Umoja Community ASTEP at Bakersfield College

We participated in an event honoring fathers and father figures. The Office of Student Life and A2MEND took the lead. Many campus organizations took part and welcomed students on this first day of summer school. Kudos to Khalfani M.!

A powerful Umoja Summer Learning Institute and a dedicated team from BC! We’re positioned to grow and to serve more students! Thank you, VP Jimenez, Coordinator Dr. Parks, Professors/Assistant Coordinators Phillips and Ashby, Professor Dr. Wolaridge, and Ms Tye!

This Thursday we’re celebrating the end of the semester, lessons we learned, trips we took, our graduates — everything!!

Dr. Parks and Dr. Jonathan enjoyed sharing what Umoja offers and getting South High seniors enrolled in our Umoja English, public speaking, and research courses. Mr. Williams, thank you for welcoming us and offering that warm hand off for your students. 😊We are so glad they are part of our Umoja community! ✊🏼

Join us for the last study jam of the semester Monday, May 4. Let’s kick off finals session so we finish strong! Let’s study with nourishment and in community!

After the Getty, we stopped at CSUN, where our visit was curated by Bakersfield native Gigi Littlejohn McGuire. Her mother was the much-loved BC English department executive assistant. We toured the rec center, associated student union, and wellness center; took pictures by the matador; and learned about CSUN’s academic programs. Our last stop was the , a supportive space for studying, meeting, chilling, and connecting with resources. Executive Director Dr. Ryan Mason gave us a tour of the house and shared info about their programing and services. From the tours, the students we chatted with, and the administrators who time to talk to our students, we felt so welcomed and so embraced. No wonder several of the students are considering transferring there!

Trip to the Getty Museum to see the Black Arts Movement Photographic exhibit. It documented the famous, activists, freedom fighters, and just regular folks. Art through our lenses. The beautiful gardens and panoramic views just amplified the day’s experience!

We all enjoyed the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference. Left recharged and reinvigorated and empowered! So good to be in community with each other and make new friends.

Day 2 of Black Student Success Week. Awesome webinar with great speakers on the ROI. How can we create structures that support students in earning a living wage after graduating? Thanks to for leading our after party discussion! Thanks to for partnering with us.