Faith and Community Based Programs
Faith and Community Based Programs support students, staff, and faculty in building community across diverse religious, spiritual, and secular identities. Grounded in the vision of the Beloved Community, this initiative promotes respect, connection, and understanding across belief systems. The program fosters interfaith engagement, dialogue, and collaboration, and strengthens connections between SSU and local community and faith-based organizations.
Focus Areas
Interfaith relationship-building
Dialogue and education
Community and faith-based partnerships
Student support and resource referral
Annual Black Joy Fest
Black Joy Fest is a signature community partnership event held each February and an integral part of CSU Super Sunday programming. Centered on joy as resistance and healing, the festival brings together students, staff, faculty, and North Bay youth to celebrate Black excellence through music, art, performance, and shared experiences.
As a major outreach and recruitment event, Black Joy Fest invites local high school students to experience Sonoma State University firsthand, connect with current Seawolves, and learn about pathways to college. The event creates an affirming space that uplifts and inspires while strengthening SSU’s relationships with regional schools, churches, and community partners.