By Dianne Anderson

Unplug, unwind, take a deeper breath with some time off from the political frenzy of the unrelenting loop, but first, indulge in a full immersion into the rhythm of Black excellence.

On Wednesday, February 12, Irvine Valley College campus will liven up with a live drum circle, connect with the community and support local Black-owned business partners in honor of Black History culture, achievement and contributions. That event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Student Services Center Quad.

Heather Johnson, a counselor at the college, said that her upcoming workshop at Irvine Valley College will also help guide students and staff on ways to relax and retrench, despite the headlines. She credits the inspiration for her event from the book, “Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto” by Tricia Hershey, who emphasizes the power of rest for healing and justice.

On Wednesday, February 19, students, staff and administrators can recharge from 3:30 -5:00 p.m. at the Student Activities Center workshop to learn how self-care is part of healing for future resistance.

“As Black people, how can we rest in community and say we are preserving ourselves so we can go to the next battle, to fight for the next thing? How do we rest our bodies, minds and spirits to fight another day?” said Heather Johnson, a counselor at Irvine Valley College.

In her own close circles, she sees the impact of her colleagues trying to keep pace with the headlines, and the cycle is grueling. She wants folks to know they can set aside time to regroup.

“I wanted a safe space where they can decompress and unload,” she said. “As educators, as students, people in general, I don’t think we give ourselves time to decompress, or without always having to be on.”

Her main advice is to turn it off. She keeps on top of current issues enough to advocate for her students and herself, but she recommends retreating from social media and all notifications well before bedtime for mental health and wellbeing.

Johnson is involved in several key programs on campus, including Black Student Success Scholars, which she co-founded, now in its successful third year. Their first Historically Black College and University tour is next month, with ten IVC students set to visit six different universities and three museums over the course of a week.

“We’re going to Georgia and Alabama. I’m really excited about that,” she said, adding that they are also collaborating with San Bernardino Valley College on the event.

For this trip, it’s too late for students to apply, but she said they will open applications again in the fall for the next excursion.

At the campus’ upcoming workshops, she hopes participants will get emotionally recharged and encouraged for whatever lies ahead.

“We’re hoping to have mental health resources, and whatever is available for faculty staff students on campus and off. I hope there are not a lot of tears, but that there will be a lot of relief,” she said.

Across the county line in Long Beach, students and community are also making the rounds in town with back-to-back Black History Month events.

At CSULB, on Monday, February 10, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the College of Education Student Engagement Center (EED-67), Black Identity Development Workshop presented by CSULB Black Resource Center will explore beauty and complexity that go deeper than complexion.

“Let’s take a look at the historical, cultural, and personal perspectives of Blackness. We’ll focus on meaningful discussions and creative activities that celebrate the diversity within the Black community and honor the culture,” presenters say on their website.

On Thursday, February 13, Black Students, Faculty, Staff & Alumni are invited out for their mixer to strengthen the community and CSULB family for networking, shared experiences and celebrations. That event runs from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Alumni Center.

Those seeking social justice can also build up career skills at Long Beach City College with the Labor Spotlight workshop series coordinated by the Labor Center. That event will cover labor history, workplace advocacy, and leadership skills on Tuesday, February 11 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at LAC L103 in the Black Student Success Center.

The campus again gathers Wednesday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m. in W201 with the Meet Your Village workshop series to bring students, staff, faculty, and administrators together to share identity and strengthen up community for unity.

Celebrations continue Tuesday, February 18, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at LAC B206 with the Social Justice Intercultural Center Karaoke/Open Mic event for a space to amplify voices within the campus community.

Also in Long Beach, the public library is breaking out its month-long annual series “For the Culture,” with inspiration and celebration of Black heritage and community contributions.

On Friday, February 7, the community can enjoy a two-day free event in collaboration with the Forgotten Images and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. with live music performances and unique products from local vendors. The fun continues on Saturday, February 8 from noon to 3:00 p.m. with a fashion show, a Children’s Corner with storytimes and giveaways, music, vendors, and family portraits at the LBPL Studio photo booth.

Coming up, the library features several Black History Events, including
a virtual screening of journalist and author Lee Hawkins with discussions of his powerful memoir, “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free.”

On Tuesday, February 18, Hawkins, a 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist, will share his journey exploring his family’s legacy of post-enslavement trauma and resilience, and his narrative of healing and freedom.

“Black History Month is a vital opportunity to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This celebration is not just about recognizing history but also fostering unity and embracing the vibrancy of our diverse community.”

For more information, see:

For other Black History Month events at Irvine Valley College, see https://www.ivc.edu/equity/bhm
IVC Black Scholars https://www.ivc.edu/bsss

LBCC https://www.lbcc.edu/post/black-history-events

Long Beach Public Library events, see https://www.longbeach.gov/library/events/black-history-month/

CSULB https://csulb.campuslabs.com/engage/events?categories=20712