Join us in the month of February for Black History Month Workshops and Events!
Please note: Most workshops will be held virtually, on Zoom (https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887), in-person locations are noted for each workshop, given below.
Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts (Part I): From The Middle Passage to Antebellum Period
Presenter: Dr. Ronald McCurdy
Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts is a historical journey that will explore how central the arts were used as a means of thwarting racism. From the early creation of the Negro Spirituals in the 17th century to the pulsating rhythms of today’s rap music, African Americans have used their creative voices to express their disdain for racist and oppressive treatment by a country that claimed that, “All men (and women) are created equal.”
This presentation will discuss how art has been used to illuminate and thwart systemic racism that has existed in America since its inception.
February 6th, 5:30-7:30pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887

The Underground Railroad: Quilts and Textile Artwork in The African American Community
Presenter: Arnella Giles (she/her/hers)
This presentation will highlight the role that quilts played in the Underground Railroad and how quilting and textiles continue to be used to share African American History with current generations.
Arnella Giles was born in the Midwest. She joined the Marine Corps and arrived in California shortly after high school. Her passion is encouraging people and helping in the community. Her major is Psychology, and she plans to continue her education to pursue a career as a Music Therapist.
February 8th, 11:00-11:45am
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
Time Management: We All Gotta Hustle Out There, Let’s Learn To Do It More Efficiently
Presenter: Terhea Williams
In today’s world more and more of us are out there working multiple jobs, taking on more responsibilities, and even going back to school! Our descendants were no stranger to “the hustle” (not the dance, in this case) but maybe we can learn new skills to help in our everyday tasks. Join us to learn and share best-practices. Note: this is an interactive workshop. Bring your planner, notes, and be prepared to participate!
Instructors, consider offering extra credit to students that attend.
February 8th, 2:00-3:15pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
The Black Church: Its Legacy and Role in Shaping Black History
Presenter: Cheryl Kearse
From its people to its traditions, the Black Church has been a central theme in American Black history. This workshop will explore influential themes, roles, and figures stemming from the Black Church.
February 10th, 3:00-4:00pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
Black Voices
Presenter: Dr. Khalid White
Film screening of Black Voices: We will center the invaluable experience of Black scholar-practitioners as leaders of equity, inclusion, and systemic change. These Black Voices can help to move your campus from anti-Black to anti-racist.
This workshop will include a short film screening with a Q&A session.
February 13th, 12:00-1:15pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts (Part II): From Emancipation to Jim Crow
Presenter: Dr. Ronald McCurdy
Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts is a historical journey that will explore how central the arts were used as a means of thwarting racism. From the early creation of the Negro Spirituals in the 17th century to the pulsating rhythms of today’s rap music, African Americans have used their creative voices to express their disdain for racist and oppressive treatment by a country that claimed that, “All men (and women) are created equal.” This presentation will discuss how art has been used to illuminate and thwart systemic racism that has existed in America since its inception.
February 13th, 5:30-7:30pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887

Money Management & Financial Challenges Affecting the Black Community
Presenters: Felipe Arevalo & Coach Rae Russell from the San Diego Financial Literacy Center (SDFLC)
In this interactive presentation, we will explore some of the additional challenges historically faced by members of the black community. Some of these challenges are still faced by many today. We highlight the importance of money management and goals in personal finances. More importantly, we provide tools and resources attendees can utilize to combat these added challenges.
February 14th, 1:00-2:00pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887

Coach Rae Russell:
I am a single mom raising two FABULOUS children, Andrew and Andreah. I began my financial services career with a company called Primerica in 1996 while enrolled in the United States Navy. I attained my state insurance license and held a Series 6 and 63 investment license for many years (inactive by choice). I branded myself as “The Financial Coach” because I wanted to educate people on how to play and win at the money game. Over the years, I’ve successfully educated and mentored thousands of families throughout the state of California and beyond. I am the Founder of Financial Coach 4U and Global Financial Literacy, a 501C3 Non-Profit Organization providing Financial Literacy Classes and Workshops for Churches, Military and the general community. I provide that well needed financial education for Active Duty Military prior to their transition out of the military. I am also the Director of the Veteran Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Chapter, where we provide support and resources to Veterans and their families. We are a chamber that focusses on collaborations efforts rather than just a membership. I have committed my life to teaching financial literacy from Youth to Season Citizens. I am available for workshops, speaking engagements, mentoring and one on one coaching.
- Website link: https://www.fc4u1stopshop.com/
- Preferred Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
- Social media: Instagram @FC4U

Felipe Arevalo:
Felipe Arevalo is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the San Diego Financial Literacy Center. In this role, he serves as the organization’s outreach event organizer, volunteer coordinator, presenter, social media and website upkeep, and head Certified Personal Finance Counselor. He dedicates his time to providing financial education and awareness to military, youth and San Diego’s low to moderate-income populations through presentations and one on one consultations. Prior to working for the San Diego Financial Literacy Center Felipe worked for four years for the AVID program in the Grossmont Union High School District. Working with youth has given him a unique way to connect when presenting to the younger demographics. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management from San Diego State University. He volunteers coaching youth sports and on the San Diego Mesa College Foundation Finance committee.
- Website link: https://www.sdflc.org/
- Preferred Pronouns: He, Him, His
- Social media: Instagram and Twitter @SDFLC

Revivals of Blackness
Presenters: Lela Aisha Jones, Alex Shaw, Aidan Un
Come watch the riveting feature film “Revivals of Blackness” which explores the diverse African diasporic music and dance traditions, bringing American jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul into informed cultural dialogue with Capoeira Angola, Afro-Cuban rumba, Afro-Brazilian samba & maracatu, Ewe drumming, and orisha songs from Yorubaland. After the film, we will speak with art choreographer/movement artist/vocalist Lela Aisha Jones, pianist/composer Luke Carlos O’Reilly, percussionist/composer/vocalist Alex Shaw, and filmmaker Aidan Un about their revolutionary work.
February 15th, 9:30-11:00am
Hybrid: MD-103 and https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887

The Beauty of Art Therapy
Presenter: Chauntrell Turner
Learn about Art Therapy, the different types, the real benefits it can bring you, and how it compares to Talk Therapy.
February 16th, 2:30-3:30pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
Bio: My name is Chauntrell “Chanti” Turner. I graduated high school in 2011 from Oceanside High and live in Murrieta right now. I am a current student at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos. This past fall, I graduated from Palomar with an Associate’s in General Studies: Art and Humanities. I plan on getting a Bachelor’s in Art, Media, and Design while pursuing an Associate’s degree in Three-Dimensional Art with an emphasis in Glass and Three-Dimensional Art with an emphasis in Jewelry and Metalsmithing. After graduating with my Bachelor’s, I plan to move to Vancouver, Canada, and attend Vancouver Island University for my Master’s in Psychology and continue until I earn a Doctorate in Psychology as well. I have hopes to become an Art Therapist to help those find their voice and be able to express themselves through art, whatever medium works best for them. Also, to show and give them hope that it is possible to overcome your traumas and grow from them.

Black & Brown Relations: What It Means For White Supremacy
Presenters: Dr. Angelica Yanez & Sherehe Hollins
Film screening of Dos Americas: Two Americas and discussion with Chicanx & Black Studies Professors about race relations.
Those interested in this workshop are highly encouraged to attend De La Misma Raiz: From The Same Root.
February 16th, 5:00-6:30pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
Bio: Dr. Angélica M. Yañez holds a PhD in Ethnic Studies from UC San Diego, a B.A. in Chicano Studies and minor in Women Studies from UC Santa Barbara. She is the editor of United States History from a Chicano Perspective. Her activism and research interests center community building, intersectional identities, race, racism, white supremacy, and cultural revitalization of Mexican Indigenous traditions in the United States. She is a traditional Aztec Dancer and mother that honors the legacies of her Indigenous ancestors. As a former rape crisis counselor, she practiced acute counseling and women’s healing. Currently, she is the advisor to a writing group that promotes activism through spoken word, founder of Queer Students of Color, and is the program advisor for the new Chicana/o/x Studies degree in the Ethnic Studies Department. She is a full-time professor of Ethnic and Chicano Studies at Palomar College.
All-African Diaspora Education Summit
Presenters: Mercedes Tiggs & Brikia Cephus
Join us for a recap of our journey through the African Diaspora as we reclaim African Sovereignty through African-centered education.
February 21st, 11:00-12:00pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887

Self-Care Tips for BIPOC
Presenter: Dr. Lisa Cox Romain
Self-care is never a selfish act. Caring for oneself is an intentional act that involves putting your wellness before anyone else and anything else. As a student and educational professional, it can be hard to find the time to balance all your responsibilities with time for yourself. The workshop will provide tools and resources to help you prioritize your self-care.
February 21st, 4:00-4:45pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts (Part III): From Civil Rights Movement to Hip Hop
Presenter: Dr. Ronald McCurdy
Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts is a historical journey that will explore how central the arts were used as a means of thwarting racism. From the early creation of the Negro Spirituals in the 17th century to the pulsating rhythms of today’s rap music, African Americans have used their creative voices to express their disdain for racist and oppressive treatment by a country that claimed that, “All men (and women) are created equal.” This presentation will discuss how art has been used to illuminate and thwart systemic racism that has existed in America since its inception.
February 22nd, 5:30-7:30pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887

Creating your own Emotional Monster
Presenter: Chauntrell Turner
Come and create your own Emotional Monster. You will learn the basics and how art therapy can reveal things that we wouldn’t have thought of before. Have some fun with us on campus and see what you create.
February 23rd, 2:30-3:30pm
Location: MD-217
Bio: My name is Chauntrell “Chanti” Turner. I graduated high school in 2011 from Oceanside High and live in Murrieta right now. I am a current student at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos. This past fall, I graduated from Palomar with an Associate’s in General Studies: Art and Humanities. I plan on getting a Bachelor’s in Art, Media, and Design while pursuing an Associate’s degree in Three-Dimensional Art with an emphasis in Glass and Three-Dimensional Art with an emphasis in Jewelry and Metalsmithing. After graduating with my Bachelor’s, I plan to move to Vancouver, Canada, and attend Vancouver Island University for my Master’s in Psychology and continue until I earn a Doctorate in Psychology as well. I have hopes to become an Art Therapist to help those find their voice and be able to express themselves through art, whatever medium works best for them. Also, to show and give them hope that it is possible to overcome your traumas and grow from them.
De la Misma Raíz: From the Same Root
Presenter: Sherehe Hollins
“De la Misma Raíz: From the Same Root” shines light upon Africa’s legacy in Mexico by discussing the pre-Columbian African presence in America, Africa’s influence in Spain, colonialism in New Spain and its effects on the formation of a Mexican identity. The purpose of the workshop is to share a relevant and oftentimes obscured part of history, in order to strengthen and unify African American and Chicanx communities. The goal of the workshop is to help diverse ethnic groups understand the interconnection between their collective history, culture and ancestry.
If you are interested in this workshop, please also attend, “Black and Brown Relations: What It Means for White Supremacy”, presented by Dr. Yañez on Thursday, February 16th from 5-6:30pm.
February 23rd, 5:00-6:30pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
A Snapshot Perspective From a Black Woman in Nursing
Presenters: Terhea Williams & Shantrice Williams, RN, MSN, FNP-C
Considering a career in Nursing? Unsure what to expect in Nursing school and beyond? Join us to hear one woman’s perspective. Q&A discussion afterwards.
STEM Instructors, consider offering extra credit to students that attend.
February 24th, 2:00-3:15pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887
Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts (Part IV): Exploring Juneteenth: How Did Emancipation Really Impact The Enslaved African
Presenter: Dr. Ronald McCurdy
Disrupting Racism Through The Lens of the Arts is a historical journey that will explore how central the arts were used as a means of thwarting racism. From the early creation of the Negro Spirituals in the 17th century to the pulsating rhythms of today’s rap music, African Americans have used their creative voices to express their disdain for racist and oppressive treatment by a country that claimed that, “All men (and women) are created equal.” This presentation will discuss how art has been used to illuminate and thwart systemic racism that has existed in America since its inception.
February 27th, 5:30-7:30pm
Zoom Link: https://palomar-edu.zoom.us/j/93292738887

Black History Month BBQ Fundraiser
Coordinator: Jaque Toledo (jaque@mesarim.com), Mesa Rim Climbing Center – North City
Location: Mesa Rim Climbing Center – North City (285 Industrial St, San Marcos, CA 92078)
Black History Month Celebration event. Free access for those who want to celebrate with us. Thumbs Up BBQ will be serving food. Raffle items available. Portion of proceeds will go to PBFSA and Umoja
February 28th, 5:00-8:00pm