San Diego Community College District

The San Diego Community College District is celebrating Black History throughout the month of February. A range of events includes Rosa Parks’ birthday recognition and libation at San Diego Mesa College, a live performance of the History of Black Art at San Diego College of Continuing Education, followed by a healing circle, film screenings, open mic night, and more across the district.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Among the highlights:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2

4 to 7 p.m.
Black Film Fridays: They Cloned Tyrone
Watch a film and engage in dialogue about its meaning, messages, and connection to today’s student experience. Sponsored by Umoja.
San Diego City College, MS-162, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
2024 Women of Color Roar program "Our Time - Sixty Years of Triumph”
San Diego City College will host the 6th Annual Black History Month Women of Color Roar Breakfast, which began in 2018 with the mission to celebrate African American elected officials and encourage young women of color to run for office and pursue careers in public service.
San Diego City College, Harry West Gymnasium, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Black Excellence Meet & Greet
An opportunity for Black students to meet other Black students, faculty, staff and administrators to build community and learn about key on campus resources.
San Diego City College, Room MS-140, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Rosa Parks Birthday Recognition & Libation
The Mesa College community will pay tribute to Rosa Parks, one of the most beloved and iconic activists for Civil Rights with a silent march, reminiscent of the civil rights picket lines, from the Osani Circle in front of G-103 to the Rosa Parks Transit Station. The event will include a traditional African libation ritual and inspirational speeches. Hosted by Dr. Thekima Mayasa, Dr. Candace Katungi and the Black Student Union.
San Diego Mesa College, G-103 and the Rosa Parks Transit Station, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

4 to 7 p.m.
Black Film Fridays: Black Klansman
Watch a film and engage in dialogue about its meaning, messages, and connection to today’s student experience. Sponsored by Umoja.
San Diego City College, MS-162, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

6 to 9 p.m.
Black Educators Networking Event
Meet local and inspiring Black educators. Enjoy delicious food, music, and win prizes. Sponsored by City College Office of the President.
Register Here
San Diego City College, Schwartz Plaza, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12

9:30 to 11 a.m.
Lecture, Film, and Discussion on Black Reparations
Dr. Cheryl Grills, former president of the National Association of Black Psychologists and member of the California Taskforce on Black Reparations delivers a lecture on the 2020 California Legislature approved AB-3121, which established a taskforce to study reparations toward African descended Californians as a result of slavery.
San Diego Mesa College, G-102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13

3 to 4 p.m.
Black Student Union (BSU) Meeting
San Diego Miramar College, Conference Room N-201, 10440 Black Mountain Rd., 92126

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebration of Black Culture
An opportunity for Black students to meet other Black students, faculty, staff and administrators to build community and to celebrate Black culture.
San Diego City College, A Building Patio, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15

4 to 7 p.m.
Black Film Fridays: Judas and the Black Messiah
Watch a film and engage in dialogue about its meaning, messages, and connection to today’s student experience. Sponsored by Umoja.
San Diego City College, MS-162, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Feel the Love Luncheon
A luncheon hosted by Jordan Nash, UMOJA, and Robyn Bolden of the Black Leadership Fellows for students, faculty, staff and administrators.
San Diego Mesa College, MC-211, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Noon to 3 p.m.
History of Black Art
Explore the rich history and life of African American arts and artisans with Makeda Dread Cheatom, Executive Director of the WorldBeat Cultural Center and its members. Accompanied by drumming and other performers, the story of the African Diaspora includes connections between Afro-Mexican, Haitian cultures, and their influence on the African American experience. Food that is representative of Black Heritage will be provided.
San Diego College of Continuing Education, Educational Cultural Complex (South Patio), 4343 Ocean View Blvd., 92113

Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Marginalized Voices Through Poetry
Listen to poetry and spoken word with poets Elemen2al and Rose Gold.
Sponsored by IDEA Committee and San Diego Miramar College Outreach.
San Diego Miramar College, Compass Point, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

6 to 7:30 p.m.
Multimedia Lecture and Discussion on Afrofuturism
Dr. LaWanna Richmond will present a lecture and discussion on Afrofuturism as it serves as a strategy of forward movement for Black people.
Hosted by Professor Emerita Starla Lewis.
San Diego Mesa College, G-102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Poetry Writing Workshop with Elemen2al
Presented by the Black Student Union and Muse Clubs, participate in a writing workshop led by poet and spoken word artist, Elemen2al.
Sponsored by IDEA Committee.
San Diego Miramar College, Academic Success Center Conference Room L-101, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

4 to 5:30 p.m.
Be Well CCE Presents: Recognizing Mental Burnout in the Black Community
Be Well Mental Health Counselors and Mental Health Clinicians, Janisha Street and Jeremy Garcia will empower students with mental health resources.
San Diego College of Continuing Education, Zoom ID: 845 6490 8117

6 to 7:30 p.m.
We Are Living History
Black Studies Professor Emerita Starla Lewis and Co-author of “I Am My Own Self Validation” will lecture about understanding history while weaving together highlights of her book. Sponsored by the SDCCD.
San Diego Miramar College, Join on Zoom

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Sawubona Healing Circle
Dr. Thekima Mayasa and Dr. Judy Sundayo will host a Sawubona Circle, strategies to help Black people confront the myths and lies of racism in order to set a foundation for emotional healing. The circle creates a safe space, students can share their experiences, find support in affirming their humanity, and move forward with confidence and self-acceptance.
San Diego Mesa College, G-105, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

5 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Basketball Double Header (Black History Month & Sophomore Night)
Join City College Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams double header. Participate in the half-time activities at both games as well as in the resource fair.
5 p.m. Men’s Game vs. MiraCosta
7 p.m. Women’s Game vs. Imperial Valley
San Diego City College, Harry West Gymnasium, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

3 to 5 p.m.
“Afroture” - Community Black History Month Photography Exhibition
A community photography exhibition that supports and celebrates Black Identity in San Diego. Sponsored by the SDCC Photography Department.
San Diego City College, Luxe Gallery, 1081 16th St., 92101

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26

2 to 5 p.m.
Barbershop Grand Opening
Join us for the grand opening of City College’s barbershop and learn about the intentional services and resources aimed to support and enhance the City student experience.
San Diego City College, T Building Parking Lot, 1313 Park Blvd., 92101

4 to 5:30 p.m.
The Story of Haiti: Revolution/Resistance, Resilience and Retribution
Dr. Adisa Alkebulan, Chair of the San Diego State University Africana Studies department will lecture on the intricate history of Haiti, unraveling the complex circumstances that have fueled recent waves of immigration to the United States. Dr. Alkebulan will provide insight, knowledge, and skills to support Haitian student populations.
San Diego College of Continuing Education, Register for Zoom Meeting or attend Mid-City Campus (Room 203), 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

1 to  2:10 p.m.
Tribute to Dr. Robert V. Guthrie
Join Dr. Thekima Mayasa and Dr. Mychal Odom in a tribute to remember late scholar, Dr. Robert V. Guthrie, the first Black professor at San Diego Mesa College. Dr. Guthrie taught psychology from 1963-1969, is the author of “Even the Rat was White: An Historical View of Psychology”, and is a founding member of the Association of Black Psychologists in 1968.
San Diego Mesa College, G-105, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Savage Acts: Wars, Fairs and Empires Film and Discussion
Film screening and discussion in collaboration with the IDEA Committee, the LEAD Office and Miramar Student Groups including the Black Student Union.
San Diego Miramar College, H-106, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29

5 to 7 p.m.
Open Mic
Join MC Greg McKnight Jr., Mesa College alum and nationally award-winning spoken word artist for open mic night. Attendees are invited to share their poetry, spoken word, and other talents. Hosted by the Black Student Union and Dr. Candace Katungi.
San Diego Mesa College, G-102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

 

- Additionally, throughout Black History Month The Essence of Africa exhibition which features selections from the San Diego Mesa College World Art Permanent Collection will be on display from February 1st through June 1st in the World Art Glass Gallery, located on the first floor of Mesa College’s Learning Resource Center (LRC) from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.