Umoja Community Black History Month Conference Motivates and Energizes
Umoja’s Black History Month Conference engaged the audience with insights on current issues and with African beats. More than one hundred students and community members participated in this seventh annual event on the Bakersfield College campus.
By Paula Lynn Parks
Umoja’s Black History Month Conference engaged the audience with insights on current issues and with African beats. More than one hundred students and community members participated in this seventh annual event on the Bakersfield College campus.
Who believes that social media content affects how you think and behave? This was the first question thrown out by keynote Dr. Damien Danielly, who spoke on “Reset Your Algorithm: it’s Black History Month.” The conversation moved to how we can use social media as a tool for education and liberation and how to curate a media feed that is accurate and uplifting. “If you are not aware (that social media is manipulative), you will fall victim. They want you to forget who you are,” explained Danielly, an expert in media and Black youth.
West African master drummer Dramane Kone’ and his Ballet Djelia Kadi entertained the audience with drumming and dancing. The audience eagerly joined the dancers on stage to learn songs, dance moves, as well as percussion beats.
Umoja student June Ling moderated the afternoon panel with Vicki Kemp, Tye McCovey, Artisa Moten, and Dr. Niesha Davis-Massey. The ladies shared pearls of wisdom as they responded to questions from Ling and the audience on responding to challenges, whether rooted in this political climate or in personal issues. Davis-Massey advised the audience to sit with emotions, feel the feeling, and know that they can get through it. Kemp added that students can talk to someone they trust to help them navigate the situation. McCovey asked students what is their why and reminded them that it may change over time. Moton brought the topic back to Danielly’s remarks by asking students “what are you feeding yourself?” She advised students to invest in themselves, build their brand, and ignite others.
MCs Naomi Foots and Trevor Turner were awesome at providing information on Umoja, introducing all the speakers, and keeping the program moving and running on schedule.
Umoja Community African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence is a program designed for motivated Black students. It provides coursework, study support, college visits, cultural activities, mentorship, and academic counseling. For more information, contact Coordinator Dr. Paula L. Parks at [email protected] or 661-232-0191. Follow on FB and IG.
