African American Initiatives are planned interventions and strategies to address the
underrepresentation of African American students at Bakersfield College. These initiatives
address the student retention, persistence, and success rates. Coordination of these
strategies involves the intentional establishment of collaborative partnerships among
departments, programs, and in the hiring of faculty and staff committed to this work.
Lead: Paula Parks, Faculty, English Coordinator, Umoja Community African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence
(ASTEP) pparks@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Core English and Library Courses
Umoja-supported courses, such as communication and art
BC and Community mentors
Village study space
Motivational and educational speakers
Participation in community events
Academic and Cultural Trips
Porch talk
Leadership training
College Trips in California and across the country
On April 6, 2018, the Bakersfield College African American Mentor Program (A.A.M.P.)
had a packed house for its second annual AAMP Open House. With nearly 200 African
American high school students, BC was able to make a significant contribution to preparing
African-American students for college before they even arrive on a college campus.
We kicked off the event with an address from our most distinguished keynote, LaMeka
Ross. LaMeka faced trials and tribulations early on in her life, with the loss of
her father at a young age. Despite the adversity she overcame her obstacles and graduated
with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master's in Business Administration.
LaMeka is now working in Human Resources Business Partner Role for Aera Energy. She
serves as a living testament to the possibility of enduring and overcoming adversity
and to reach success.
The overall theme of the event was to encourage students to exceed academic expectations.
Students were split into 2 groups; one group consisted of all seniors while the other
was all non-seniors. The senior high school students went to learn about the Umoja
ASTEP Program here at Bakersfield College; they got to hear the experiences of prior
Umoja students and meet the esteemed faculty that make it all possible. Afterwards,
students were able to apply to the program, be accepted, and actually register for
the program at the event.
The non-seniors were learning from three amazing workshops that exposed them to their
options of dual enrollment, the importance of math, and STEM careers. The entire event
was inspirational as students prepared for the transition to college, we planted seeds
of encouragement and hope, and we educated students on the opportunities that college
can offer.
HBCU Tour
On Monday, March 26th, Bakersfield College sent off ten of BC's Umoja African-American
Success Through Excellence and Persistence (ASTEP) students for a tour of 5 Historically
Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU) in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia areas.
Dr. Paula Parks, Umoja ASTEP Community Coordinator and English Professor, began working
with Cerro Coso's Umoja Community coordinator on joining this tour in November 2017.
Paula began fundraising in December for our students' tour costs. Students had to
apply for the tour by January and selection was based on GPA, being on a transfer
pathway, and interest in attending one of the HBCUs.
The 10 students attending are part of BC's Umoja Community African-American Success
Through Excellence and Persistence program. The program includes coursework (English
and student development); mentoring, supported study time, a counselor who keeps students
on the path to graduate, and academic and cultural trips. This is the third year of
the program. The success rate is 2-4 times the success rate of Black students not
in the program.
Representatives from Howard University, Norfolk State University, and Morgan State
University were on BC's campus on February 12th, 2018 for the 3rd Annual HBCU Caravan
Tour put on by National College Resources.
Parks and Jonathan Ward, Umoja ASTEP Community Counselor, escorted the students to
five HBCU's from March 26th to March 30th. They visited the campuses of Norfolk State
University, Virginia State University, Howard University, Morgan State University,
and Bowie State University. The students were able to experience the excitement and
atmosphere of being at these historical campuses.
Did you know that in order to be an HBCU the historically black college must be established
prior to 1964? The oldest of the colleges the BC Umoja ASTEP students will tour is
Bowie State University, located in Maryland, founded in 1865. The next two, in order
of age, were both founded in 1867: Howard University is a private research university
in Washington DC, and Morgan State University is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research
institution in Maryland. The next is Virginia State University, located 20 minutes
south of Richmond and founded in 1882. The youngest the HBCU they will visit is Norfolk
State University, located in Norfolk Virginia, founded in 1935.
Student Quotes from the HBCU Caravan
This trip has allowed me to dream much bigger than before. I have explored options
that I did not know existed. I now have a great opportunity to go further in life
because of this awesome HBCU tour experience — Kim Evans (Umoja student)
Although Bakersfield College has provided the foundation for my creator mindset, this
experience just reinforced the need for my success. — Korrie Edwards
Michael Eric Dyson (Guest speaker)
Anita Hill
Infusing Equity within Guided Pathways: African American Initiatives Completion Team
Model
Presenter: Julian James West, Equity Specialist and Academic Advisor
Trigger Warning for Discussion of Death or Dying
In a riveting speech, West examines the complexity and origins of the masculine identity
of black men in America. West's moving presentation reveals that throughout history,
black masculine identity has been a dynamic social construct that can be either an
asset or a hindrance.
African-American Community Leadership Meeting - Feb. 15, 2017
