The opening ceremony of Black History Month at Fresno City College was held at the Old Administration Building Auditorium on Feb. 1. The event celebrates and empowers Black culture with traditional ceremony, prayer, and song.

FCC African American Studies professor Auguste Kouadioled a traditional libation ceremony to pay homage to African heritage. The ritual aligns with this year’s theme of Empowering Black Culture by pouring water as a tribute on behalf of all humanity—those living, ancestors, the creator, and the environment.

Dr. Arrie Smith, the president of the African American Faculty and Staff Association (AAFSA), waits for a time when there’s no need for a Black History Month.

“Every day is Black History Day and soon we won’t have to have a month. We will be able to celebrate each other every month of the year,” Smith said.

Keynote speaker Dr. Cassandra Little, CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce, gave a speech to motivate FCC students about her journey as a community college student and her vision for the future.

“Our work today is far from over. Each lesson lays the groundwork,” Little said. “For the new and next challenges, we find opportunities to grow as we’re standing here today.”

The Black History Month opening ceremony ended with a prayer by Pastor Lawrence Clinckscales of the Second Baptist Church. It officially kicked off a month of events and workshops for students to participate in.

The Black Wellness and Prosperity Center will hold an event to advocate for the importance of Black maternal health and infant mortality rates within the community. The event will be on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old Administration Building, room 188.

The HBCU Spring 2024 Caravan, where historically Black colleges nationwide will come to FCC to advertise their program to students of all ethnicities. That event will be held on Tuesday, Feb.13, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Old Administration Building, room 251.

Black History Month activities will end with a lecture from rapper Chuck D on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Administration Building Auditorium. Hosted by the Speaker’s Forum, his talk is titled “Hip Hop Influence on Culture and Society.”