As of July 1, the Cross Cultural and Gender Center has joined the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The center may have a new home, but its commitment to powerful, student-driven programming hasn’t changed. Here’s what’s ahead this academic year:

African American Programs and Services

• Black History Month: An annual, campuswide celebration recognizing the history, resilience and cultural contributions of Black people in the United States and across the diaspora. Throughout February, the center hosts a series of educational and cultural events—including panels, performances, lectures and art showcases—designed to uplift Black voices, inspire reflection and foster pride.
• Harvest of Unity: Hosted each December, this celebration brings the community together to reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Through a shared meal, storytelling, music and cultural activities, we honor our heritage, build connection and affirm the values that unite us.

American Indian Programs and Services

• Specialized Tours: Specialized Tours offer unique opportunities to engage with critical aspects of our campus community and history. There are three curated experiences: the Decolonization Tour, which examines the impact of colonization on our region and campus; the Art and Mural Tour, which showcases public art on our campus reflecting land themes and diverse perspectives; and the Fresno State Social Justice Tour, which highlights the students of our university and their role in promoting equity and change. Each tour provides an in-depth exploration and fosters dialogue about important social and historical narratives.
• Native Holidays, Celebrations and Remembrances: These are significant dates observed by Native American communities and the rest of the United States, such as California Native American Day and Orange Shirt Day. Through presentations, discussions and cultural sharing, these dates aim to foster understanding of how these communities honor their heritage and advocate for their rights.

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Programs and Services

• ED Talks // Lunch and Learns: A monthly educational series focused on important issues within Asian and Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) communities. Each session will create space for honest discussion, reflection and learning. Guest speakers will include prominent APIDA voices and representatives from campus organizations, offering personal insight and expert perspectives.
• Threads of Culture: An interactive series exploring the cultural significance of fabric, embroidery and sewing in different communities. Learn about practices such as Hmong embroidery, Japanese sashiko stitching and more—while gaining hands-on experience with basic sewing techniques.

Latine Programs and Services

• Meet Your Pueblo: A social opportunity to bring our comunidad together. From making papel picado, painting sugar skulls and playing Loteria, students can drop in at any time during the social hour to meet other students and the Latine Programs and Services coordinator to learn more about the center and create a community with each other.
• Día de los Muertos: For the holiday, Latine Programming transforms La Casita (de Helen Ramirez) into an altar. The center accepts photo submissions from the campus community and provides a space for those to partake in the holiday.

LGBTQ2+ Programs and Services

• Queer Talks: A signature educational series that brings LGBTQ2+ and allied scholars and cultural workers together for short talks and Q&A. Each session includes a facilitated creative activity in a welcoming, supportive space for students, staff and faculty to connect and learn.
• LGBTQ2+ History, Education and Art Exhibitions: Regularly curated physical and digital exhibits are featured in the Fresno State Library, TLC Pride Room, Cross Cultural and Gender Center hallway and online. These exhibits spotlight LGBTQ2+ history, culture, educational themes, and cultural productions, offering powerful opportunities for celebration, awareness and reflection through storytelling.

“Whether it's creating belonging through community programs, offering healing spaces, or developing experiential learning opportunities, our structure allows us to be both deeply rooted and broadly responsive,” said Varselles Cummings, director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center. “My team and I bring lived experience, community trust, and a heart for the margins. Together, I believe we can build a campus culture where inclusion isn’t just celebrated—it’s expected.”

Visit the Cross Cultural and Gender Center to learn more.