On Feb. 19, Sonoma State held its 4th annual Black Joy Fest, an event hosted by the HUB and Black Student Union (BSU) that aims to promote unity on campus and celebrate the journey and progression of Black history. With nearly 400 attendees, it is clear that this is exactly what the campus community needed. Students were dancing to DJ LBXX’s music and playing in the gaming lounge while awaiting the main performance.
La Russel, a Bay Area rapper and the opener of the 2026 Superbowl Tailgate Concert, was the most anticipated performer of the afternoon. The energy was brought to the Ballroom when he chose to spend the rest of his set performing in the crowd. Guests sang his lyrics, danced with him, and even had the opportunity to participate in an intimate Q&A session. When the STAR asked him about his experience performing for the first time in Sonoma County, he stated, “It feels good. Just the spirit in the room and the energy, I can see the difference in the people. This was necessary.”
And it was necessary. Students felt united in a diverse crowd that not only celebrated Black joy, but also the cross-cultural exchange of the community we have on campus. “I’m glad that people didn’t feel like they had to shy away because, maybe, they weren’t part of the culture, but it’s to be celebrated. That’s the point, and that includes everyone celebrating with us. […] For them [the HUB and BSU] to get this opportunity to bring such an amazing artist out here, just casually on a Thursday afternoon, made me realize that maybe I probably chose the right place to go to school,” said Angeline Kimbo, a junior Cinematic Arts major.
When asked to explain what Black joy meant to him, Tremaine Austin-Dillon, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, says, “To me, Black joy is the ability to be liberated in your mind and to be free. To be able to joyfully laugh and express yourself without any judgment. To be authentically you. And to show off your blackness in whatever way you decide to show that off. It’s so joyful when you can see the authenticity that comes from our people and the things we’re able to do through music, TV, and fashion. The creativity side of blackness is what I think is Black joy.”
Along with the celebration, guests enjoyed a catered service provided by SmackinSoulFood. The owner of the business, Mahkaila Gans, and her mother, Nancy Gans, shared their thoughts on being able to provide food for the community. “I feel truly blessed. This is a great opportunity for not only a young individual who’s trying to start her own business, but also a great community to network with,” says Mahkaila Gans. “For me, I just like the diversity. I think it’s so important that we bring that to Sonoma County. I’m so proud of Sonoma State for having this event, for hiring us, for having food for thought,” states Nancy Gans.
At the end of the event, Bianca Delgado-Casillas, Senior Coordinator of the HUB, expressed her gratitude, “I think we are at a really incredible point at Sonoma State. You can feel the energy. You feel the loudness. Having the President here and having everyone here to celebrate makes me really grateful. I’m really happy.”
Black Joy Fest was more than a celebration. It was a powerful reminder that when Black culture, creativity, and community are centered on campus, joy itself becomes an act of connection, resilience, and belonging.
