Black History Month
By Chris MurphyDiversity is a wonderful thing and is to be celebrated. Understanding our history and how our community has evolved is so very important to building community and celebrating accomplishments. Modesto has a rich history of many different cultures and the more we know, the better we will be. This month, two of our community leaders, Jeremiah Williams and Savanah Williams highlight some really important accomplishments here in ModestoView as we recognize Black History Month. Savannah interviews Gladys Williams here in our community and her long history of standing tall on page 14. Jeremiah highlights the accomplishments of Jacque and Jacq Wilson, who fought for the release of their brother and changed legal history and celebrate their Modesto upbringing on Page 13
This month, the United Black Student Unions of California presents Gospel Jam Fundraiser, a celebration of faith, unity, and the power of gospel music to bring people together to raise funds to support educational scholarships for students from underserved backgrounds, providing financial assistance and encourage young people to pursue higher education, unlocking doors to opportunities that can shape their futures.
February 1. Doors at 5, show at 6 pm State Theatre Modesto. Tix at www.thestate.org<www.thestate.org>
Sankofa Theatre
Modesto is home to innovative theatre that educates and illuminates. The Sankofa presents an annual production to coincide with Black History Month. For 2025, the production is Sweat, where tensions rise as jobs and friendships are on the line. It is a Pulitzer Prize-winning collision of race, class, and friendship at a pivotal moment in America. A group of friends in a Rust Belt town have spent their lives sharing secrets and laughs on the factory floor. But when layoffs chip away at their trust, they’re pitted against each other in a heart-wrenching fight.
Written by Lynn Nottage and Co-directed by Jim Johnson & John Ervin III
February 7, 8 at 7 pm & 9th at 2 pm
Tix at www.galloarts.org<www.galloarts.org>
Step Afrika
Founded in 1994, Step Africa! It has been touring the globe and has become one of the premier African American Dance Companies in the US.
Feb 22, 7 pm Gallo Center
The Celebration In Black art exhibition honors African American life and culture, showcasing visual art that explores themes from history, civil rights, and culture to music, poetry, and politics. The exposition, presented in conjunction with the Stanislaus Arts Council, will be throughout February in the lobby of the Gallo Center for the Arts.
Lobby Hours: M-F. 10 am – 6 pm, Sat noon-6 pm, Also open during scheduled performances. 1000 I St. Modesto. 209-338-2100
31st Annual MLK Celebration at MJC – March 1.
This year, this community commemoration recognizes Gladys Williams of the NAACP and will feature a special appearance of Judge LaDoris Hazzard Cordell, the first black jurist in Northern California. Student meeting at 4 pm, doors 6 pm, presentation 7 pm. This is a free event.
