Black History Month 2023 at BCC
Celebrating Black Brilliance, Resilience, and Culture
Throughout February, Barstow Community College honored Black History Month with a series of events focused on celebrating Black culture, achievements, and resilience. From discussions on Black health and wellness to exploring the influence of Black athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs, we created spaces for the campus community to reflect on history, foster understanding, and advocate for equity. These events aimed to uplift Black voices, honor past struggles, and inspire continued action toward a more inclusive and just future.
Month-Long Activities
Library Display – Black History Month Reads
Throughout the month of February, the Learning Resource Center showcased a curated selection of books that celebrate Black history and culture. These resources highlighted influential figures, historical movements, and cultural achievements that have shaped the Black experience. For those unable to visit campus, the collection was also available online, making it easy for everyone to access and explore these important works.
Explore online at: www.barstow.edu/black-history-month-library-reads
Celebrate Black Musicians – Spotify Playlist
To further immerse in the sounds of Black culture, the college curated a special Spotify playlist featuring a mix of iconic artists across genres such as jazz, hip hop, soul, and R&B. This playlist allowed everyone to enjoy the rich musical legacy of Black musicians, with each track representing the diverse and dynamic contributions Black artists have made to the music industry.
Listen now: https://spoti.fi/3XcZIGH
Week One: Black Health & Wellness
Black Health, Wellness, & Self-care
February 1st, 2023 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Blackbox Theatre
This session kicked off Black History Month by emphasizing the importance of health and wellness within Black communities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in a discussion on self-care practices that promote mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The event aimed to empower individuals to take ownership of their health, advocate for equitable healthcare, and address the unique challenges faced by Black communities in accessing wellness resources.
Fostering Mental Well-being in Black Communities
February 7th, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Zoom
In this impactful virtual session, Dr. Rashael Nevels led a conversation on mental health and wellness within Black communities, focusing on the historical and systemic factors that contribute to mental health disparities. Dr. Nevels highlighted strategies for fostering resilience and well-being, sharing resources for accessing mental health care, and discussing the importance of creating safe spaces for Black individuals to discuss their mental health without stigma. This event provided valuable insights for individuals and communities seeking to improve mental wellness through support, education, and advocacy.
Week Two: Business Moguls
Financial Literacy: Creating Generational Wealth
February 16th, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | LRC Conference Room & Zoom
Financial literacy is a crucial tool for building long-term wealth and financial security. This session, presented in partnership with financial experts, provided attendees with the knowledge and tools to build generational wealth. It included practical advice on investing, budgeting, and understanding financial systems that have historically disadvantaged Black communities. The conversation also covered strategies for overcoming barriers to financial success and emphasized the importance of financial education for empowerment and future prosperity. Whether in person or online, attendees learned how to take steps toward building a more financially secure future for themselves and their families.
Week Three: Black History & Arts
Zuzu Acrobats Performance
February 22nd, 2023 | 5:00 PM | Main Theater (PAC)
This spectacular performance by the Zuzu Acrobats was a powerful celebration of African heritage, blending traditional African acrobatics with modern performance art. The acrobats demonstrated the incredible skill, strength, and coordination that are deeply rooted in African culture. Their performance captivated the audience with breathtaking stunts and high-energy acts, highlighting the deep cultural significance of acrobatics within the African diaspora. This event showcased not only the artistry of the performers but also the resilience and creativity that is characteristic of Black communities worldwide.
How to Be an Ally: Recognizing & Addressing Stereotypes & Microaggressions
February 23rd, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Blackbox Theatre & Zoom
This session was a call to action for attendees to become better allies to Black communities by recognizing and addressing the everyday microaggressions and stereotypes that perpetuate inequality. In a world where subtle forms of racism often go unnoticed, this session provided attendees with tools to identify harmful behaviors and language, educate others, and create more inclusive spaces. The workshop fostered a deeper understanding of how bias operates on both individual and institutional levels and inspired action for change. Participants left with practical strategies to challenge stereotypes and make meaningful contributions to a more equitable society.
Week Four: Black Influence on the Culture
Black History Month Showcase
February 28th, 2023 | Performing Arts Center (PAC) & Blackbox Theatre
The grand finale of Black History Month at Barstow Community College featured an extraordinary celebration of Black culture and its impact on the world. The event included a wide range of activities that highlighted Black contributions to music, business, and the arts.
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Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Main Theater (PAC) This screening delved into the revolutionary power of hip hop and its impact on global culture, politics, and social movements. Through music, art, and expression, hip hop has become a platform for activism and a tool for change. The film provided historical context on how hip hop became a voice for marginalized communities, shedding light on its roots in the Black struggle and its evolution into a global cultural force. |
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Black Excellence Business Expo 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM | PAC Lobby Featuring local Black-owned businesses, this expo showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience within the Black community. It was a unique opportunity to support Black business owners, learn about their work, and explore the important role of Black entrepreneurship in creating generational wealth. The event also served as a platform for networking and fostering collaborations among business owners, customers, and allies. |
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Dinner & Live Music by Acoustic Love 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Blackbox Theatre Attendees enjoyed a night of delicious food and live entertainment by the local band Acoustic Love. The performance highlighted the musical traditions of the Black community, offering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant rhythms. The evening provided a space for connection and celebration through the power of music. |
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Catering by Italist Kitchen For our Black History Month Showcase, we were proud to feature catering from Italist Kitchen, a local Black-owned business known for its health-conscious, vegan cuisine. Italist Kitchen offers a delicious array of plant-based dishes that prioritize wellness and sustainability, providing guests with flavorful, nutritious options that align with a holistic approach to health. Their vibrant, vegan menu was the perfect complement to the celebration, highlighting the importance of supporting local Black entrepreneurs while promoting mindful eating and well-being. |
