LATTC Celebrates Black History Month!
Happy Black History Month! Throughout February, LATTC joins the rest of the nation, and many parts of the world, in celebrating the achievements of African Americans and recognizing their central role in U.S history. Join the college for a month of activities, including live music performances, conversations, art exhibitions, and a lively festival.
LATTC 2024 Black History Month Events
Black History Month Kick Off “The Heartbeat of our People”
Wednesday, February 7, 11 am–1 pm
North Lawn, LATTC
LATTC Kicks off Black History Month with "The Heartbeat of Our People." Join the campus community at the outdoor plaza near the E3/Culinary Arts Building and take in an interactive and lively drum circle performance. Vendors will be present and will offer African items, mini sweet potato pies, and Jamaican meat pies. Limited giveaways are available.
Black History Month: Conversation with Greg Akili
Thursday, February 9, 12–2 pm
C2 Building-ASO Lounge
Join a conversation on labor struggles and social justice in Los Angeles featuring Greg Akili. Mr. Akili. Born in the segregated South, Akili grew up in a community with high unemployment, underfunded schools, and crime. As a frustrated teen, Akili began getting into trouble which resulted in a brief stint in jail at the age of 19. Determined to turn his life around Akili became involved in the Civil Rights and social justice movement. He now has over 50 years of experience as a laborer, community organizer, and political leader.
Black History Month: Master Class with Dr. Edward Bush
Wednesday, February 15, 12–1:30 pm
F5-107 Auditorium
LATTC invites you to a conversation and masterclass with Dr. Edward C. Bush. Dr. Bush has 25 years of experience in higher education serving in the California Community Colleges System. He currently serves as the President of Cosumnes River College in Sacramento. Dr. Bush is committed to tackling issues relating to equity, diversity, and access for all students. He is co-founder and board member of the African American Male Network and Development Incorporated (A2MEND), a non-profit organization comprised of Community College Faculty and Administrators who volunteer their time to use their scholarly and professional expertise to foster institutional change within the Colleges they serve.
Black History Month: Meet-and-Greet and Film Screening with Beni Marquez
Wednesday, February 21, 11 am–2 pm
F5-101 | Multipurpose Room
LATTC presents a special meet-and-greet with director and Afro-Venezuelan filmmaker Beni Marquez, followed by a screening of his 2018 film Mama Africa. Mama Africa focuses on the cultural connections between Nigeria and Venezuela. The film promotes the rich history, joys, and potential of the African continent—as well as the daily lives and struggles of those who are of African descent and of the African Diaspora settled in Venezuela. The film was featured in the Rhode Island Black Film Festival (2021), Pan-African Film Festival (2020), Black Communities Conference (2019), and Afro-Latino Film Festival (2019) amongst others. Marquez's previous projects include television and radio production, music video direction, as well as Drummer Sessions, a project dedicated to the diffusion, and promotion of Afro-Caribbean percussion. Learn more about the film
Black History Month: Concert Feat. Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles
Saturday, February 24, 11 am-12:30
The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), the largest majority Black orchestra in America, will present a concert in honor of Black History Month hosted at LATTC. The performance will feature patriotic music that uplifts the African American experience and includes a presentation of "The Hill We Climb," a choral and orchestral setting of the 2021 Inauguration Poem by Amanda Gorman.
Black History Month: Master Class with Dr. Chike Akua
Tuesday, February 27, 12–1:30 pm
E3- 106A
LATTC invites you to a conversation and masterclass with Dr. Chike Akua, a professor of educational leadership and an African-centered leadership strategist to colleges, universities, educational conferences, and urban schools—both domestically and abroad. As the author of eleven books, he has written and published several books and guides designed for today’s students.
Black History Month: “Where Black is Brown: The African Diaspora in Mexico” Art Exhibition
Wednesday, February 28, 10 am–4 pm and Thursday, February 29, 9 am–12 pm
F5-101 | Multipurpose Room
Dr. Toni-Mokjaetji Humber was a longtime educator and pioneering researcher. Dr. Humber passed away last summer after a battle with lymphoma, however, her life and legacy live on. Dr. Humber’s art exhibition, “Where Black is Brown: The African Diaspora in Mexico” was developed from her 2003 sabbatical research and subsequent journeys to Mexico. She curated the exhibition to further the understanding of African influence and contributions in the Americas and to foster greater understanding among African American, Chicano/Latinx, and Indigenous communities about their historical connections.
Umoja Homecoming Festival
Thursday, February 29, 10 am–2 pm
E3 Building Cafeteria
Join Umoja for the Inaugural Region 4 Homecoming Event. This family friendly celebration brings together the Region 4 Umoja Community from Long Beach, Los Angeles, all the way up to Santa Barbara. Join this interactive day with live music, food, and community!
Black History Month: State of the Black Student Achievement in LACCD Townhall
Thursday, February 29, 2–4 pm
E3-Cafeteria
"The State of The African American Student" is a topic that has garnered significant attention from various perspectives, including administration, faculty, and the broader community. It represents a crucial conversation within the educational landscape, as it involves addressing disparities and challenges faced by African American students while also acknowledging their achievements and potential. Join District colleagues as we explore and discuss these issues and celebrate and shine a light on Black student achievement throughout LACCD. Refreshments will be provided.