City College had its first celebration of Black graduates event on Wednesday, May 3. Current students who are set to graduate at the end of the spring semester as well as graduates from the previous fall semester were invited to attend this event, with more than 20 in attendance.

“I’m glad to be here and I’m glad this is going to be happening in the future because not many Black graduates are celebrated,” said James Wesley Isom, who is transferring to UC Davis and plans to go into the medical field where he hopes to help burn victims. 

Walking into the event, which was held in the Student Center, graduates were given T-shirts with the words “Sacramento City College Black Alum” on it. Guests chatted and danced as a DJ in the corner played songs such as “Wobble” by V.I.C. Catered food such as spaghetti and wings were served during the event as well.

“I’m glad that we have programs and resources like this because it was able to help me achieve my goals and succeed,” Isom said. His mother agreed, emphasizing how proud she was of him.

One of the main coordinators for the event, Harold Williams, a student support specialist at City College addressed this need, saying, “It is no secret that the enrollment and success rates of our Black students has been extremely low for quite some time now. It is now the focus of SCC to ensure retention of our Black students.”

He said that one way to encourage the retention of these students is to recognize them for their successes and “transition of their educational journey.”

City College President Albert Garcia also attended, even giving a short speech.

“I’m more than proud to see you here and to help celebrate with you and think about your accomplishments, to hope that we at the college have served you well, and to realize that probably, we haven’t in some instances, and that we need to do better, and that we vow to learn to do better for you,” Garcia said.

Davin Brown, City College’s vice president of student services, spoke after Garcia saying that, “It’s important that we create spaces where we are safe, where we can be our authentic selves, and we can celebrate in a way that’s most comfortable for us.”

Pride, joy and a deep sense of accomplishment filled the air as graduates shared their different experiences and what they plan to do now.

Christopher Williams, one of those graduates, joined the Army when he was younger and spent 21 years there. He didn’t attend college until later in life and is now transferring to California State University Bakersfield with an associate degree in sociology. He isn’t going to stop with a bachelor’s degree though, saying how he will pursue a master’s and a doctorate and hopes to give back to his community.

“I want to talk to young Black men who are in my position, in the Army, young, single fathers, and how those obstacles won’t stop you from succeeding,” Williams said.

Jannesse Dolly Hunt also faced many trials in her pursuit of a college degree. She struggled with homelessness, domestic abuse and many other barriers, but is now a City College graduate with an associate degree in sociology.

“It’s the biggest accomplishment of my life and I’m very excited,” she said.

Reebie Flowers, another graduate, performed a spoken word piece that brought tears to the eyes of the attendees.

She ended her piece saying: “So from now on, when I think of Black excellence, it’s me. I wouldn’t be here today if I wasn’t spared by grace and mercy.”