As February unfolds, Southwestern College joins the nation in commemorating Black History Month—a time dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions and enduring impact of African Americans throughout history. This annual observance celebrates these achievements and serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles, resilience, and triumphs that have shaped our society.
At Southwestern College, Black History Month is more than a collection of events; it is a meaningful opportunity for reflection, education, and community unity.
Throughout the month, our students, faculty, and staff come together to engage in various activities to deepen awareness and understanding of African American culture and history. We invite the community to join us at our Chula Vista campus on February 11 at 11:30 a.m. for our 2nd Black History Flag Raising Ceremony. This event will feature guest speakers and live music, celebrating African Americans’ vibrant culture and contributions.
In addition to these observances, Southwestern College has taken proactive steps to address the unique challenges many African American students face. Our Black Education Community Collaborative (BECC) was established to support Black students and help them overcome educational barriers, particularly those stemming from missed milestones in K-12 education. During February, the BECC will host weekly listening tours every Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at various SWC campuses. These sessions provide an opportunity for parents and students to share their experiences, aspirations, and suggestions for better serving African American children in our South County community.
Last summer, we also launched the Men of Color Success and Excellence Department, led by Director Keith Turner. Turner, a first-generation college student himself, reflected on his own journey, saying, “Navigating college as a first-generation student presented numerous challenges—long commutes, a demanding schedule as a student-athlete, and more. But above all, what was critical to my success was a sense of belonging.” Turner emphasized the importance of affirmation, validation, and high expectations, adding, “Representation among faculty and staff is key to fostering that sense of belonging.” This initiative serves over 400 men of color across our campuses and provides vital academic support, mentorship, workshops, and resources. The program aims to cultivate a strong sense of community and empowerment. The focus on men of color is important due to the fact this is the largest group of students who disenrolled from colleges and universities in large numbers during the COVID pandemic.
A sense of community is what kept student Nikki White on her path to higher education despite struggling with potential homelessness and overcoming domestic abuse. As a single mother, she felt overwhelmed by her life’s circumstances and worried about providing for her child and herself. After enrolling in Southwestern College, she became a part of the Umoja Learning Community and found a job as a student worker in our Learning Community Hub. “This job connected me to life-saving resources, like EOPS, CARES, the Jag Kitchen, grants, and scholarships. These resources have made all the difference for me. There were days when I barely had enough food or gas to make it to class. I often thought about quitting, focusing on survival, but Southwestern helped me push through.” With graduation in sight this Spring, her goal is to become an English teacher, and the future is bright. “I am stepping into spaces I never imagined, surrounded by opportunities and a support network.
As we honor Black History Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the diverse cultures that enrich our college community. Be sure to mark your calendars for these exciting events and learn more by visiting our events calendar at www.swccd.edu/calendar.
Wishing you all an inspiring and enriching month ahead.
Mark Sanchez, Ed.D. is Superintendent/President Southwestern College.
