In 2020, a dedicated coalition of leaders and advocates within the California Community
Colleges pioneered the creation of Black Student Success Week. This annual event,
observed during the last week of April, offers a time to reflect on our commitment
to the academic well-being of Black and African American students.
The sixth annual Black Student Success Week is scheduled for April 21-25, 2025. This
year’s theme is Lift Up, Level Up: The Rise of Black Serving Institutions. The 2025
Black Student Success Week will emphasize how we are serving Black and African American
students to support and ensure their success in community colleges and beyond.
Daily
Monday through Friday
#TheBlackHour
Noon to 1 p.m. PT
Throughout the week, #TheBlackHour webinars will share insights and approaches for
improving student success among Black and African American students in community colleges.
These daily webinars are open to community college administrators, staff, faculty,
practitioners, and students.
#TheAfterParty
1 to 2 p.m.
Join us for daily small group discussion forums immediately following #TheBlackHour
webinars. These facilitated discussion forums will provide an opportunity for participants
to debrief and reflect on topics and themes highlighted during #TheBlackHour.
#TheStudentHour
6 to 7 p.m.
This student-centered series focuses on the needs and resources available to help
current and prospective college students succeed. Working with the California Community
College Chancellor’s Office “I Can Go To College” campaign, #TheStudentHour webinars
occur Monday through Friday from 6 to 7 pm.
Advocacy Day
Thursday, April 24th
Join us for Advocacy Day, an opportunity for stakeholders and interested parties to
(VIRTUALLY) engage with local elected officials and key higher education policymakers
to discuss priorities for ensuring Black student success.
No prior legislative advocacy experience is needed. We will provide you with all resources,
training, and supported needed to successfully participate.
Register for Advocacy Day
#TheBlackHour Webinar Schedule
Monday, April 21
Noon to 1 p.m. PT
The Rise of Black-Serving Institutions
The webinar explores the growing need for a formal Black Serving Institution (BSI)
designation, focusing on California community colleges. The session emphasizes how
a BSI designation addresses systemic inequities, enhances resources, and improves
educational outcomes, ensuring these colleges better serve their communities.
Register for Rise of Black-Serving Institutions
Tuesday, April 22
Noon to 1 p.m.
Black Servingness: Maintaining Our Voice and Action
This session will explore the importance of "Black Servingness" nationally and in
the state of California. Servingness involves surrounding students, faculty, staff
with the cultural ambiance that allows and prioritizes their cultural heritage in
ways that profoundly support and affirm their dignity and sense of belonging. As we
navigate these unprecedented times in higher education, this session will focus on
what actions can be taken now to shape "Black Servingness" at institutions of higher
education.
Register for Maintaining Our Voice and Action
Wednesday, April 23
Noon to 1 p.m.
Power Moves: Equipping Black Talent for Tomorrow's Workforce
This session is a dynamic workshop designed to empower Black students with the tools,
insights, and inspiration needed to thrive in high-growth industries. The session
offers participants a rare opportunity to engage with top Black CEOs who have excelled
in fields driving the future of work: cybersecurity, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Register for Power Moves
Thursday, April 24
Noon to 1 p.m.
Putting the AFRICAN in African American Student Success
In Fall 2024, 375 educators and leaders from across the state attended the second
All African Diaspora Education Summit (ADES) in Ghana, Africa, to learn about African-centered
ways of being, thinking, teaching, and learning. Learn more about the Summit, African-centered
education, and how faculty are activating what they learned to create Black-serving
classrooms and institutions.
Register for Putting the AFRICAN in African American Student Success
Friday, April 25
Noon to 1 p.m.
Live from the Frontlines of Black Student Success: Accounts from Practitioners and
Executive Leadership
Join us for a session highlighting real-time reflections from esteemed Black Student
Success Practitioners and Executive Leadership working tirelessly to lift up and level
up the movement.
Register for Accounts from Practitioners and Executive Leadership