City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education colleges will host a variety of events in alignment with Black Student Success Week. Those interested in participating can select from such activities as the annual regional sneaker ball, spoken word from acclaimed poets, a mental health healing circle, a districtwide summit on April 18, and more.
Throughout the week, #TheBlackHour webinars, hosted by the CCCCO, 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.
Among the highlights:
Friday, April 18
8:30 to 11 a.m.
Black Student Success Summit
Engaging virtual workshops for students and employees featuring inspiring speakers
and networking opportunities to equip students with strategies for success in their
educational journey.
Register for the Summit
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Poetry in Community: Speaking Truth, Sharing Strength
A powerful celebration of voice, identity, and resilience featuring acclaimed poets
Dr. Anthony Blacksher, Adrián Arancibia, and Stacy Dyson — three dynamic artists whose
words ignite conversation and inspire change. The themes of culture, equity, and the
Black experience will be explored through spoken word and storytelling. Food will
be provided.
Miramar College, L-105, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Monday, April 21
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Spring Transfer Fair
Students will have an opportunity to connect with local campuses (SDSU, CSUSM, UCSD,
Point Loma Nazarene, USD, National University), as well as from the San Diego Education
Consortium. Also in attendance will be representatives from local private and out-of-state
schools offering both traditional and non-traditional online education options.
City College, Schwartz Square, 1313 Park Blvd. 92101
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Black Transfer Resources and Academic Programs
Students will hear from representatives of Black Resource Centers and Black Student
Organizations.
City College, MS-140, 1313 Park Blvd. 92101
Noon to 1 p.m.
#TheBlackHour with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: The Rise
of Black-Serving Institutions.
Virtual; Register for The Rise of Black-Serving Institutions
1 to 2:30 p.m.
The Rise of San Diego College of Continuing Education as a Black Serving Institution
Hear a presentation on the report findings from a survey distributed to the Black
Student Success Program students.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus, Room 316, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105
1 to 3 p.m.
Umoja Campus Kickback
Play games, learn about on-campus resources, and meet students and employees while
celebrating Mesa’s Black Students with Umoja.
Mesa College, Quad, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Tuesday, April 22
11 a.m. to Noon
Path to Black Excellence Library Scavenger Hunt
Find clues and discover hidden treasures while exploring the vast collection of books,
resources, and library spaces.
Mesa College, LRC, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Noon to 1 p.m.
#TheBlackHour with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: Black Servingness:
Maintaining Our Voice and Action.
Virtual; Register for Maintaining Our Voice and Action
1 to 2:30 p.m.
(A2MEND) Black Male Resilience - Black Men, Black Masterpiece with Ishé Hollins
“Black Man Black Masterpiece” is a poetic affirmation and short film by artist Ishé
Ishé Hollins, created to restore, rebuild, and revive the spirit of Black men and
boys of all ages. Food will be provided.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus, Room 316, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105
Wednesday, April 23
11 a.m. to Noon
Thriving Together: Strengthening Mental Health and Wellness in the Black Community
An uplifting workshop, in partnership with the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness,
focusing on strengthening mental health, wellness, and cultural resilience in the
Black community.
Miramar College, K1-107, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
Noon to 1 p.m.
#TheBlackHour with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: Power Moves:
Equipping Black Talent for Tomorrow's Workforce.
Virtual; Register for Power Moves
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
The Pursuit of Finding Mentorship
Explore the power of mentorship through personal stories. Refreshments will be provided.
Miramar College, L-104 Career & Life Design Services, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Higher Education Legal Services
The Higher Education Legal Services program provides trusted, accessible, and high-quality
immigration legal services to college communities within the California border regions,
directly on campus. Snacks will be provided.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus, Room 218, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105
Thursday, April 24
11 a.m. to Noon
Workforce Development
Facilitated by Brisa Lauren Johnson, the San Diego Black Worker Center will share
how they help build a more equitable economy to advance the Black Worker Justice Movement.
City College, MS-140, 1313 Park Blvd. 92101
Noon to 1 p.m.
#TheBlackHour with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: Putting the
AFRICAN in African American Student Success
Virtual; Register for Putting the AFRICAN in African American Student Success
1 to 2 p.m.
Black Student Success Program Healing Circle with BE WELL
The Healing Circle is a safe and culturally affirming space for Black students to
share, heal, and build resilience.
College of Continuing Education, Mid-City Campus, Room 316, 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105
5 to 7 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Hosted by the Black Student Union and Black Studies, students will showcase their
talent while attendees enjoy an evening of music, poetry, comedy, and more.
Mesa College, G-102, 7250 Mesa College Drive, 92111
Friday, April 25
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Focus on Practitioners and Leadership
Facilitated by Dr. BJ Snowden of the The CSU Central Office for the Advancement of
Black Student Success, the Black Student Success planning retreat will focus on goal
setting and budgeting to increase and support Black student success at City College.
City College, MS-140, 1313 Park Blvd. 92101
Noon to 1 p.m.
#TheBlackHour with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office: Live from
the Frontlines of Black Student Success: Accounts from Practitioners and Executive
Leadership.
Virtual; Register for Executive Leadership
5 to 9 p.m.
BSSW Regional Sneaker Ball
A black carpet, formal attire event to celebrate the closing out of BSSW to celebrate
art, culture, and community. Students, faculty members, staff, and administrators
from colleges within the region will rock their favorite pair of sneakers.
City College, MS-140, 1313 Park Blvd. 92101
Additionally, between April 21-25, Mesa College will host Black Faculty Counselor Collaborative Counseling Hot Spots, where students can sign up for a 30-minute appointment to discuss education planning, financial aid, academic renewal, petitions, career planning, transferring, and more.