Chabot College marked Black History Month with a Feb.4 opening ceremony that launched weeks of performances, museum visits, and student-centered events

With the national anthem echoing through campus and preschoolers sharing what Black History Month means to them, Chabot College opened a month of reflection and celebration Feb.4.

Black History Month at Chabot College extended beyond celebration this year, offering students opportunities to reflect on history, wellness and academic achievement.

There was an open mic during the ceremony, where anyone could share stories, poems, talents, or anything they felt passionate about. I spoke with program coordinator Lakesha Stewart, who said, “ Overall, it was a successful opening ceremony. There were beautiful responses with the open mic, all races and backgrounds spoke to that.” 

One of the most memorable events was the visit to the Oakland Museum to see Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain. This was about paying homage to black communities that were destroyed and torn down by gentrification, dating back to the 1700s and 1800s in California. The students also learned about the Black Panther movement, what it was, and the historical people involved.

On Feb. 11, a 70’s-90’s dance party was held titled “Dance party for the Decade.” Many students and staff dressed up for the occasion, with around 40-50 in attendance. There were fun activities for everyone to participate in, like musical chairs, the limbo, and eating some delicious food. 

Wellness Wednesday was also a very successful day, it was centered around wellness in the black community. An affirmation to yourself and other students around you. This event was held as Valentine’s Day approached. The flowers each person received were already dead, to make them a forever flower.

Toward the end of the month, there was a Black Scholars’ Family Night, an award ceremony honoring black scholars. Giving students with a 3.0 or higher GPA a medal to showcase their success in school, and also a chance to receive the Chabot Black Scholar Dean’s award for highest academic achievement. This event is not only to honor the students but also their parents, who play a major role in their academic goals and educational journey.

I asked Lakesha Stewart what she hopes for other people to know about Black History Month events that take place on campus. She says, “ the goal for these events is for it to be a learning experience, to engage and reflect. Learn about the history of the black community and appreciate it for what it is. To use the history learned to make the world and make the campus a better place going forward for everyone.” 

During the third week of April, there will be a black students success week. Oscar Grant’s mother. Oscar Grant was an unarmed Black man from Hayward who was shot and killed by a BART police officer on New Year’s Day back in 2009. This is important for students to know and understand the importance of being on the right side of the law enforcement and the community. There will also be another guest speaker talking about sex trafficking and how to prevent it from happening.

As the month concluded, organizers said the goal was not only to celebrate history but to encourage students to carry its lessons forward into their academic and personal lives.

For many students, the events offered more than entertainment. They provided space to reflect, connect and see themselves represented on campus.