Grupo Tolteka Izkalotl’s interactive dances brought the audience to its feet for a special performance at Wednesday's event.
Grupo Tolteka Izkalotl’s interactive dances brought the audience to its feet for a special performance at Wednesday's event. Credit: Hadeel Eljarrari / Noozhawk photo

Attendees said they were “moved” and “grateful” for the fourth annual Forward Ever, Backward Never event at the Isla Vista Community Center on Wednesday. More than a celebration of Black History Month, the festivities highlighted resilience, solidarity, and the power of community.

“Looking at the population at UCSB, there’s not a lot of Black students and there’s not a lot of POC students in general but these communities are still important. Events like this matter even more,” says Jaz’myne Gates, Development Coordinator of UCSB’s Black Student Union chapter and organizer of Wednesday’s celebration. 

The Rahkas performing at the Isla Vista Community Center.
The Rahkas performing at the Isla Vista Community Center. Credit: Hadeel Eljarrari / Noozhawk photo

Julianna Swilley, coordinator at the UCSB Office of Black Student Development, kicked off the night with a Chumash land acknowledgement, followed by a powerful performance of the Black National Anthem by Sade Champagne.

Reggae performances by The Rahkas, mini shops set up by small business vendors, spoken word poetry, and catered soul food brought the community center to life through culture. 

Forward Ever, Backward Never closed with dances by Grupo Tolteka Izkalotl, an indigenous dance group showcasing cultural movements, sounds, and traditions.

Grupo Tolteka Izkalotl performing at the Isla Vista Community Center.
Grupo Tolteka Izkalotl performing at the Isla Vista Community Center. Credit: Hadeel Eljarrari / Noozhawk photo

By the end of the night, the dance group had the audience up on their feet in an interactive dance, honoring Mother Earth and the elements.

After the closing performances, audience members were invited to describe how they felt in one word: they shared that they felt “moved,” “grateful,, “abundant,” and “happy”.

Gates says the presence of Grupo Tolteka Izkalotl at the Community Center was an act of unity.

A memorial of Elroy Pinks.
A memorial of Elroy Pinks at the event. Credit: Hadeel Eljarrari / Noozhawk photo

“This event is an opportunity to highlight not only the Black community but we even have indigenous communities, continuing to honor our history, celebrating the people who have continued to do work for our communities.”

The event was dedicated not only to Black History Month, but also to the legacy of the late Elroy Pinks, beloved executive director of UCSB’s Office of Black Student Development, who passed away in July 2024. An inspiration and leader to many, those in attendance paid their respects to Pinks throughout the night.