Date set for reunion of African American Cal Poly graduates

(Published Saturday, July 31, 2010)

African American students who were part of the Cal Poly Pomona classes of 1969 to 1979 are being asked to block Oct. 9 on their calendars.

That's the day the Cal Poly Black Students and Friends Class 69-97 Reunion/Celebration will take place.

The event will take place at the Cal Poly Art Gallery and the Cal Poly Theatre, both on the campus, 3801 W. Temple Ave.

Activities begin at 5 p.m. and include a reception, awards presentation and jazz concert.

Tickets to the event are $70 each. Ticket are $56 each if purchased by Aug. 8.

Information on ticket sales and reunion related activities is available at www.calpolyblackreunion.com.

In 1969 the first African-American students arrived at Cal Poly recruited by a group of Cal Poly Pomona leaders including now retired Cal Poly Pomona Vice President James Bell, said Hope Weiston-Deans, chairwoman of the event.

It was a tumultuous period in history across the country but it was also a period when young African American students at Cal Poly faced and overcame racial barriers, she said.

But in the midst of it all the students of that era bonded.

"We created a community within a community," Weiston-Deans said.

Some students ended up leaving Cal Poly but many more carried on.

"We came en mass," she said. "We were there to get an education."

Those pioneering African American graduates earned degrees earned degrees in numerous fields including business, engineering and architecture, she said.

The reunion a chance to spend time with friends, reflect on past experiences and recognize the mentors who provide guidance and support throughout their journey, Weiston-Deans said.