Celebrating Black History Month with Many Virtual Events
Amid a global pandemic and a tense sociopolitical climate, Fullerton College’s Umoja Community Program, Cadena Cultural Center, Cypress College’s Legacy Program, Grads to Be Program and Ethnic Studies Department will aim to educate and empower students to build sustainable communities during the annual Black History Month celebration beginning Monday, Feb. 1. This year’s theme, “Reimagining Black Wall Street,” builds upon Umoja’s Kwanzaa theme – ujamma, cooperative economics.
“We chose this theme to focus on empowerment and possibilities during a time that seems so bleak. We want students to not only imagine a better tomorrow but engage in activities to build skills and be in a safe space to consider innovation,” said Brandi Avila, manager of the Umoja Community Program.
The festivities will commence with a kick-off celebration and opening ceremony on Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. on Zoom. Later in the week, students will learn how to start their own businesses and manage their personal finances at the UndocuBlack Entrepreneurs Talk hosted by Grads to Be on Wednesday, Feb. 3 followed by a Financial Literacy workshop on Thursday, Feb. 11.
“There are a lot of individuals who are impacted differently based on race, immigration status, ability. It’s all interconnected. I feel that even though it’s interconnected, it’s hard for people to relate and to be able to come to a consensus and see each other’s perspective,” said Julio Reyes Cabezas, Grads to Be Program student services specialist. “[These events are] really putting out there the narratives of those who are often not heard.”
Creative community building is a cornerstone of the annual Beat Cafe which will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Students can showcase their artistic passions and connect with campus organizations and potential collaborators. This year’s event will also have a featured performance from Orange County local and contestant on NBC’s The Voice, Nelson Cade III.
“Fullerton College is home to a plethora of talented students, and we see the need for fun light-hearted inspirational community spaces to help students in isolation use their art to connect with others,” said Justine Banal, staff member of the Cadena Cultural Center.
Students will also have the opportunity to collectively imagine a Black sustainability center with a 3D design project on Monday, Feb. 22. “This project helps our community to rethink what sustainability means for us,” Umoja Community Program Coordinator Kyari Cail, said. “Usually when sustainability is highlighted, marginalized communities are not at the center. Therefore, our initiative is to take a stake in the creation of our future.”
“In order to sustain your culture as a people, you have to be part of that creation process,” added Spencer Butler, program coordinator at Umoja. “You have to begin to create structures as a community so regardless of what happens externally, your community has created something that can sustain you.”
The project has already created excitement among students. “I am highly intrigued about the upcoming 3D design project, because this is a totally new concept to me, and I would like to learn more about it. I am also excited to hear what other students have to say as well,” said Patricia James, Umoja scholar and program assistant. The time of the event will be released later in the month.
This year’s celebration is also the first time Fullerton College will be collaborating with Cypress College’s Legacy Program on Black History Month festivities. Students are encouraged to attend events from both campuses to enter an opportunity drawing for prizes.
Here is a list of the month’s festivities:
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Feb. 1 – Kick-Off/Opening Ceremony at 4 p.m.
This year’s Black History Month Kick-Off and Opening Ceremony will highlight this year’s theme: “Reimagining Black Wall Street.” Join the Kick-Off/Opening Ceremony
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Feb. 3 – UndocuBlack Entrepreneurs Talk at 4 p.m.
This discussion will highlight the real experiences of being Black and undocumented in America featuring guest speakers, Kai Martin and Edem Tomtania. Attendees will also gain insight into the opportunities of entrepreneurship. Read more about the event and guest speakers on Instagram and RSVP here to attend.
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Feb. 9 – Beat Cafe Virtual Open Mic at 5 p.m.
Come express yourself during this virtual performing arts space. This year’s event will feature a special guest performance by OC native and NBC’s The Voice Season 18 contestant, Nelson Cade III. RSVP to perform or attend at RSVP to perform or attend.
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Feb. 11 – Financial Literacy Workshop 4 – 6 p.m.
Learn effective strategies and tips to improve and manage your personal finances in this workshop with guest speaker, Mykail James. James, aka “The Boujie Budgeter” is the founder of BoujieBudgets.com, an online platform dedicated to teaching Gen Z professionals how to finance their best lives. View the flyer (hyperlink flyer) and Join the workshop.
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Feb. 22 – 3D Project: Black Sustainability Center, Time TBD
This interactive event highlights the significance of creating a Black cultural business and resource center to benefit the community’s sustainability. Join the project here.
For more information on any of the events contact cadena@fullcoll.edu or umoja@fullcoll.edu.
