Dear Colleague,

Black Student Success Week kicks off on Monday, April 21. As a fellow practitioner in this important work, I invite you to register to this year’s event.

This year, our theme is "Lift Up, Level Up: The Rise of Black Serving Institutions” and is intended to provide you with information that you can begin implementing at your institution right away.

See our #TheBlackHour webinars, held every day during BSSW from 12-1pm PT, below: 

• Monday, April 21: The Rise of Black-Serving Institutions (BSI) webinar will explore the growing need and importance of BSIs, focusing specifically on California community colleges. This session will further emphasize how BSI addresses systematic inequities, enhances resources, and improves educational outcomes. Register Here

• Tuesday, April 22: Black Servingness: Maintaining Our Voice and Action webinar will discuss the importance of “Black Servingness” on a national and state level. Servingness involves surrounding students and faculty/staff with the cultural ambiance that prioritizes their cultural heritage in ways that continuously support their dignity and belonging. Register Here

• Wednesday, April 23: Power Moves: Equipping Black Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce is meant to serve as a dynamic workshop designed to empower Black students with the tools, insights and inspiration needed to thrive and succeed in high-growth industries. Register Here 

• Thursday April 24: Putting the AFRICAN in African American Student Success webinar will teach more about the experiences at the All African Diaspora Education Summit (ADES) in Ghana, Africa and explore how those experiences and teachings are activating learning to create Black-serving classrooms and institutions. Register Now

• Friday, April 25: Live from the Frontlines of Black Student Success: Accounts from Practitioners and Executive Leadership will highlight real-time reflections from esteemed Student Success Practitioners and Executive leadership working to lift up and level up the movement! Register Here

For a full list of speakers and activities, including #TheAfterParty, #TheSneakerBall and #TheStudentHour, visit blkstudentsuccess.com.

About Dr. Keith Curry:

Dr. Keith Curry is the President of the Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District. Compton College is the 114th California Community College, achieving initial accreditation status on June 7, 2017. Dr. Curry is responsible for overseeing all departments and functions of Compton College and the District and serves as secretary for the CCCD Board of Trustees. He brings an abundance of energy and innovative ideas to Compton College, along with a wealth of experience as a postsecondary education administrator.

Dr. Curry is an active member of the Foundation for Compton Community College District, the Association of California Community College Administrators, the California Community College Athletic Association, the Statewide Association of Community Colleges (SWACC), the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice Advisory Board, and the President’s Roundtable. He has participated on Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Visiting Teams, most recently for San Quentin University Prison Project.

Dr. Curry earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California, Irvine, and a bachelor’s degree in American studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Dr. Curry is an adjunct faculty member for the College of Education at California State University, Fullerton.