Cultural festivities will include the long-standing Rosa Parks Birthday Recognition and Libation tradition at Mesa College on Wednesday, February 5. During this time, the office of Councilmember Henry L. Foster III (District 4) will present Mesa College with a City Council Proclamation pronouncing February 5, 2025, as Rosa Parks Transit Equity Day.
All events are free and open to the public. Among the highlights:
Tuesday, February 4
Noon to 2 p.m.
Kick-Off Celebration: The Labor Movement
Kick off Black History Month with an inspiring celebration featuring African drumming,
live music, dance, and a powerful talk on Black contractors' history and impact. Facilitators
and entertainers include Teye Sa Thiosanne, Abdur-Rahim, Buki Domingos, and Sandra
Foster-King. Lunch will be provided by Felix’s BBQ with Soul.
College of Continuing Education, Educational Cultural Complex South Patio, 4343 Ocean
View Blvd., 92113.
Wednesday, February 5
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 office of Councilmember Foster will present Mesa College with a City
Council Proclamation preceding a traditional African libation ritual, speeches and
spoken word. Hosted by Dr. Thekima Mayasa, Dr. Candace Katungi and the Black Student
Union.
Mesa College, G-103 and the Rosa Parks Transit Station, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Thursday, February 6
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Black Excellence Mixer
Enjoy African drumming, food, and fun!
Miramar College, K1-107, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Monday, February 10
9:35 to 11 a.m.
AnimeHipHop: The Rise of Anime in the Black Community
An exploration and discussion with Eric "CTHREE" McElroy, founder and lead writer
of AnimeHipHop. CTHREE is the first artist in Hip Hop history to release an album,
comic, and video game.
Mesa College, G-101, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Tuesday, February 11
Noon to 2 p.m.
Documentary Screening of Reggie
Film screening featuring American former professional baseball player Reggie Jackson.
Miramar College, K1-211, 10440 Black Mountain Rd., 92126
4 to 5:30 p.m.
Real Talk: Black Women Leaders Listening and Leading
Join Black women leaders in higher education for an empowering dialogue on resilience,
mentorship, and strategies for navigating academic, professional, and personal spaces
with confidence. This event is facilitated by Dr. Sarah Boswell.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Reflections on Africa
A reflection and discussion from the experiences of Mesa College students, faculty,
and staff on their journey to the African Diaspora Education Summit (ADES) 2024 in
Accra, Ghana.
Mesa College, G-101, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Wednesday, February 12
Noon to 2 p.m.
Documentary Screening of What’s My Name?
Film screening featuring legendary fighter, Muhammad Ali.
Miramar College, K1-211, 10440 Black Mountain Rd., 92126
Tuesday, February 18
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Mental and Emotional Resilience (Be Well)
Investigate the mental health challenges faced by Black immigrants and the resilience
strategies they employ to cope and thrive with CCE Be Well Mental Health Counselor
Janisha Street.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105.
Tuesday February 18 and Wednesday, February 19
Two-Day Hearing Marginalized Voices: Poetry Reading & Writing Event
2/18 12:40 to 1:40 p.m. (Writing Workshop - L-303)
2/19 12:30 to 2 p.m. (Poetry Reading - L-101 A/B)
A dynamic two-day workshop with author and poet, AJ Houston, featuring a reading from
their printed book and a comprehensive interactive writing workshop.
Miramar College, L-303/L-101, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Wednesday, February 19
Noon to 2 p.m.
Rara Festival
The Rara Festival is a vibrant celebration, showcasing Haitian and Afro-Caribbean
music and culture. Colorful processions of musicians and dancers fill the streets,
creating an electrifying atmosphere that promotes unity and cultural pride, a representation
of heritage and community. Presented by Marne Foster.
College of Continuing Education, Educational Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Blvd.,
92113.
Thursday, February 20
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Film Screening of Savage Acts
Join the Miramar College student clubs and organizations for a thought-provoking film
screening and discussion of Savage Acts.
Miramar College, L-101 A/B, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Friday, February 21
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Sawubona Healing Circle
A safe space where students can share their experiences, the Sawubona Healing Circle
has been endorsed by the Association of Black Psychologists to help Black people confront
the myths and lies of racism in order to set a foundation for emotional healing.
Mesa College, G-105, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Tuesday, February 25
1 to 2:10 p.m.
A Tribute to the Ancestors
A tribute to remember the ancestors that have recently transitioned, including Judith
Jamison, Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, Sheila Jackson Lee, William Strickland, and
Niki Giovani. Hosted by Dr. Thekima Mayasa and Dr. Mychal Odom.
Mesa College, G-105, 7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Economic and Labor Resilience Workshop with Career Services and CalWORKs
Explore the entrepreneurial spirit of Black immigrants and their impact on economic
empowerment, labor resilience, and community upliftment through business development
and career services support. Presented by Dr. Terry Sivers, Fatima Mota, Zuri Williams,
Toran Grays, Courtney Henderson, and Dr. Leonard Thompson.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105.
Wednesday, February 26
9:35 to 11 a.m.
Afrocentric Dance Workshop
Discover the vibrant world of Caribbean dances, a fusion of African, Spanish, and
Indigenous rhythms. Caribbean dances celebrate the culture and music of the region,
encompassing styles such as salsa, merengue, and bachata.
Mesa College, Dance Studio L-116, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Thursday, February 27
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Rhythm & Rhyme
Poetry event showcasing powerful voices and stories Assia Lau’ren and Kelsey Daniels
through spoken word and verse.
Miramar College, L-101 A/B, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
5 to 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Attendees are invited to share their poetry, spoken word, and other talents during
an Open Mic/Open Talent event. Hosted by MC will be Greg McKnight Jr., Mesa alum and
nationally award-winning spoken word artist.
Mesa College, G-102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Friday, February 28
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Black Educators Networking Event, Panel, and Hiring Fair
Build your network and meet like-minded educators and community leaders during a hiring
fair with the City and County of San Diego and other local agencies. Featured Panelists:
Monica Montgomery-Steppe, District 4 Supervisor, County of San Diego, Ebony Shelton,
Chief Administrative Officer, County of San Diego, Robert Logan, Fire Chief, City
of San Diego, Eric K. Dargan, Chief Operating Officer, City of San Diego.
Register for the event here.
City College, City Commons (D Building/Cafeteria), 1313 Park Blvd. 92101
Additionally, Mesa College will continue its celebration of Black history from February
1 through June 1 with a new Black and African American exhibit, "Dr. Jack Johnson
Kimbrough: Pillar of African Art Stewardship". Dr. Kimbrough’s generous donations
of African art, alongside his collaboration with Dr. Barbara Blackmun, have profoundly
enhanced student learning and secured lasting access to African artistic heritage
and culture. This exhibition will be on display in the World Art Glass Gallery, located
on the first floor of the Mesa College LRC. The World Art Gallery and Research Center
on the fourth floor of the Mesa College LRC in Room 446 will also display Black and
African American art.