Africana Studies marks centennial of Black History and its responsibilities

Cerritos College’s Africana Studies Department marked the 100th anniversary of Black History Month on Feb. 25 with a faculty panel that reflected on Carter G. Woodson’s legacy and the discipline’s role in preserving history and building community.

Cerritos College’s Africana Studies Department held a panel on Feb. 25 to mark the centennial of Black History Month and to honor Carter G. Woodson. Faculty, course leaders, and guest panelists discussed the origins of the observance and the place of Africana Studies within the college and the wider academy. Panelists described the field as both an academic discipline and a broader intellectual project rooted in African traditions and perspectives. Speakers emphasized the department’s structured approach and the role of Black history education in shaping identity and community. What was discussed: - The event marked 100 years of Black History Month and paid tribute to Carter G. Woodson as a founding figure. - The panel included Cerritos College faculty, course leaders, and distinguished guests who explored the discipline’s aims. - A faculty member noted the centennial’s significance and framed Woodson as central to the observance’s origins. - A professor described the department’s work as deliberately structured and layered, positioning Black Studies as an epistemic project. - Another panelist said part of Africana Studies’ purpose is to address misinformation, support healing, and foster pride among students. Summary: The discussion underscored Africana Studies’ role in preserving Black history, shaping identity, and supporting community wellbeing. Undetermined at this time.