The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) is honoring Black excellence and Black achievements with a number of events throughout February. Among the events sponsored by San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education colleges, as well as the District Office, the public can expect to learn about sacred African sculptures, hear a spoken word presentation from poet Stacy Dyson, and learn about the power of perseverance from Rodney Walker, a former foster youth and Yale University graduate. 

All events are free and open to the public. Attendees must register in advance for virtual events. 

Here’s how the SDCCD is celebrating Black History Month: 

All of February

African Guardian Spirits: A Virtual Exhibition

Peruse and learn about sacred African sculptures all month from the Mesa College Foundation World Cultures Collection. The hauntingly beautiful and visually stunning works were chosen for this virtual exhibit based on their intention to protect, nurture, teach or guide. Curated by Dr. Denise Rogers. The exhibition opened February 1 and will close Monday, February 28.

The virtual exhibition can be found here. 

Wednesday, February 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Voices of BLACKNESS: The Cultural Arts Innovators

Professor Latorial Faison, a published poet and performer, shares and discusses her work. This event is part of Cultural Noire Performing Arts Company's series featuring nationwide cultural arts innovators. Hosted by English professor Gina Jackson. Sponsored by City College. 

The Zoom link can be found here. 

Tuesday, February 15,  from 12:45 to 2:00 p.m.

The Activist in Me

Join the Mesa College community in a virtual remembrance of the many iconic African-descended individuals who joined the ancestors in the past year, including but not limited to Bell Hooks, Barry Harris, Bob Moses, Hank Aaron, John Lewis, Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, Desmond Tutu, and Sydney Portier. Students are encouraged to share what these heroes and sheroes, as well as others who have died recently, have meant to them, and how they are inspired to succeed and become activists for positive change in the world based on these role models. Hosted by professor Bobby Chambers. 

The Zoom meeting registration link can be found here.

Wednesday, February 16, from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

A Spoken Word Poetry Event With Stacy Dyson

Stacy Dyson is a poet, acapella vocalist, and playwright who specializes in the life and times of the Black woman. Dyson has done program design, residencies, workshops, and live performances in all sorts of places, including all over San Diego. She is the author of seven collections of poetry and has also created five CDs of poetry and spoken word. Sponsored by Miramar College.

Join the Zoom meeting here.

Thursday, February 17,  at 7 p.m.

Black Conquistadors Presentation  

Presented by professor Javier Gonzalez-Meeks, this presentation will look at the role Black Conquistadors played in conquest and exploration of Spanish America. Sponsored by Miramar College.

Zoom Link: 969 0012 1455

Password: Garrido

Monday, February 21, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

‘Heart with Room for Every Joy’ Film and Discussion 

Film documentary on the life and works of Zora Neale Hurston, an author, anthropologist and filmmaker. She portrayed racial struggles in the early 20th century American South and published research on Haitian Voodoo. The most popular of her four novels is “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” published in 1937. Enjoy this fresh, informative documentary and participate in a virtual discussion following the film. Hosted by Thekima Mayasa, Ed.D. Sponsored by Mesa College.

 The Zoom meeting registration link can be found here.

Tuesday, February 22 from noon to 1 p.m.

Zuzu Acrobats

The Zuzu African Acrobats share the cultural traditions of East African country Tanzania through music, dance, and authentic acrobatic routines. Sponsored by City College.

In-person* event at Curran Plaza (between the C and L buildings). City College is located at 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego

*For the safety of the SDCCD community, masks must be worn at all times during the event. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours is required to attend.

Wednesday, February 23, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Combating the Stigma of Mental Health

Join City College’s Active Minds Chapter, Student Health Center, and Umoja as they host National Active Minds guest speaker Abraham Sculley. "Combating the Stigma of Mental Health" is designed to encourage and equip students with the tools and education necessary to engage in the conversation surrounding mental health and mental illness. Through vulnerability, Sculley shares his mental health story and addresses the common myths of mental illness, the negative effects of and ways to effectively combat stigma. All attendees will be entered into opportunity drawings for giveaways. 

The Zoom link can be found here. Password: 022322

Wednesday, February 23, from 11 to 11:45 a.m.

A Spoken Word Poetry Event With Dr. Anthony Blacksher

Anthony Blacksher, Ph.D., writes and performs regularly with the performance art collective bkSoul, producing collaborative theater for social justice. Blacksher also serves as the publisher of the San Diego Poetry Annual. An avid vinyl record collector, he enjoys freedom-fighting music with soulful melodies and big groovy bass lines. Sponsored by Miramar College.

The Zoom link can be found here. 

Thursday, February 24,  from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

San Diego College of Continuing Education Community Wellness Fair

This event is to be held in-person, at an outdoor location to be determined, at the Educational Cultural Complex. Food and entertainment will be available. Sponsored by San Diego College of Continuing Education.

The Educational Cultural Complex is located at: 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego

Thursday, February 24, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

African American Inventors to Remember This Black History Month and Beyond

In this session, City College will explore the life and legacy of African American Inventors. With its emphasis on Black racial identity, pride, and self-determination, the workshops will inspire the City College community to learn about great inventors whose contributions to technology have contributed to World History and made daily tasks easier or safer. 

The Zoom link can be found here.

Thursday, February 24, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Community Recording Studio Night: Blues Night

In celebration of Black History Month, students, faculty, and community members are invited to come together to record songs by classic blues artists such as Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters in City College’s state-of-the-art recording studio, located in room C-208. Sponsored by the City College Commercial Music Program.

In-person* event at Curran Plaza (between the C and L buildings). City College is located at 1313 Park Blvd., San Diego

*For the safety of the SDCCD community, masks must be worn at all times during the event. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 72 hours is required to attend. No wind instruments (harmonica, saxophone, clarinet, etc.) this time due to health precautions.

Thursday, February 24, at 7 p.m.

Black Vaqueros Presentation

Presented by professor Javier Gonzalez-Meeks, this presentation will look at the lesser-known story of Black vaqueros or cowboys in the “Wild” West, such as Bass Reeves who inspired the story of “The Lone Ranger.” Sponsored by Miramar College.

Zoom Link: 967 8473 8021

Password: Reeves

Thursday, February 24,  from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Disrupting Racism Through the Lens of the Arts

This virtual presentation will take students, faculty, and staff on an historical journey illuminating how art has been used to confront racism in America. Ron McCurdy, Ph.D., of University of Southern California, will share musical excerpts demonstrating the dual purpose of the Negro spiritual and how it was used to praise God while revolting against slavery. He will also examine Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” to name a few. The event will demonstrate how the arts help define the struggle for Black freedom and equality. Hosted by professor Paula Johnson. Sponsored by Mesa College.

The Zoom registration link can be found here.

Friday, February 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

 Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts 

This virtual presentation will take students, faculty, and staff on a historical journey illuminating how art has been used to confront racism in America. Dr. Ron McCurdy will start by sharing excerpts of musical examples demonstrating the dual purpose of the Negro spiritual and how it was used to "praise" God while revolting against slavery. Billie Holiday's “Strange Fruit,” Sam Cooke's “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Paul Robeson's “Ole Man River,” Marvin Gaye's “What's Going On,” Childish Gambino's “This Is America,” and many other artistic examples will be examined to demonstrate how the arts helped to define the struggle for freedom and equality among African Americans. Sponsored by the District Committee for Community, Inclusion & Diversity.

The Zoom registration link can be found here. 

Sunday, February 27, from 3 to 5:00 p.m.

Let the Poets Speak: Know Your Worth

Join members of the Mesa College community at this “open air” event, which will take place outside of the Black Resource Center at San Diego State University. The event will include open mic poetry, live music and food, all socially-distanced for fun and joy. The event is a collaboration between the Mesa College Black Studies Department, Committee for Diversity, Action, Inclusion, and Equity, SDSU’s Black Resource Center, and the San Diego Association of Black Psychologists, which are all committed to the health and well-being of marginalized peoples. Participants will share and explore feelings having to do with Black self-worth, self-acceptance and self-confidence, among other topics relevant to the Black experience. Please remember to bring your mask. Hosted by Ricky Pope, Ph.D., and Judy Sundayo, Ph.D.

The Black Resource Center at SDSU is located at: 5723 Lindo Paseo, San Diego

Monday, February 28, from noon to 1 p.m.

The Power of Perseverance, Virtual Program with Keynote Speaker Rodney Walker

Keynote speaker Rodney Walker provides a virtual program titled “The Power of Perseverance” followed by a question and answer session. Walker is the bestselling author of the educational memoir titled “A New Day One: Trauma, Grace, and a Young Man’s Journey from Foster Care to Yale.” Students attending this event will learn the value of perseverance, and why it is an essential quality to have in overcoming life’s challenges, as well as the five steps all students need to take to overcome adversity and lead a life of success. Sponsored by the Diversity Committees of City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education colleges.

The Zoom meeting registration link can be found here. 

Black History Month is observed annually in February and honors the contributions and sacrifices of African-Americans who have helped shape the United States. Black History Month originated from Carter G. Woodson, known as the “father of Black History.” In 1926, Woodson set out to dedicate a period of time to educate people about Black history and culture. Woodson designated the second of week of February as Negro Week, with support from the Association for the Study of Negro Life, which is now known as The Association for the Study of African American Life and History. In the late 1960s, Negro Week formally became what is now known as Black History Month.