About the Black Caucus
For more than five decades, an instrument of change, community building, and professional support

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.

 

Ways to Get Involved

 

As a volunteer staff organization, we depend on the engagement of our members to support the success of the organization. Here are a few of the many ways to get involved:

  • Donate: Support our community events and outreach efforts by donating.
  • Membership: Join and help spread the word about the Black Caucus to our UCSF community by subscribing to our newsletter, visiting our different UCSF sites, joining general membership meetings and subcommittees, tabling at events, and sharing information.
  • Communication: Our communications team is a vital part of the team. This working group oversees the design and content of our monthly newsletter, The Black Bulletin, social media management, and website development.
  • Cultural History: James Baldwin once said, “If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.” This working group strives to capture and organize the historical memories of our founding and legendary members.
  • Social Justice: Assess the needs of the community, identify strategies to advocate and support community members, expand awareness of social justice concerns and encourage positive action to make systemic change.
  • Professional Development: Support the professional skill building and advancement of the community by organizing learning opportunities, speaker series, and mentorship events.
  • Events: Build community by organizing socials, mixers, and other fun activities.

Recurrent Events

Annual events normally include Black Heritage Month Gala, Day at the Races, Spring Social, Black Eatz and more. Look for innovative new events as we adjust to life under COVID-19, and the eventual return of our traditional gatherings.

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Current Steering Committee (2020-21)

Elected Officials   

Chair: LaMisha Hill, PhD, Director, Multicultural Affairs; Office of Diversity & Outreach
Vice Chair: Inez Bailey, MS, Director of Education Strategy and Operations; Institute for Global Health Science
Treasurer: Laura Camp, MBA, Assistant Finance Director, OBGYN
Secretary: Brittany Campbell, MPH, Research Data Analyst, Center for Vulnerable Populations
Communications: Anthony Amaro, Deputy Director, MESA; CSEO, Office of Diversity & Outreach
   

Website: Terri Hunter-Davis, Communications Manager, Dean’s Office, School of Dentistry; and Marisa McFarlane, MA, Community Internship Specialist, Neurosurgery
Membership: Janae Reynolds, Executive Assistant & Operations Support; Communications
Professional Development: Inez Bailey, MS, Director of Education Strategy and Operations; Institute for Global Health Science
Cultural History: Marisa McFarlane, MA, Community Internship Specialist, Neurosurgery
Social Events: (vacant / COVID-19)
Social Justice Co-Chairs: Brittany Campbell, MPH, Research Data Analyst, Center for Vulnerable Populations; and Alexis Cobbins
COMO Representative: Naika McDonald, Financial Analyst, Student Academic Affairs