - 16:30 | Kaplan Hall 193, Kaplan Hall 193, Los Angeles, CA, 90095
This documentary by Edward Bland frames jazz as a profound structural mirror of African American history. By interweaving scenes of urban life with intellectual debate, the film critiques the superficial appropriation of the art form and asserts that jazz is inseparable from its racial and cultural origins.

Department of African American Studies Commencement 2026
2026-06-13 11:30 - 13:30 | Fowler Auditorium, 308 Charles E Young Dr N, Los Angeles, CA, 90024
Celebrate Excellence: 2026 UCLA African American Studies Commencement
Join us for a momentous occasion as we honor the resilience, brilliance, and achievements of our graduating class. This year’s theme centers on “Honoring our Past, Empowering our Future,” celebrating the rich heritage and bright prospects of our scholars.
This ceremony is more than just a graduation; it is a community gathering. It’s a time for families, friends, and faculty to come together and recognize the profound academic journeys and cultural contributions of our students. Expect an afternoon filled with inspiring keynote speakers, traditional performances, and the official conferring of degrees.

Ticket Information
We know you’re eager to secure your seats! Please note the following:

Ticket Sales Open: Early May 2026.
How to Purchase: Links will be sent directly to graduating students’ UCLA emails and posted on the Department website.
Allocation: Each graduate will be guaranteed a base number of tickets, with a waitlist available for extras on a first-come, first-served basis.

*Note to Graduates: Ensure your contact information is updated in the MyUCLA portal to receive the registration link the moment it goes live.
