Lively music, food, and dancing welcomed students for the Black Excellence Meet and Greet in San Diego City College’s MS building on Feb. 8.

A turnout of approximately 90-100 people quickly filled up the room.

Among the students who attended with friends was Hamze Yusuf, a 21-year-old sociology major.

Yusuf said City College is the only school he has attended where he has felt a sense of community. 

“This is different, (all) people of color, and any type of community,” Yusuf said. “It’s Black excellence but it’s not just for Black people. There’s a whole community (here).”

After checking in and receiving gifts such as T-shirts, water bottles, and pens, attendees sat down in a balloon-decorated room to enjoy a warm meal from Popeyes while listening to hit songs and chatting with friends. 

Resource tables placed in the main and secondary rooms provided information about further student opportunities and events to connect with City College.

In a brief welcome address by City College President Ricky Shabazz, Shabazz stressed the importance of holding events like the meet and greet, adding that creating community and diversity on the college campus was essential. 

Shabazz said among his goals for the college was “you don’t get more than 10 steps without seeing someone who doesn’t look like you.” 

During the event, prizes were handed out to the winners of raffles with dancing and singing competitions.

Yusuf was one of the winners to receive a MacBook laptop as a giveaway prize. He said it came as a complete surprise to him.

“I’m still shocked,” Yusuf said. “I’ve never won something like this in front of people … It was a small thing, but it still meant a lot to me.”

The event was the fourth event of the week at City College welcoming students of all backgrounds for the spring semester.

The event celebrating Black students followed Chicanx & Latinx Bienvenida Estudiantil, Pride and  Lunar New Year/AAPI students mixers.

Students who missed the events have access to a range of resources promoted at the events, both online and in person. Black and Latinx students can learn more here. LGBTQIA+ students can connect with the Pride Hub and related resources here. AAPI students can connect with the AAPI Collective here.

Update, 5:05 p.m.: All references to Black students, including in the quotes, were updated to be capitalized.