Black History Month Recap

Publish Date: April 26, 2022

The Black History Month committee hosted an in-person Black History MonthRecap event in the idyllic Crafton CenterPatio on March 15.

Crafton Hills College EOPS Counselor Kashaunda Harris walked the group of alumni, students, faculty, and staff through a traditional African Libations Ceremony.This ceremony is the ritual of pouring a liquid as an offering to a spirit, deity, or soul of a person who is deceased. Everyone was encouraged to speak the names of their deceased loved ones and ancestors to invite them into the space and welcome their blessings and protection.

After the ceremony, Crafton Hills College Health and Wellness Nurse Practitioner Gilbert Agyemang-Boakye shared pictures of his youth in Ghana and told stories of his upbringing as well as provided information on Black health and wellness and answered questions from students.

Grace McCray, theater arts student and lead of Crafton Theatre production Helen: Goddess of Arson, recited touching poetry, revealing a glimpse of her tremendous talent. CHC Dean of Career Education and Human Development Dan Word read an excerpt from Ta-Nehisi Coates book “Between the World and Me,” this year’s common book for the One Book, One College campus reading initiative.

Word invited students to enjoy cultural refreshments and desserts such as Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, and Buttermilk Pie. These three are called desperation pies because they are made using easily accessible ingredients. College President Dr. Kevin Horan thanked everyone for their efforts in making the campus Black History Month Celebrations a success.