Looking back on growing up in Los Angeles as a man of color, Jerry Tello learned about the importance of ancestry and family.

Speaking at the recent HUBU Conference at San Diego City College, the father and grandfather brought out a drum with an eagle and jaguar looking at the sun.

And as he struck the top of a drum painted with a nature scene with the sun and mountains against a deep blue sky, he spoke about what he has learned through his personal experiences, lessons he shared because he said it was his responsibility. 

“It’s part of what our message is,” Tello said, “and (we) pass this on to the next generation, so they can live their life with dignity, with love, trust, respect, and pass it on to the next generations.”

Hundreds were in attendance to listen to Tello and others at the 12th annual HUBU Conference earlier this month. 

HUBU is a student-led organization that stands for Hermanos Unidos-Brothers United. HUBU focuses on uplifting primarily male Latino and African American students.

Former City College student Aaron Harvey shared his personal experience of being incarcerated and continuing his education at City College.  

Aaron is currently attending UC Berkeley and plans to become a lawyer. 

City College President Ricky Shabazz talked about his background growing up as a man of color and the importance of education.

He closed by calling up two students and giving them a book with money hidden on page 100.

Professor Abdimalik Buul presented students for a panel discussion about their experience while on their trip to Africa.

Earlier this year City College students were able to visit Africa for an education summit in Ghana.

In addition to the larger group presentations, the conference included break-out sessions that allowed for more in-depth discussions on topics related to the theme Sankofa.

Sankofa is a word that comes from Ghana that represents knowing your own history. 

The breakout rooms were hosted by City College professors and counselors and were attended by a mix of students and faculty. 

Participants discussed what Sanfoka meant to them and what stood out to them from the speakers. 

The breakout rooms also served as a great place for students and faculty to learn about their City College community.

For more information on HUBU, visit here.