District events celebrate Black History Month

February 4, 2026 | San Diego Community College District
Three drummer perform on an outdoor stage

Drummers perform at Mesa College. (File photo Mesa College)

The San Diego Community College District will honor Black History Month throughout February with a vibrant series of events across its campuses. 

Highlights include a Rosa Parks birthday recognition and libation at San Diego Mesa College, dynamic performances by Black artists at San Diego College of Continuing Education, and a culminating panel with local elected leaders at San Diego City College, along with film screenings and additional community programs.

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

Wednesday, February 4

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Rosa Parks Birthday Recognition & Libation
This event pays tribute to the beloved and iconic civil rights activist, Rosa Parks. The event will include a silent march from the Black Studies Dept. (G Bldg.) to the Rosa Parks Transit Station, a traditional African ritual to honor the ancestors, and inspirational presentations from students, employees and community members.
Mesa College, G-103 and the Rosa Parks Transit Station, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.

Thursday, February 5

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Black History Month Spring Kickoff
Meet other students, connect with Black Resource Center (BRC) staff and counselors, and learn about upcoming Spring events.
Miramar College, BRC I-124, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126.

Saturday, February 7

7 to 10 a.m.
Spirit of the Warrior 8th annual Women of Color Roar Breakfast
Join former California State Controller Betty Yee and other inspiring women during the 8th annual Black History Month Breakfast.
City College, City Commons (D Building/Cafeteria), 1313 Park Blvd. 92101.

Buy tickets for the breakfast

Monday, February 9

9:35 to 11 a.m.
Anime HipHop: 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 10

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Black Power & Activism Documentary: Out of the Shadows
Film screening and discussion on documentary ‘Out of the Shadows,’ a thought-provoking film exploring history, resistance, and social change.
Miramar College, I-101 Auditorium, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126.

Wednesday, February 11

Noon to 2 p.m.
Feel the Love Luncheon
A luncheon hosted by UMOJA and the Black Employee Success Team, offers students, faculty, staff, and administrators the opportunity to share a meal and engage in meaningful conversations focused on student success.
Mesa College, MC-211 A/B, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.

Thursday, February 12

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Black Excellence Meet & Greet
Connect, build community, and celebrate Black excellence with students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators. Learn about key campus resources designed to support and uplift Black students.
City College, MS-140, 1313 Park Blvd. 92101.

Noon to 1:30 p.m.
One Hundred Years of Celebration
An inspiring afternoon of culture, creativity, and community, featuring live performances by Black artists Erisa Nicole, Selah BLaK SoL, and Yolanda Marie Franklin. Lunch will be provided by Chef Budda Blasian Soul Food LLC.
College of Continuing Education, Educational Cultural Complex Front Lawn, 4343 Ocean View Blvd., 92113.

Tuesday, February 17

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Black Power & Activism Documentary: Power! (1966–1968)
Film screening and discussion on documentary ‘Power! (1966–1968)’, a film exploring history, resistance, and social change.
Miramar College, I-101 Auditorium, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126.

Wednesday, February 18

11:20 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
Our Stories, Our Legacy: Black History Through Artifacts and Elder's Voices
Storytelling led by elders, including activist and author Alyce Smith-Cooper, who will share personal narratives connected to cultural artifacts on display, exploring oral history, Black identity, and collective memory through dialogue and reflection.
Mesa College, D-101, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Black Power & Activism Documentary: A Nation of Law? (1968–1971)
Film screening and discussion on documentary ‘A Nation of Law? (1968–1971)’, a film exploring history, resistance, and social change.
Miramar College, I-101 Auditorium, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126.

3 to 4:30 p.m.
Drawing From Our Ancestors: Student Healing & Reflection Space
This student-centered gathering invites participants to reflect on emotional resilience within the Black diaspora. Through guided discussion and reflective activities, students will explore how ancestral knowledge, collective memory, and cultural practices inform how we cope, heal, and seek support today.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus Room 117, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105.

Thursday, February 19

2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
"Sembene!": A Documentary on the Life of Ousmane Sembene
Film screening and discussion on documentary ‘Sembene!’: a documentary on the life of the father of African cinema, Ousmane Sembene of Senegal.
Mesa College, G-102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111

Wednesday, February 25

9:35 to 11 a.m.
Afrocentric Dance Workshop
​​Discover the vibrant world of Caribbean dance, a dynamic fusion of African, Spanish, and Indigenous rhythms that celebrates the region’s rich culture and music through styles like salsa, merengue, and bachata.
Mesa College, Dance Studio L-116, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.

4 to 6 p.m.
A2MEND Signature Event: Elevate Your Voice
Elevate Your Voice is a storytelling and dialogue-based event that highlights the diverse experiences of the Black diaspora, including migration, identity, resilience, and belonging. The session invites participants to share and listen to personal narratives that connect ancestral histories to present-day realities. The event emphasizes storytelling as a tool for healing, cultural affirmation, and community building, while honoring the multiplicity of Black experiences across geography and generation.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus Room 117, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105.

Thursday, February 26

9:30 to 11 a.m.
Careers Shaped By Culture
A career networking event connecting students with Black professionals as they share how identity, culture, and lived experiences have shaped their career paths. All students and alumni are welcome.
Miramar College, L-104, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Career Readiness Workshop: Resume Building
Career Readiness Workshop focused on resume building led by the Black Resource Center (BRC) in collaboration with Career Life & Design.
Miramar College, BRC I-124, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126.

6 to 8 p.m.
Tribute to the Ancestors
A tribute led by Dr. Thekima Mayasa and Dr. Mychal Odom for the ancestors that have recently transitioned, including Assata Shakur, Michael (D'Angelo) Archer, Sakeenah Gallardo, Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Ananda Lewis, Charles Rangel, and Viola Fletcher.
Mesa College, MC-211 A/B, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.

Friday, February 27

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Sawubona Healing Circle Presents: Positive Affirmations with Inspirational Speaker Ashlie Halton
Endorsed by the Association of Black Psychologists, this safe space helps students confront the impacts of racism, share experiences, and find support in affirming their humanity and fostering emotional healing.
Mesa College, G-105, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111.

5 to 8 p.m.
4th annual Black Educators Networking Event and Panel
Meet local, inspiring Black educators and leaders at a powerful panel discussion featuring San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe, Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins (79th Assembly District), and San Diego City Councilmember Henry L. Foster III (District 4).  The event will be emceed by Tony Young, CEO, San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy music and food, open to all district employees and students.
City College, City Commons (D Building/Cafeteria), 1313 Park Blvd. 92101

Additional Exhibits

  • Mesa College will continue its Black History celebration from February 1 through June 1 with a new exhibit, Gourd Doll, South Africa, 20th Century. This mixed-media collection explores the beauty of resourcefulness and the cultural significance of artworks that transform every day and found objects. The exhibit is curated by Mesa College student Evie Maher.
    The exhibit will be shown in the World Art Glass Gallery on the first floor of the Mesa College LRC. The gallery will also feature Our Stories, Our Legacy: Black History Through Artifacts and Elders’ Voices, a cultural display honoring Black history, memory, and preservation through historical artifacts and items reflecting Black life across generations.
  • City College will also feature a Black History Month book display throughout February at its Library Resource Center, highlighting books, films, and online resources that explore Black stories and experiences. 
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