February is Black History Month, and with the attention of the sports world on the Bay Area thanks to the big game, it is an appropriate moment to look at San Jose’s legacy of civil rights activism through sports. Urla M. Hill, who guest curated the 2007 exhibition Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power at History San José, will discuss the history of athletics and activism at San Jose State College (now San Jose State University).

Hill will be joined by three legendary SJSU athletes:

• Former top sprinter and Olympic coach Bob Poynter
• Walt Roberts of the 1964 NFL champion Cleveland Browns
• Ben Tucker of the 1962 and 1963 NCAA cross country champion Spartans 

Lunchtime Lecture Series take place on the first Wednesday of the month at noon in the Charlotte Wendel Education Center. Visitors are welcome to bring food and beverages.