This year’s theme, “Revolution: (Re)Defining Black Student Success,” highlights a systemwide commitment to advancing achievement, equity, and opportunity for Black and African American students across higher education. Throughout the week, SDCCD colleges will host watch parties for the daily statewide webinar series, “The Black Hour,” from noon to 1 p.m., along with a series of campus-led activities.
All events are free and open to the public. Among the highlights:
MONDAY, APRIL 20
Noon to 1 p.m.
The Black Hour: From Designation to Declaration: BSIs Lead in California
This webinar examines the rise of Black Serving Institutions (BSIs) in California,
tracing the historical context and policy evolution through Senate Bill 1348, followed
by the rapid growth of BSI-designated institutions across the state. Participants
will hear directly from leaders at BSI colleges about how they are operationalizing
Black Servingness.
Register for Monday's Black Hour webinar
3 to 5 p.m.
Money Talk with Mimi and Spencer
Learn practical money-making and financial management strategies while building skills
in budgeting, saving, and investing. Interactive gameplay with the Black Wall Street
board game in a culturally relevant environment. Snacks Provided.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus Room 127, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Path to Black Excellence Library Scavenger Hunt
Unleash your inner detective as you navigate the library to find clues and discover
hidden treasures. Explore the vast collection of books, resources, and library spaces.
Mesa College, LRC, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Noon to 1 p.m.
The Black Hour: ROI as Economic Liberation: Higher Education’s Moral Obligation
This webinar asserts return on investment (ROI) and economic mobility as critical
measures of Black student success. Through a discussion of completion, workforce alignment,
wages, and long-term mobility, this conversation challenges higher education to redefine
ROI as a structural commitment that ensures Black students experience tangible economic
returns upon completion.
Register for Tuesday's Black Hour webinar
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Black Student Success Week: Faculty & Staff Mixer
Designed to strengthen our collective impact, this event centers on advancing Black
student success on campus. Featuring Lasana Hotep, attendees will gain insight into
the Black Student Engagement and Mentoring Program and learn how to get involved.
Miramar College, I-127, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Noon to 2 p.m.
Umoja Campus Kickback
Join the Umoja community as we gather to celebrate and acknowledge our students and
their achievements! Help us Occupy Study Spaces with a kickback in the Quad. Enjoy
music, games, dancing, food, and more!
Mesa College, Quad, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
1 to 2 p.m.
Services & Resources for Black Students
Come out and hear from City College Programs, City College Black Resource Center,
San Diego State University Black Resource Center, Black student organizations, student
leaders and more. Food will be served.
City College, MS-140, 1313 Park Blvd. 92101
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Noon to 1 p.m.
The Black Hour: No More Gatekeeping: Redesigning Math Pathways for Servingness
Transfer-level math remains one of the most significant academic barriers to completion
for many students. This session focuses on teaching and learning strategies that support
Black students’ success in these courses.
Register for Wednesday's Black Hour webinar
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
A Seat at The Table
Umoja Scholars who attended the Umoja Conference will share their experience and elaborate
on what it means to be connected to their culture as they navigate education and life.
Mesa College, I4-201, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
5 to 6:30 p.m.
A2MEND: Black Men in Conversation Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberation
Screening of the historic dialogue between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, followed
by facilitated discussion. Food provided.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus Room 117, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
Noon to 1 p.m.
The Black Hour: Basic Needs Support is Institutional Infrastructure, Not Intervention
This webinar will present findings from the 2025 Real College Basic Needs Survey,
using disaggregated data to illustrate the most significant barriers faced by postsecondary
students, including Black and African American students. This session will explore
how institutions must operationalize support for food, housing, mental health, and
financial stability needs, and develop these resources as part of institutional infrastructure
rather than peripheral services.
Register for Thursday's Black Hour webinar
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Umojafying the Campus Community
Umoja Scholars who attended the Umoja Conference will educate campus community members
on the Umoja experience and advocate for ways to foster Black student success based
on the Umoja Practices.
Mesa College, I4-201, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Black Women: FORWARD, NOT BEHIND Power, Purpose & Becoming with Dr. Shanelle Watkins
Interactive workshop to affirm, inspire, and equip Black students navigating non-credit
educational pathways. Food provided.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus Room 117, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105
5 to 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Showcase your talent and enjoy an evening of music, poetry, comedy, and more. All
are welcome to participate or cheer on fellow performers.
Mesa College, G-102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Noon to 1 p.m.
The Black Hour: Black Data is Black Power: Reclaiming the Story of Black Student Success
The closing Webinar will focus on statewide student success outcomes for Black students.
The conversation will explore how institutions can use transparent, disaggregated
data to drive improvement, inform policy, and advocate for sustained investment to
continue driving outcomes for students and graduates.
Register for the Friday, April 24 webinar
Counseling Hot Spots
Additionally, from April 20-24, Mesa College will host Black Faculty Counselor Collaborative Counseling Hot Spots. Students can sign up for a 30-minute appointment to discuss education planning, financial aid, academic renewal, petitions, career planning, and transferring.
As of December 2025, City College and Mesa College are among the first institutions in California to be designated as Black-Serving Institutions. The designation was made possible through Senate Bill 1348, which took effect January 1, 2025. Designations are limited to California colleges and universities with at least 10% of its enrolled student population identifying as Black and/or African American, or that have at least 1,500 Black and/or African American students enrolled.