Los Medanos College Student Life hosted a Black History Month kickoff event Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. in the quad here at Los Medanos College to encourage student participation, raise awareness, and promote upcoming events happening throughout February.
The event featured trivia games, a prize wheel and informational flyers highlighting Black History Month activities.
“We picked a time where there’s a lot of foot traffic on campus and a location where people already walk through,” said Lindsay Litowitz, program coordinator for Student Life. “Some of the trivia questions are easy, some are challenging, but overall students are having fun and learning little facts.”
“Although the weather was colder than expected, students continued to pass by the table between classes, stopping to participate and learn more.”
The activities were created with student involvement in mind. Litowitz said students helped come up with trivia questions, decorate the prize wheel and select prizes, giving them an active role in the event.
The goal of the kickoff was to serve as an introduction to Black History Month while advertising upcoming events.
“We are hoping to raise awareness of Black History Month since it just started,” Litowitz said. “We’re calling this a kickoff because we want students to have fun, learn some trivia and know what’s coming up.”
Amisatu Kamara, student ambassador, said the turnout was steady considering the time of day. “Tuesdays are usually our busiest days on campus,” Kamara said. “People are coming out of class, looking at the table, trying to see what’s going on. Even with the cold weather, people are interested.”
Kamara emphasized the importance of visibility and community. “We’re interested in seeing more community and helping people learn about the different opportunities here at LMC,” she said. “A lot of events during Black History Month are centered around African American students but are open to everyone.”
Several events were promoted during the kickoff including the Hair Love discussion, black innovators in STEM and a MLK-centered event later in the month.
Kamara said the Hair Love event was one she was especially looking forward to.
“It’s about our relationship with our hair in the Black community,” she said. “It’s a great way for people to find community and connect.”
Student ambassador Heidriani Nanon said the kickoff was meant to get students in the mindset for the month ahead.
“We wanted this to be a celebration and a primer for Black History Month,” Nanon said. “It’s also a way to promote our events while having a little fun.”
For student Harry Pettis, the event made a positive impression.
“I thought it was really cute,” Pettis said. “It’s helpful for Black students and good for people to learn more about Black History Month.”
Pettis added, “It’s a dark time right now, and we all have to stick together. Happy Black History Month.”
Students interested in upcoming Black History Month events can find more information through student life, and college announcements throughout the month.
