In honor of Black History Month, co-deans of Student Voices, Amber Rodriguez and Tamara Jaffe, put together words and resources for our community centering on the 2022 national theme of the month, "Black Health and Wellness." You can read the full message here, but here's an excerpt:

February is the time of year to amplify Black voices and realize that Black people and other marginalized communities should be valued year-round. Let’s all commit or recommit to educating and informing oneself beyond the month of February.

Westridge would like to support Black health and wellness with a spotlight on Black joy. “At the core or center of Black culture, Black identity, Black art, Black ideology, and Black community is joy,” said Anita Dashiell-Sparks, a professor of theater practice and associate dean of equity, diversity and inclusion at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. “Black joy is the heartbeat and pulse of our survival, our resiliency, our perseverance, our health and wellbeing.”

The Black Student Union is finalizing details for a guest speaker series featuring Black alumnae who will share their experiences and discuss life after Westridge. Also be sure to check out our Instagram in coming days—it will feature videos of students and faculty and staff sharing thoughts on Black History Month. (The collage above is a sneak peek!)