About Us
Founded in 1968 (50+ years strong and still running!), the Black Caucus serves as an instrument of change, community building, and professional support. As the oldest culturally-based affinity group in the UC System, the Black Caucus is built on a foundation of social justice advocacy. During the Civil Rights Movement Black workers at UCSF, known as the “basement people” because of their disparate working conditions, went on strike to advocate for change. The Janitors Strike at UCSF was the catalyst for institutional change that resulted in recruitment and retention efforts for historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff. Current leaders of the Black Caucus strive to uphold the legacy of our founding members.
Black Caucus Pioneers Recognized with UCSF Medal Award
In 2022, UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood honored three of the Black Caucus pioneers with the UCSF Medal in recognition of their advocacy for equal opportunity and treatment at UCSF: Freeman Bradley, Charles Edgar Clary, and David Johnson. See more on the 2022 UCSF Medal Award Recipients.
50th Anniversary Commemoration
In 2018, during our 50th Anniversary Commemoration Gala (1968-2018) we celebrated our organizational founders and highlighted our rich cultural history through an oral history documentary video series of their experiences and actions in the caucus as well as archival projects. Sections below:
Annual Black Caucus Gala (2018)
With over 300 attendees, the 28th Annual Gala featured keynote speaker Mayor London Breed and University Leadership.
The Black Bulletin Special Gala Edition Flyer
UCSF Black Caucus Oral History Interviews
The History of UCSF Black Caucus - Part I
Filmed 2017, premiered at 2018 Gala
Interviewees: John A. Watson, PhD, David Johnson, Joanne Lewis, Barbara Thomspon, Elba Clemente-Lambert, Hon. Alice Lytle
The History of UCSF Black Caucus - Part II
Filmed 2018, premiered at 2019 Gala
Interviewees: Charles Clary, Crystal Morris, Phoenix Sinclair, Joe Bluford, Fred Logan, BC Reunion at Joe Bluford's home
Videographer: Lawrence Rickford
Production Team: Marisa McFarlane & Teju Rice
Contributors: Dr. LaMisha Hill & Polina Ilieva
Sponsored by: The UCSF Black Caucus / Office of Diversity and Outreach
Black Caucus Archives
If you have pictures, videos, writing / meeting notes, event flyers, or any other BC-related archival material, consider donating to the archives.
Our team has been updating the metadata for the photos on our digitized records and Elba Clemente-Lambert (pictured above) is credited as a creator / photographer for 311 items.
As a donor for the Black Caucus records collection under "Immediate Source of Acquisition - A substantial portion of this collection was compiled, preserved, and donated to the archives by Elba Clemente-Lambert."
Black Caucus Elected Officials
Chair:
Open / preside over all meetings, announce business before the assembly in the order to be presented and acted upon
Vice Chair:
Duties are those of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson
Treasurer:
Holds and dispenses the funds deposited, writes financial reports each quarter, and submits a financial summary for the annual Gala
Secretary:
Recording officer of the Black Caucus and keeper of the records, except as specifically assigned to the officers
Communications:
Manages communications team including tasks of
Monthly newsletter: The Black Bulletin, Listserv, MS Teams, GroupPortal, email, social media management, and website management
Membership Outreach:
Manages roster contact list of caucus members, tables at events, outreach / recruits new members, and shares information
Steering Committee:
The governing body of the Black Caucus including elected officials, committee chairs, and 6 members at large with interest
Current Steering Committee (2022-2023) - VIEW LIST (Sign In - Box)