For decades, Solano Community College has dedicated February to Black History Month with a series of events and discussions focusing on the issues African-Americans have faced and continue to experience.

This year’s slate of events will be presented virtually over Zoom. Shirley Lewis, SCC’s dean of student services, said the platform has worked well in conducting operations during the pandemic and she expects a strong turnout. “We expect good participation,” she said. “It’s open to everybody in the community.”

SCC’s theme this year is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity,” in keeping with the national Black History Month theme for 2021.

According to Ms. Lewis, the presentations and discussions will shed some light on the issues African-American families have faced for centuries, with discussions facilitated by current and present college faculty as well as members of the community. Feb. 3 was the first event, “It Ain’t Easy: Black Families in America,” and was hosted by Troy Finley, the founder of Myrtle’s Place; and Ebony Antoine, the director of Broken by Violence. The remaining events occur:

• On Feb. 10, retired SCC Professor Dr. Karen McCord. SCC’s past ethnic studies program coordinator, will host “The Black Family: Civil Rights Era Challenges and Triumph.” From 3 to 4 p.m.; and, Zoom ID is 997 9665 2696.
• On Feb. 17, licensed clinical social worker Kenya Sullivan will present “Political Trauma & Self-Efficacy: Reclaiming Our Progress.” From 3 to 4 p.m.; and, Zoom ID is 938 5005 7817.
• On Feb. 22, adjunct history professor Dr. Damany Fisher will present “Political Violence During the Reconstruction Period: 1865-1877” and discuss the brutal issues that African-Americans faced after the Civil War. From Noon to 1 p.m.; and, the Zoom ID is Zoom ID: 971 3743 4586.
• On Feb. 24 will be a discussion of the Bryan Stevenson book “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice & Redemption,” facilitated by Lewis and Associated Students of Solano College. “Just Mercy” is the story of a civil rights attorney who represents death row inmates in the South. From Noon to 1 p.m.; and, Zoom ID is 913 7462 0707.
• The month’s events close Feb. 25 with a presentation by Edward Russell Jr., Vacaville resident and the founder of Brothers Helping Up His (BRUH), titled “Black Cultural Concepts: #Code-Switching.” From 3 to 4 p.m.; and, the Zoom ID is 923 5256 2550.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/solanocommunitycollege.