Several Contra Costa College staff members and students were honored by the local chapter of the NAACP at an event in the college’s fireside hall last month.
The ceremony, which was hosted in collaboration with Contra Costa College African American Staff Association, was a celebration of culture and community. The ceremony opened with a Spiritual Invocation, led by First A.M.E Church Pastor, Reverend Aubry K. Williams Sr. and was followed by a vocal selection of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, a song that is a widely recognized part of the African American Civil Rights Movement. Immediately following was a welcome address from Contra Costa College’s President, Dr. Kimberly Rogers.
Contra Costa College Alumni and NAACP Richmond Branch President Willie J. Robinson coordinated the event and also presented the honorees with their recognition plaques. According to Robinson, the event is to recognize organizations and businesses from the community who have been instrumental in helping their organization with resources and who have contributed to their efforts.
“Discrimination is not just against Black folks, but we somehow have always been the sore thumb that sticks out when we walk up to get service, and are more likely to run into personalities and mindsets of persons who believe you shouldn’t be getting what you do or you’re doing it for the wrong reasons, etc.” said Robinson
A data study conducted by Pew Research Center states that as few as 23% of Black Americans stated that they have not experienced racial discrimination. The study also reports that racial discrimination makes most Black people feel the need to work harder than other races to get ahead.
“So we are an organization that advocates for the rights—civil, social rights—of all people, Black people particularly, but the rights of all people. Our charge is to seek out, in the various institutions, the systemic barriers that prevent service from flowing to all those who are eligible for it or deemed eligible through a process,” said Robinson.
A special highlight of the event was an informative presentation on the Contra Costa College African Male Leadership (CCC AAML) Program. The presentation was led by the programs coordinator, Delaneo’ D. Revels. CCC AMLA was founded by former Athletic Director, John Wade in 2007. The program began an athletics-centered lecture series but later turned into a campus-wide community development initiative.
Participants in the program are met with full support in their pursuit of a degree, certificate and matriculation to a four year college or university. CCC AMLA was recognized at the event with The Community Engagement and Programs award.
Also amongst the list of honorees was Cheryl Cotton, West Contra Costa Unified School District Superintendent. WCCUSD is the presiding district over Middle College High School, an early college high school that is located here on the college campus. Cotton was awarded The Community Leadership Award alongside Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia.