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Dear Isla Vista,
Isla Vista Recreation and Park District is honored to host this year's Forward Ever, Backward Never Black History Event in partnership with the UCSB Black Student Union and Office of Black Student Development. This community event will feature a special tribute to the life and work of Elroy Pinks, with music by Alla McKeon and the Rahkas, a spoken word poetry program, DJ performance, and closing ceremony by local indigenous group Toleka Itzkalot.
Elroy was recruited by UCSB to start a new Office of Black Student Development. The first year of Forward Ever, Backward Never, Elroy joined Kimberly Kiefer, Alla Mckeon, Luis Valerio and Sojourner Kincaid to develop an event to celebrate and elevate black culture within the community of Isla Vista with a signature event curated and created to honor black history month.
“Elroy always brought a significant amount of joy and presence in his spirit in meetings and events, always contributed with his creative ideas and was a mentor to many, both strangers and friends-Elroy embraced all and he will be greatly missed by the Isla Vista community," said Kimberly Kiefer, General Manager of IVRPD.
Free food prepared by black business Soul Bites will be offered while supplies last. Come join us in celebrating the rich legacy of Black history, culture, music and more at this year's event on Wednesday February 19th, from 5pm-8pm at the IV Community Center at 970 Embarcadero del Mar. IVRPD extends a special thank you to the Office of Black Student Development, UCSB Black Student Union, and the Rahkas.
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