This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is hosting in-person and virtual events across many of the Maricopa Community Colleges, exploring topics from anti-racism in the workplace to intersectionality and paying a tribute to Black excellence.
"The Maricopa Community Colleges look forward to every opportunity to recognize Black and African American culture and history with our students, staff, faculty and community members," said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Interim Chancellor. “This Black History Month, we will celebrate with events that honor the Black community through storytelling, film, panel discussions, and coming together virtually and in-person to honor this rich history.”
MCCCD is committed to providing opportunities for continued education to students, staff, faculty, and community members to learn about and celebrate a broad range of identities, including race, ethnicity, culture and heritage. Below are a sampling of this year’s events, which are all free and open to the public.
Black Hair Magic: Defying Gravity
February 23, 2022
Virtual Event | 7-8pm
Join Chandler Gilbert Community College for a Q&A event with African American beauticians, barbers, and hair product business owners, featuring Black Student Union student videos of local barbershops, braiders, and beauty shops.
Black History Month Festival
February 16, 2022
In-Person Event | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Pecos Campus Performing Arts Center
2626 E. Pecos Rd
Chandler, AZ 85225-2499
Join Chandler Gilbert Community College for a festival celebration in honor of Black History Month, featuring a free food truck and live music.
Black History Month Events
Throughout February 2022
In-Person and Virtual Events
Join Estrella Mountain Community College for a month-long series of events celebrating Black history.
DEI 101 Series: Race, Ethnicity & Colorism
February 17, 2022
In Person or Virtual Event | 5 p.m.
GWCC Washington Campus
Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (MA 1150)
108 N 40th St
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Join GateWay Community College to learn definitions and fundamental concepts around race, ethnicity, and colorism, with a focus on how these concepts have shaped society for Black and African-American people in the Americas and in Phoenix, Arizona. Registration is required to attend in-person or virtually.
Black History Month Teleparty featuring 13th
February 2, 2022
Virtual Event | 2:00 - 3:40 p.m.
Join Glendale Community College for a viewing of Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th, which breaks down the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. With a potent mixture of archival footage and testimony from a dazzling array of activists, politicians, historians, and formerly incarcerated women and men, DuVernay creates a work of grand historical synthesis.
Black History Month Lecture Featuring Dr. Ron McCurdy
February 22, 2022
Virtual Event | 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Join Glendale Community College as Dr. McCurdy presents on Disrupting Racism through the Lens of the Arts.
Black History Month Recognition Basketball Game
February 16, 2022
In-Person Event | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Theo Heap Gym
MCC Southern and Dobson Campus
1833 West Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85202
Watch Mesa Community College's Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams take on the Glendale Gauchos. Be there for half-time performances, player recognition, and giveaways!
Black History Month Living Library
February 23 and 25, 2022
Virtual Events
Join Mesa Community College for a Living Library, which showcases humans as books who engage in conversation with their readers as they tell their stories.
Defeat Racism at Work: Anti-Racist Tools With Patricia Davis
February 11, 2022
Virtual Event | 10:00am - 11:30am
Join Paradise Valley Community College to hear from Patricia Davis, an experienced Human Resources leader in organizational effectiveness, leadership development, race equity, inclusion and change management. This session will focus on becoming aware of the ways in which we unintentionally reinforce structural racism and provide the tools you can use to dismantle racism, whether you are an ally, advocate or accomplice.
Black History: Seen Through the Eyes of Higher Education, led by Dr. Paul Dale
February 17, 2022
In-Person or Virtual Event | 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
KSC 1000A
Union Hills Campus
18401 N. 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
While the social ills (racism, exclusion, and segregation) of American culture have been manifested in higher education, the history of the Black experience also portrays resiliency, power, and scholarship. Join Paradise Valley Community College to learn more about the history of American higher education through the lens of the African-American experience.
Black History Month Events
Throughout February 2022
Virtual and In-Person Events
Join Phoenix College for a month-long series of events celebrating Black history.
The Essence of Leadership: Black History in the Making
February 24, 2022
Virtual Event | 12 - 1 p.m.
Join Rio Salado College for a keynote address and discussion with Angola, Africa Ambassador Joaquim do Espίrito Santo, who will discuss the legacy of Black leadership, the links between history and current events— and their rippling effects on the future of civil rights.
Disrupting Racism Through the Lens of the Arts
February 17, 2022
Virtual Event | 5:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Community College students, faculty, staff, and the public will be taken on a historical journey illuminating how art has been used to confront racism in America. Dr. McCurdy will share excerpts of musical examples demonstrating the dual purpose of the Negro spiritual and how it was used to praise God while revolting against slavery.
Breaking the Silence: An Intersection of Blackness and Disability
February 22, 2022
Virtual Event | 3 p.m.
Join Scottsdale Community College to hear about Blackness and disability from speakers including Faridah Abdullah, MSW, Disability Resources & Services Manager at Scottsdale Community College, and Dr. Tahirah Abdullah-Swain, Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts.
Black History Month Events
Throughout February 2022
Virtual and In-Person Events
Join South Mountain Community College for a month-long series of events celebrating Black history.