With the ongoing protests surrounding the unjust murders of innocent Black people at the hands of law enforcement, the topic of systemic racism and its practices have been a hot topic. As a recent graduate from Pasadena City College (PCC) and having been involved in student government at PCC, I recognize the importance of student voices in the California Community College system. While many colleges reflect on their current policies and attempt to answer the Chancellor’s Call to Action, here are some ideas on how institutions that actively serve marginalized communities can better serve Black and African American students.

California’s next Governor is in the enviable position to strengthen local economies in rural, urban, and suburban areas statewide, enhance employment opportunities for low and middle-income individuals and their families, and support growing industries in need of skilled and educated employees. And the Governor can do this early in his term and enjoy the political benefits of ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the state’s most popular higher education institutions: California’s community colleges.

As the contested holiday of Labor Day is recognized on this first Monday in September, California’s Community Colleges are at an interesting point in their century-old history especially as it pertains to our mission and students’ professional lives. (I use the term professional life rather than workforce both to avoid the connotations of workforce as managed employees in replaceable positions, and to focus on the distinction between private life and the hours for which individuals receive compensation for their labor).

What constitutes an efficacious academic program of study? What should an undergraduate student of political science, engineering, art history, or nursing read, do, and experience to earn a certificate or degree?