Black History Month – High Stepping for the Community, Culture, and Education
El Camino Community College celebrated Black History Month with a series of engaging and educational events throughout February. The activities were held February 3- 27, 2025, at various locations on campus.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
(Torrance, CA) El Camino Community College celebrated Black History Month with a series of engaging and educational events throughout February. The activities were held February 3- 27, 2025, at various locations on campus.
Historical background: Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of African Americans, past and present, and a time to recognize their roles in United States history.
Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” created by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in February 1926. Every United States president officially celebrates and designates the month of February as Black History Month/African American Heritage Month. Canada and the United Kingdom are other countries that devote the month of February to celebrating Black History.
I was fortunate to be in attendance for the West African Dance and Meditation session and performance Presentation on the Student Service Plaza on Wednesday, February 26.
Daunté “Kingtae” Fyall and dance and drum group performing before a captivated audience, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Back by popular demand, Daunté “Kingtae” Fyall returned to engage and entertain the campus community. Faculty, students, and staff were able to learn of the importance of West African Dance and how it coincides with modern-day African American culture. It comes as no surprise that Daunté “Kingtae” Fyall, a passionate dance instructor, performing artist, motivational speaker, and faculty member of the University of California, San Diego, was invited back to campus for another dazzling, energetic performance for the campus community.
The group performed and featured audience participation on drums as well as a joyous group dance session, to the delight of all in attendance.
It’s still too early to know if the Black History Month Committee will invite Daunté “Kingtae” Fyall to complete a trifecta for a return engagement next year.
The Black History Month activities on campus featured classroom activities, discussions, artistic/cultural events, library exhibits, live music, poetry readings, workshops, and mouthwatering, delicious soul food.
February, Black History Month highlights consisted of Black History Month Kick off Afro-Health Day. This was a day filled with joy, fun, and movement on the Student Service Plaza on February 19. The goal of this event is to expose and educate students, faculty, and staff on campus to local health organizations that offer affordable and accessible health resources in Los Angeles.
The Living in Joy Showcase and Poetry Reading, February 25, Library Lawn. Participants were able to re-engage/reignite the spirit of joy that exists in every aspect of our lives, as it can be encompassed in everyday experiences as Black people.
The Banned Black Children’s Book Discussion and Workshop consisted of ECC Ethnic Studies professor Dr. Amina Humphrey. Dr. Amina Humphrey presented a wonderful workshop on the importance of storytelling and shared her research on banned Black Children’s Books. The workshop also featured an educational and engaging discussion.
Shout out to the El Camino Social Justice Center, Student Equity & Achievement, African American Employees Network (AFAM), ASO, Art Gallery, Library and Learning Resources, Project Success, Black Student Union, MOCAN, and the Black Student Success Center for educating the campus community and celebrating the inspiring African Americans who have made an invaluable contribution to the world.
