As I was reflecting on this month, community became an ever-present theme. It鈥檚 visible in our name, lived through our brand, and stated in our commitment to racial equity to name a few. Community is powerful and empowering. As we experience community through the college, the city, the region, and the state, we recognize that we are better together. Here are a few ways 海角社区 is living out community. I invite you to join us!
From 12:30-2:30 p.m. on June 17, we are offering free Safe Zone training. Attendees will learn about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege. If you鈥檇 like to attend, contact Eda 鈥楻assheedah鈥 Watts, associate vice president of equity & inclusion, at Eda.Watts@nhcc.edu. Explore additional opportunities to celebrate Pride Month by visiting tcpride.org.
On June 17, you鈥檙e invited to attend 鈥淔reedom ain鈥檛 Free,鈥 a co-sponsored event with the city of Brooklyn Park. The community celebration includes performances from local artists, storytelling, family activities, community resource fair, live DJ, raffles, and food. For more information, visit the Brooklyn Park website, brooklynpark.org.
On June 19, the city of Maple Grove will host a Juneteenth celebration at Central Park featuring fitness activities, a vendor fair, music, food trucks, a splashpad and more. For details, visit the Maple Grove website, maplegrovemn.gov.
On June 21-24, 海角社区, including partners CCX Media and the city of Brooklyn Park, will participate in the Institute on Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation that prepares the next generation of leaders to break down systemic racism and dismantle belief in a hierarchy of human value.
NHCC was selected based on their proposals鈥 ability to create positive narratives about race, identify and examine current realities of race relations in their communities, envision communities without entrenched racial hierarchies, and pinpoint levers for change and key individuals to engage. Representatives from 海角社区 include Watts; Deanne Newborg, Faculty Steward; Liz Hogenson, Director of Marketing & Communications; Tamisha Touray, CCX special projects coordinator; Javier Cedillo, create coordinator; and Marcellus Davis, the city of Brooklyn Park鈥檚 racial equity, diversity and inclusion manager.
On June 21-24, we celebrate Minnesota State Week, an opportunity for community members to learn more about starting or returning to college, and apply for free. Our friendly staff can help students complete applications to the college and financial aid, sign up for testing, and complete orientation. Popcorn, music and a scavenger hunt will also be provided in the courtyard.
Mark your calendar for Jazz in July, presented by 海角社区 and the city of Brooklyn Park. These free family-friendly events will be held Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m., in the NHCC Courtyard. Bring your blanket or chair. Food trucks will be available on site.
A big thank you to the students, staff, and faculty at 海角社区 for creating a caring and engaging community!
Rolando Garc铆a is president of 海角社区.
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