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<\/p>\nFriday, February 27, 2026<\/p>\n
This week, Bakersfield College hosted a Black History Month Celebration Brunch to
\n recognize and honor BC\u2019s African American Alumni. The event featured guest speakers,
\n alumni awards, music, spoken word, brunch, and more.<\/p>\n
The brunch took place at the Renegade Event Center on the Panorama Campus. The emcee
\n was NaTesha Johnson, Executive Director, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development
\n at BC, and she started off the proceedings with a brief welcome and overview of the
\n day\u2019s activities. After the audience sang the Black National Anthem, BC President
\n Dr. Stacey Pfluger welcomed guests and attendees. \u201cIt is the actions that we take
\n here and now, in this present moment, that build us forward to whatever our future
\n is going to be\u201d she said, \u201cThat is the power events like. So, thank you for taking
\n time out of your day to be here to celebrate with us.\u201d Attendees were then invited
\n to enjoy a delicious brunch, which included scrambled eggs, fried catfish, fried chicken,
\n mac \u2018n cheese, peach cobbler and more.<\/p>\n
At the conclusion of brunch, Ebony King presented a beautiful spoken word tribute
\n to Black History Month, a truly inspirational and encouraging presentation. Later
\n in the program, BCSGA President Khalfani Mackey addressed the audience, sharing an
\n encouraging word while expressing hope for the future of BC and higher education.
\n \u201cBakersfield College is a black serving institution. The opportunity is real, but so is the responsibility,\u201d
\n he said, \u201cbecause some of the barriers facing African American initiatives didn\u2019t
\n start today \u2013 and they won\u2019t disappear on their own. I am hopeful because, right now,
\n there is a resilient effort taking shape, where people are listening with intention
\n and refusing to accept that \u2018this is how it\u2019s always been\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event also provided time for African American alum\u2019s to be recognized for their
\n service and dedication to BC and the community. One recognition was Lenora Daniels,
\n an alum from the 1960\u2019s, who received the Legacy Award. After attending Bakersfield
\n College, she worked in the Child Development Center on the Panorama Campus for more
\n than 30 years. Her passion and dedication to the children who were under her care
\n allowed student parents to continue their education and inspired a whole generation
\n of future Renegades.<\/p>\n
Later in the event, Dr. Tandy Ward, an Alum from the 1980\u2019s, delighted the audience
\n with a singing of the classic hymn \u201cHis Eye is on the Sparrow\u201d. The event closed with
\n a recognition of all African American alumni at the event. More than 70 alums, from
\n as far back as the 1950\u2019s, were in attendance and they all received a special gift
\n from the event organizers.<\/p>\n
The Black History Month Celebration Brunch at Bakersfield College was more than a
\n gathering – it was a powerful tribute to legacy, resilience, and community. From heartfelt
\n speeches, inspirational performances to the recognition of distinguished alumni \u2013
\n the event beautifully reflected the lasting impact of African American leaders who
\n attended Bakersfield College. Thank you to all community members who were able to
\n join us for this incredible celebration, and a big thank you to everyone who helped
\n make this event happen.<\/p>\n
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