In celebration of Black History Month, San Bernardino Valley College offered a variety of events throughout February to educate, engage and inspire students and the public. On February, 21, all were invited to the Black History Month Breakfast, featuring guest speaker LaQuetta Bush-Simmons. Under the theme, “Know the Past, Shape the Future,” the Black Faculty and Staff presented four honorees in recognition of their many years of service to the community and students. Among them was Patricia Nickols-Butler, CEO of Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County and board member of the SBVC Foundation. Also recognized were Assemblymember James Ramos, San Bernardino County deputy chief probation officer Kimberly Epps, and SBVC custodian Jerry Mason, a community coach who has led many track teams and students onto victorious careers. “This year, Black Faculty and Staff wanted to make sure that we engage the students in every way,” said Keynasia Buffong, president of Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA). “We want to honor folks actively working to shape the future and change things for African Americans in this community.” Umoja Tumaini presented a slide show of African American historical contributions, some of which are not found in typical lineups. “We’re looking to celebrate some of the unsung. We want to make sure that they understand that they helped shape our lives today,” she said. This annual event is hosted by SBVC, BFSA, and the SBVC Arts, Lectures, and Diversity Committee.
SBVC Arts, Lectures and Diversity Committee also partnered with the Precinct Reporter Newspaper to present a dance performance of “Black Butterfly”, featuring Project21Dance from SBVC instructor Maura Townsend. A community reception preceded the anticipated performance in the historic SBVC auditorium. This event proved to be an evening of eclectic modern dance, profound spoken word and exquisite Songs of the African Journey.
On February 28, fashionistas got their sister wrap on with “My Black is Beautiful Head Wrap Party”. Light refreshments were served, and participants discovered the origins of the royalty behind the headwrap. The event led into yet another dynamic breakout evening on campus with a Civil Rights Concert from 7:00–9:30 p.m.
The annual concert paid homage to the Civil Rights Movement with a variety of acts, including music, dance, theater, speech and spoken word. “It is a culmination of all performing arts to pay respect to those who have fought for equality,” said Brittany Ember, an SBVC student aiding in hosting the performance. “It is a reflection of how when we stand together, change can happen.”
The acts included Voci Soli, SBVC’s advanced choir, performing spirituals and other selections, an excerpt from the play “Peter and the Star Catcher”, spoken word by instructor Anthony Blacksher, and student dancers performing a piece entitled “The Journey Continues.” Rancho D’Vines, SBVC’s women’s choir, also performed, in addition to “Look Beyond My Disability,” a variety piece performed with soloists, chorus, rapper, and dancers. The Civil Rights/Black History Month Concert continues to grow with a wide array of compelling performances from all corners of the community. “We feel here in the Performing Arts Department that this is one of our most important concerts of the entire year,” said Matie Scully, performing arts department co-chair at SBVC. “We hope to both educate and entertain our students and community with it.”
