Black History Month Recap: Celebrating African Americans and Labor
Throughout February, Riverside City College (RCC) hosted a dynamic series of events in celebration of Black History Month, honoring the contributions of African Americans to labor movements and cultural empowerment. From engaging discussions to creative workshops, students, faculty, and staff came together to learn, reflect, and celebrate.
Black Panther Party – A Powerful Kickoff
Black History Month at RCC began with an interactive event highlighting the legacy of the Black Panther Party. Umoja peer mentors led an engaging discussion on the movement’s impact on activism today, while attendees donned Black Panther-inspired clothing. The event wrapped up with a spirited game of Kahoot, where participants tested their knowledge of the Black Panthers in a fun and educational setting. With a packed room, the event set the tone for a month of meaningful engagement.
The Market Place – A Celebration of Black Entrepreneurship
The Market Place showcased African American vendors offering cultural items, artwork, and jewelry. Attendees indulged in authentic Jamaican cuisine and delicious smoked BBQ, supporting Black-owned businesses while fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation.
African-Inspired Jewelry Making – Crafting Culture
In collaboration with the Jewelry Club, Umoja and Ujima hosted a hands-on African-inspired jewelry-making workshop. Attendees explored the cultural significance of traditional jewelry designs while crafting their own unique pieces. The overwhelmingly positive response from participants has sparked interest in future workshops.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness – Health in Our Community
Partnering with Talking Angels, RCC held an awareness event focused on colorectal cancer prevention. Participants engaged in discussions about health advocacy and learned essential information on disease prevention, emphasizing the importance of health education within the community.
Umoja Spring Welcome: Black Tiger Welcome Back
The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA), in collaboration with Umoja, hosted this welcoming event to reconnect students with Black faculty and staff. Attendees enjoyed great food, networked, and strengthened their sense of belonging within the campus community.
African-Inspired Canvas Painting – Creativity Meets Culture
Led by Professor Nicole Green-Hodges, this painting workshop celebrated Afrocentric art through color mixing and artistic expression. With a full house in the Umoja Homeroom, participants engaged in a vibrant cultural and creative experience.
MK Asante – An Inspiring Visit
Award-winning author, filmmaker, and professor MK Asante delivered an empowering talk, sharing his insights on storytelling, history, and self-expression. His visit left students inspired and eager to explore their own creative narratives.
Past to Present Black Women in Movement – A Powerful Closing Event
Dr. Janet Hill, RCC Sociology Professor, concluded the month with an impactful discussion on the contributions of Angela Davis and Jasmine Crockett to social justice movements. Offering both historical and contemporary perspectives, Dr. Hill’s insights resonated deeply with attendees, making for a powerful and thought-provoking closing event.
Riverside City College’s Black History Month celebrations successfully fostered education, cultural appreciation, and community engagement. The month’s events honored the past while inspiring future generations to continue advocating for justice and equity.