Schools
Cal State San Marcos Dining Closes Black History Month with Soul Food Celebration
Students, faculty, and staff gathered at Campus Way Café for a Southern-inspired meal celebrating culture, tradition, and community.
SAN MARCOS, CA - California State University, San Marcos concluded Black History Month with a meal designed to honor culture, history, and community. On February 27, Campus Way Café welcomed students, faculty, and staff for a special dining event led by Operations Manager Bernard West.
West created and hosted the meal with one clear goal: to end the month with a memorable experience that brought people together. Working alongside Executive Chef John Merlino, he helped prepare a menu rooted in tradition and comfort.
Guests enjoyed Fried Catfish, Honey Baked BBQ Chicken, Cajun Style Gumbo, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Sweet Potato Yams, Jalapeño Corn Bread, BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon, Creamy Coleslaw, and Peach Cobbler. Each dish reflected flavors closely associated with Black culinary heritage and traditional Southern cooking.
“It was imperative to celebrate a historical month,” said Bernard West, Operations Manager. “Food brings people together, and this meal was a way to honor culture, history, and community.”
The event was also embraced by The Black Student Center (BSC), whose mission is to promote student success through academic, cultural, social, and leadership experiences on campus. The meal aligned with that purpose by creating space for cultural recognition and shared experience within the university community.
Executive Chef John Merlino collaborated closely with West to prepare the meal, while General Manager Paul Reardon supported the effort as part of campus dining’s commitment to engaging student-centered events.
The gathering offered students and staff an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Black History Month while enjoying a meal that celebrated tradition and community.
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