Kayla Missman
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The Cross Cultural Centers and Safer host dozens of events each quarter, but you definitely don’t want to miss these nine — which are free, fun and open to everyone.
Let’s Talk Sex: Women’s HERstory Edition
Feb. 19 from 7-9 p.m. in the Julian A. McPhee University Union (UU) (building 65), room 220
The Gender Equity Center hosts several events throughout the year that aim to empower women and help them be healthier.
Come get free pizza and condoms in this confidential event hosted by the Gender Equity Center (GEC) and Safer. This peer-facilitated group will discuss taboo topics surrounding sexuality. In case you missed “The Vagina Monologues,” the event will start off with a piece of the play.
Women of Color Gatherings
Feb. 20 from 5-6 p.m. in the MultiCultural Center
For last year’s Day of the Dead, participants in the Women of Color gatherings made an altar.
If you’re looking to make new connections, hang out with women from diverse backgrounds at the Women of Color Gatherings. These events provide emotional and academic support, food, activities and a space to branch out. If you just can’t get enough, this event will also be held on Feb. 24 and 27 and March 6, 10 and 13.
Black History Month: Strive and Struggle Exhibit
Feb. 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in UU, room 220
For Black History Month, the exhibit celebrates Cal Poly’s Civil Rights Movement.
The exhibit — which is currently on display in the UU — explores the journey of the Civil Rights Movement at Cal Poly. At the event, a panel with past and current black student leaders will discuss their struggles and progress.
The Movement
Feb. 26 from 12-1 p.m. in UU, room 204 (Chumash auditorium left wing)
The previous “The Movement” event was titled “From Party Theme to Protest,” which stemmed from the controversial party unofficially themed “Colonial Bros and Nava-hos.”
The second installment of “The Movement” series is themed “Is ‘Thug’ the New N-Word?” The theme developed from Richard Sherman’s controversy during the Super Bowl. But the Cross Cultural Centers aren’t taking a stand — they’re teaching students what resources are available to create a social justice movement of their own. Professor Chris Bickel and a panel of athletes are set to discuss sports and racism in our society.
Red Flag Campaign
Feb. 27 from 11-1 in the UU Plaza and UU, room 204
Safer assistants — one dressed in a vagina costume — participate in brainstorming, organizing and fulfilling campaigns.
As part of an ongoing campaign, Safer will host this event to educate students about dating violence and bystander intervention in all relationships. The campaign encourages friends and other community members to “‘say something’ when they see warning signs (‘red flags’) for dating violence in a friend’s relationship,” according to its website.
PEN15 club
Feb. 27 from 7-9 p.m. in UU, room 220
The previous PEN15 event invited students to dress up and pose for a photo booth.
Looking for a laugh and free food? The PEN15 club will put on a series of comedy skits dealing with everyday issues men face, including pressures and the “bro code.” And if that’s not enough, there will also be a giveaway.
Another Type of Groove: Kat Magill
March 5 from 7:30-1o p.m. in Chumash Auditorium
Last year’s Another Type of Groove featured student poets, rappers and musicians.
The monthly poetry event will welcome Kat Magill to the stage as part of the women’s HERstory series. Any student is welcome to perform at the event. If you want to show off your talent, sign up at the beginning of the night.
Hip Hop Symposium
March 6 from 6-8 p.m. in the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center Pavillion
The event is hosted by ES 310, a class focusing on hip hop, politics and poetics.
Indigenous rapper Tall Paul will take the stage at Cal Poly, courtesy of the MultiCultural Center in collaboration with professor Jenell Navarro and the Hip Hop, Poetics and Politics class (ES 310). The Cal Poly Break Dancing Club will also perform. But don’t worry — no dancing ability required.
Free self-defense workshop
March 11 8:15-10:15 p.m. in the Recreation Center, studio 3
There are two self-defense workshops each quarter.
If you missed Safer’s first winter quarter self-defense workshop, you’re in luck. This workshop aims to teach students potentially life-saving self-defense skills and how to have confidence in violent situations. With these tricks up your sleeve, you won’t be afraid to walk home alone anymore.