Processing the Verdict: Reflection, Healing, and Coming Together for Racial Justice

NOTE: This page is under construction, as it is developed in response to the trial verdict handed down on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Please refresh or check back to this page later for updates as they become available.

Read the Statement Made by SMC President Kathryn Jeffery on April 20th, 2021:

Justice for George Floyd + Processing the Verdict

Events for the week of the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

These sessions are open to the entire SMC community: Students, Staff, Faculty, and Administrators are invited to join in this process.

Emotion 101: Processing Space

After a trial of such consequence, it can be helpful to process your thoughts and feelings. Please join us in a debriefing following the verdict.
Facilitated by: The SMC Center for Wellness and Wellbeing
Next Session: TBD
Time: TBD

Previous Sessions: Wednesday, 4/21/21 - 1 p.m. and Thursday, 4/22/21 - 12 p.m.

Building Bridges: Cultivating Allyship for Racial Justice

This space invites people to cultivate allyship in racial justice work together.
Facilitated by: SMC Equity Leaders & Allies
Next Session: TBD
Time: TBD

Original Session: Wednesday, 4/21/21 - 5 p.m.

When Words are Not Enough: A safe space for silent contemplation and mutual support

Depending on the needs of the group, guided mindfulness and self-compassion meditation practices will be offered.
Facilitated by: The SMC Center for Wellness and Wellbeing
Next Session: TBD
Time: TBD

Original Session: Wednesday, 4/21/21 - 3 to 4 p.m.

Using Creativity to Reflect, Heal, and Share

A collaborative space to discuss and use creative means of expression such as writing, movement, music, and visual art to reflect upon George Floyd's murder, process feelings, and consider further social actions.
Facilitated by: SMC Art, Dance, Photography, & Theatre
Next Session: TBD
Time: TBD

Original Session: Wednesday, 4/21/21 - 3 to 4 p.m.

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Additional Resources & Events

Related Events:

• Wednesday 4/21/21 - 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.: The Pan African Faculty and Staff Alliance will devote a portion of its meeting to "Reflections on the George Floyd Verdict and Our Interaction with Law Enforcement"
• Week of 4/26 - 4/30/21: California Community Colleges' Black Student Success Week - Daily Events

  • The following state-wide communication regarding Black Student Success Week (next week) is sent on behalf of SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn Jeffery

    As a reminder, next week is Black Student Success Week, April 26-30, 2021. This year’s week includes a daily webinar series called The Black Hour. Throughout the week, webinars will share insights and approaches for improving student success among Black and African American students at California’s community colleges. Webinars will be held from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. and are open to California Community College administrators, staff, faculty, practitioners and students.

    Black Student Success Week is organized in collaboration with many organizations. As we close out DEI Awareness Month, we encourage you to join us next week in supporting our Black students and register for a webinar as well as plan to meet with your legislators for our virtual advocacy day on Thursday, April 29th. Webinar topics and registration links are listed below. Attached is a flyer to your share with your colleagues. For questions about the virtual advocacy day, please contact Katrina Linden atkatrina@collegecampaign.org.

    Monday, April 26 | 12 – 1 p.m.
    Follow the Money: Unapologetically Supporting Black Students

    Tuesday, April 27 | 12 – 1 p.m.
    The ADT Journey for African American Students

    Wednesday, April 28 | 12 – 1 p.m.
    Equity and Black Representation in Higher Education Leadership

    Thursday, April 29 | 12 – 1 p.m.
    A Legislative Briefing: Actively Advocating for Black Student Success

    Friday, April 30 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
    The Cost of Freedom: “Speaking Up to Diversify the Faculty Ranks”

    Order a shirt to support this week’s efforts. If you have already purchased and received your shirt, take a picture of you wearing your shirt and tag us @cablackstudents on Twitter and Instagram.

    Lastly, click here to download the Zoom background. See you next week!

Resources and Links:

• Messages of Support - SMC Student Equity Center
• Visit the SMC Student Equity - Racial Justice Center page for additional resources
• How to Ally and Be a Good Guest - Article from Whose Knowledge
• Vision & Justice Issue of Aperture Magazine

• Minnesota Justice Coalition

• AWARE-LA: Alliance of White Anti-Racists Everywhere-L.A.

• What is an Ally?

Please check back soon for more links to be posted here!