The Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC) hosted an African American Experience and Social Justice Panel on Thursday, February 19, in honor of African American Heritage Month. The panel featured Skyline College student Dessaline Douglas, ASSC President Nicole Harris, Professor Paul Bolick and Dr. Tony Jackson. ASSC Commissioner of Activities, Marlon Gaytan Jr. organized the event and facilitated the discussion.
Each panelist offered a unique perspective on what it means to be a black American in today’s social climate. Some of the topics that were discussed include the Black Lives Matter movement in Oakland, the psychological anxieties regarding the traumatic effects of racism, an analysis of the media as a biased reporter on political issues and praise for Skyline College as a leader in multicultural education and social justice advocacy.
The ninety-minute panel was well-attended with students interested in learning about contemporary social issues. The discussion sparked a lively Q & A session at the end of the event with thoughtful questions about how the young generation can keep momentum going for social justice.
Skyline College student Davante Cade summarized the event in honor of African American Heritage Month as “insightful and informative.”
Article by Marlon Gaytan Jr. | photos by Albert Ramos and John Saenz
