Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges to celebrate Black History Month with music, dance, discussions

EL CAJON – Black history is American history and Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges will be celebrating Black History Month beginning February 1 with music, art, dance, discussions, and a lot of food.

The annual observance began in February 1976, when President Gerald Ford recognized the first nationwide Black History Month during the celebration of the United States bicentennial. Ford stated that America should “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Following is a list of confirmed events taking place and being sponsored by Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges:

• February 1
• Black History Month Kick-Off
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• This event will include food from across the diaspora, as well as line dancing, music, and vendors.
• Grossmont College’s Main Quad
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• February 7
  Barriers to Being a First-Generation Black College Student
• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  This online Cuyamaca College workshop will address various issues Black students face, such as imposter syndrome and how it leads to self-sabotaging, perfectionism, anxiety and depression.
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• February 8
• In His Words: Dissecting Truth, Justice and Martin Luther King Jr.
• 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
• Cuyamaca College will present an online multimedia presentation and poetry performance discussing the legacy and oration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The presenter will be Yaa Asantewaa Faraji, a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, spoken word poet, and author.
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• February 14
• Self-Love through Stress Management
  10 to 11 a.m.
  Cuyamaca College will present a discussion of what time management could look like and different tips for students to alleviate stress related to workload. The presenters will discuss symptoms of burnout, the impact burnout can have and how to prevent and reduce symptoms of burnout.
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• February 16
• Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community
• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Cuyamaca College will present a workshop with an interactive discussion regarding mental health stigmas in the Black community. The event will specifically address a lack of mental health resources, the possibility of harmful effects of seeking Black excellence and commonly misdiagnosed mental health challenges.
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• Thursday, February 16
• Black/African American Heritage Family College Night
• Dinner starts at 5 p.m.; the program takes place from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Presented by Grossmont College, families will have the opportunity to build community while learning about Umoja, HBCU transfer options, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise, and more.
• Grossmont College’s Griffin Gate
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• February 22
• College Hour: Black History Trivia and Activities
• Noon to 2 p.m.
• Enjoy a treat from Extraordinary Banana Pudding, put your knowledge to the test on Black history, and join us for other fun activities.
• Grossmont College’s Main Quad and Griffin Gate
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• February 22
• The Sounds of Blackness
• 11:00 a.m to noon
• Presenters Kendrick Dial, Brisa Lauren, and Lyrical Grove will explore Black music, including notable moments utilizing original songs through a live performance.
• Cuyamaca College’s Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center
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• February 28
• Black Joy through Art Expression
• 10 to 11 a.m.
• Join Cuyamaca College in an online celebration of the conclusion of Black History Month through music and art, with various art activities illustrating the Black experience.

Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, 92020, and Cuyamaca College is located at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, 92019.

Black History Month evolved from Negro History Week in 1926 and was the brainchild of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who dedicated his life to educating African Americans. Black History Week was celebrated during the second week of February, coinciding with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass on February 14 and Abraham Lincoln on February 12.

Additional events may be planned in the coming days. For further information, please visit the college websites at www.grossmont.edu and www.cuyamaca.edu.