Young Black Scholars are celebrated at Valley.

Umoja Black Scholars welcome middle and high school students on campus with a dance battle, soul food and educational advice. 

By Kaia Mann, Editor-in-Chief 

  Over 200 middle and high school Black Scholars received insight into their post-graduation journey hosted by the Umoja Program on campus. (Kaia Mann for The Valley Star)

The Umoja Black Scholar program hosted close to 250 students on the Valley College campus Tuesday for its third annual Young Black Scholars Day. 

The event blended work and play, offering students valuable insights into their post-graduation opportunities while providing resources, guidance, and an opportunity to dance it out.

“I think it means everything to let students know that they are represented in spaces that they haven’t even entered yet,” said Valley student and former BSU president Sable Thomas. “They can make their own spaces and make their presence known and felt while connecting with other students that look like them.” 

Tommy the Clown, the “father of hip-hop clowning” and his crew charged into the South Gym, the audience was invited to join in, upping the energy with dance battles. The celebration represents one of several events hosted on campus in honor of Black History Month. 

Led by Umoja counselor and coordinator Elliott Coney, the program aims to support the educational journey of African American students through counseling and career guidance. Umoja supports marginalized students in taking that next step, whether it be receiving their associate’s degree, transferring to a four year, or joining the workforce.

“This was by far the best event we've had, it far exceeded my expectations,” said Coney. “I think it's revolutionary in a sense to see this many black students at LAVC and be able to reach these students, get them to come here and build relationships.” 

According to a report by the ACLU California Action, Black student enrollment in California has decreased by 47 percent from 2003. Additionally, Black students have the lowest graduation rates in California universities, with only about 78 percent  graduating high school compared to 90 percent of white students. The Black Student Union and Umoja seek to support black students throughout their experience in higher education, carrying them all the way to graduation.

These programs are potentially at risk given the Trump administration's recent orders to cut diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI) funding. When asked about the state of Umoja at Valley, Coney asserted that they will remain visible and not back down. 

“Despite what anybody says politically, DEI exists on this campus and exists for our students,” said Coney. “They will not be silenced, I will not be silenced, we are going to continue to move the agenda forward and keep it inclusive.”

The event aimed to provide middle and high school students a glimpse into college life, eat soul food, and gather information on the next phase of their lives. Speakers from the National college resource foundation and various colleges shared scholarship opportunities and potential pathways.

“So far this has been like the best field trip I have been to,” said Mailan Machey, a junior at Granada High School. “I really loved being around my community and learning more about college opportunities.”