One of Peralta’s community colleges, College of Alameda (COA) scheduled events throughout February for Black History Month highlighting its importance. Different events took place weekly each with new topics, new information and new insights. The achievements of African American women was the highlight one week, and showcased the fact that Black women deserve to be celebrated just as much as Black men. African American life deserves to be recognized, and although the month of our celebration is short, that shouldn’t stop us from loving our culture. Dr. Siri Brown, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, was the speaker. This event took place on February 16th. Those who attended this virtual event were deeply interested to know more about the history of our Black women and their excellence.
Sadly, the event didn’t get the shine it deserved as deeply pathetic and hateful racial comments were thrown from “Zoombombers” who called themselves, the “Zoom Support Team”.
It’s mind blowing how persistent racism still is. What was meant to be an enlightening and informative celebration of African American women’s accomplishments was destroyed when racial slurs were projected onto the screen and spammed in the chat. It really stirred some powerful emotions for everyone when that disruption took place.
The event was soon shut down after attempts to kick them out failed. It’s truly upsetting to know that racism and social injustice is still so deeply relevant, although it’s been relevant for so many years. It continues to grow and its negativity is bothersome.
Black lives are taken for granted and mistreated based on the color of their skin. Judgement and hate towards somebody’s skin-tone shouldn’t even be a topic. People who act this way are most likely being taught this at home. Nobody enters the world as a racist.
Black History Month means a lot to African Americans, mainly because it is a month dedicated to our people of color. Praise and recognition for the accomplishments of people of color should be acknowledged routinely and not just for one month in February. We deserve to feel loved and appreciated. The disruption that happened in the event was disgusting. No one deserves this sort of treatment or these kinds of threats. The history of African Americans is taught but not enough. Not all Black children know their history because no one bothers to teach or reach out to them.
Racial injustice and racial slurs towards a certain race because of their skin color shouldn’t make one feel more superior. Degrading another race doesn’t make you a better person, but those who do often act superior because of it. This in turn has a negative effect as some people who see this behavior are more likely to hop on the bandwagon believing they too will feel superior. This is sad.
All in all, I’m grateful to have Black history month as a pathway to talk about our excellence and our power. No matter how short this month may be, continue this love and this celebration. It’s a joyous feeling when we are recognized. To the people who think being racially degrading is praiseworthy, think about the people you are hurting. You are not achieving anything.
Our eyes were again opened as racial slurs were hurled at our Black history month celebration. Racism is still very strong. Please strive to keep a positive energy throughout this time of negative racial tension. This month is very meaningful. It is a time for Black people to learn and to share thoughts and feelings, and to hope we continue to love and grow as time goes on.
