Mar 22 Sunday
"Through most of our lives and work, Cedric and I have had deep commitments to collaboration, internationalism, and solidarity movements."–Elizabeth Robinson, 2024
This exhibition documents the life’s work of Cedric J. Robinson and Elizabeth Peters Robinson, placing it in the global context of the Black radical tradition. The Robinsons were renowned for their seminal scholarship and activism that had wide-ranging influence at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), in academia, and across many public arenas. The exhibition is drawn from the Cedric J. and Elizabeth P. Robinson Archive (“Robinson Archive”) and supplemented by a variety of materials from other collections in UCSB Library’s Special Research Collections, as well as personal contributions from Elizabeth Robinson.
A deeply influential educator, Cedric Robinson (1940-2016) was a well-known scholar of racial capitalism and the Black radical tradition, and an active participant in political movements, both at home and internationally. For more than 30 years, Elizabeth Robinson has been an educator, social worker, former associate director for media at KCSB-FM radio, activist, and community media producer.
This exhibition was curated by Yolanda Blue, the Library’s Curator of American and International History, Politics, and Cultures Collections, in collaboration with New York University and UCSB Library staff.
Mark your calendars to experience the exquisite 78th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show, taking place at Earl Warren Showgrounds from March 20th - 22nd, 2026. This year's theme, Orchid Escape, invites you on a journey through the vibrant beauty of orchids and their exotic environments. Be amazed by the breathtaking and grand floral displays in the Exhibit Hall, explore the trendy floral arrangements, attend a number of workshops, shop the international orchid sale and enjoy local artwork, featuring stunning work inspired by the intricate beauty of orchids. There is something for everyone!
The 78th International Orchid Show is on March 20th - 22nd, 2026, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, California.
This show is judged by the internationally recognized American Orchid Society Judging panel. Tickets can be purchased online at https://sborchidshow.com, starting at $25 for an early bird pass with a 3-day pass also available.
The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization with the purpose of sharing the joy of the orchid world and educating the public about orchids via its annual show.
The Crop Hunger Walk has been called the "granddaddy of all walks" by the Los Angeles Times. The walks first began in 1969 and now they number in the hundreds and have raised millions of dollars to end hunger here in the community and around the world.The main walk is approximately 4 miles, there is also a 20 minute guided campus stroll for those that prefer something shorter.This is the 48th time that we will walk in the Conejo Valley, last year we had over 200 walkers and raised almost $40,000. 25% of the money is distributed to local groups fighting hunger: Manna and Harvest Food banks, Harbor House and Meals on Wheels. The rest is distributed by CWS Global here in the US and globally to fight hunger and provide disaster relief through local agencies.Hunger is a growing problem, and reduced government support has led to a surge in clients for local organizations. Help us end hunger, nobody should go to bed hungry.
This is not a normal play.Doors fall off. Actors forget lines. The set has opinions.And somehow it is one of the funniest nights you will have all year.THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG brings award winning comedy and perfectly planned disasters to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, March 13–29.Tickets are on sale now at 5startheatricals.com/the-play-that-goes-wrong - come watch the chaos unfold!
Mar 23 Monday
Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.
The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.
This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.
Mar 24 Tuesday
World Math Day runs for 48 hours, starting on March 25 in Australia and on March 24 in most U.S. locations (due to time differences). It is the world’s largest online math competition, an international celebration of mathematics where 10 million students have answered more than 1 Billion questions. World Math Day is FREE for all and is hosted on the Mathletics platform. All registrants have free access to Mathletics starting on March 12: https://www.3plearning.com/world-Math-day. The 2026 theme, United by Numbers, celebrates the belief that everyone can learn and excel at mathematics when given the right support. Teachers and students need not be Mathletics users to participate.