The RASA/ASHE center at City College collaborated this year with the new Black Student Success Center at American River College to virtually bring students to Welcome Black, an event that connects Black students with resources to ensure their success.
As students, faculty, staff and administrators from all four Los Rios colleges joined the Feb. 5 gathering on Zoom, they were greeted with a happy and beat-filled salutation.
“Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!” exclaimed host Marianna Sousa, former Student Senate president, as DJ Remme on the turntables behind her played “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson.
The energy inside the chat section of the event matched the upbeat music. Throughout the event, students communicated with each other via chat, exchanging contact information and racing each other to win a prize by being the first to correctly answer raffle questions.
“But before we speak, before we get active, we have to make sure we pay honor and respect,” said Sousa, as she recited the statement of the land, an ancient African tradition. That statement honors the contributions of African-American ancestral scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs and remembering the African American, indigenous, and other people of color who lost their lives to racial violence.
“I want you to center your energy. I want you to ground yourself because this is a special and important time,” said Sousa.
Leaders from each of the Los Rios district community colleges offered words of inspiration to students attending before they entered their school-specific breakout rooms.
DJ Remme began playing “So Fresh, So Clean” by Outkast to introduce Dr. Davin Brown, vice president of student services at City College.
Brown reflected on a time when she said she didn’t have the confidence she embodies now. She stressed the importance of being confident and carrying that everywhere.
“Remember, ‘Ain’t nobody dope as you, you come so fresh so clean,’” Brown said, quoting her play-in music. “Remembering those words just might be the boost you need or the boost that those watching you need to keep pushing, keep working, keep fighting.”
The breakout rooms allowed administrators from each campus to introduce themselves, give contact information, and inform students of the services and resources available to utilize during the current period of remote learning.
DJ Khaled’s song “Shining” closed the event while students and administrators were seen in their Zoom squares smiling, grooving and shimmying—logging out to resume their day.
“This has been a wonderful experience and there is going to be more to come, so make sure you’re participating and getting involved,” said Sousa.
