We want to share an update regarding our upcoming MCBC Monthly Meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, March 12th.
At this time, the meeting will be rescheduled to a later date. We are currently working to identify a new date that will allow us to come back together for a follow-up to last month’s healing session, where many in our community gathered to process, reflect, and support one another.
We know that the past several weeks have been heavy for many of us. As we move forward, we encourage everyone to remain grounded, take care of yourselves and one another, and continue leaning on community during this time.
Once the new meeting date is confirmed, we will follow up with additional details.
Thank you all for your continued commitment to community care and collective healing.
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Happy Women’s History Month
As we step into March, we honor Women’s History Month — a time to recognize the leadership, resilience, and impact of women who continue to shape our communities and movements. This month, we’re lifting up the women leading, organizing, and showing up every day to create healthier, more just futures for families across Monterey County.
In this issue, you’ll find highlights from community gatherings, youth and parent leadership spaces, and upcoming events, along with spotlights on women whose work reflects the power of collective care and community-led change. We’re grateful for the dedication, vision, and strength that women bring to this work, today and every day.
Meet the Women Who Lead BHCMC
Andrea Manzo
Connect with Andrea Executive Director
Andrea Manzo is the Executive Director of Building Healthy Communities Monterey County, guiding the organization with a strong commitment to equity, collaboration, and community-led change. She fosters a safe, welcoming, and values-driven environment at BHCMC, where staff feel supported, respected, and empowered to lead with authenticity. Under her leadership, BHCMC continues to strengthen partnerships, invest in grassroots power, and advance policies that support healthier, more just communities. Andrea’s approach reflects a deep respect for lived experience and a belief that lasting change happens when communities — and the people who serve them — are trusted and supported to lead.
“Our work is strongest when we listen deeply, lead with empathy, and move together toward a more just and healthy community.”
Alma Cervantes
Connect with Alma Regional Education Equity and Justice Director
Alma Cervantes serves as Building Healthy Communities Monterey County’s Director of Education, where she leads community-driven efforts to advance educational equity and opportunity for youth and families. Her work extends beyond Monterey County through statewide education and justice initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and transforming systems that disproportionately harm students of color. Grounded in culturally responsive practices and collective care, Alma works alongside parents, educators, community leaders and partners to ensure education is a pathway to dignity, empowerment, and long-term community well-being.
“Educational justice means dismantling harmful systems and replacing them with ones that truly honor the brilliance and potential of our youth.”
Regional Black Power-Building & Justice Reinvestment Director
Rosalyn Green is the Director of Black Power Building at Building Healthy Communities Monterey County and the founder of the Monterey County Black Caucus. Coming from a lifetime of organizing, Rosalyn is a respected pillar in the community whose leadership is rooted in Black liberation, healing, and self-determination. Through her work, she strengthens Black civic power, nurtures emerging leaders, and builds spaces grounded in accountability, history, and collective resilience. Her leadership reflects both the wisdom of past movements and a bold vision for the future.
“What we build benefits everyone. When Black communities are nourished and whole, all communities rise.”
Rosalyn Green
Connect with Rosalyn Team Updates
Monterey County Black Caucus
Conversation with Kamala Harris
Monday, March 3MCBC will be bringing a group of core community leaders to attend a conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris. The event centers on collectively charting a blueprint that offers an alternative vision for the country, grounded in shared leadership, equity, and community power.
United Black Student Unions of California Conference (CSUMB)
Event Details
Friday, March 14 | Multi-day event | CSU Monterey BayMCBC will host a workshop and presentation at the United Black Student Unions of California Conference, reaching more than 500 high school students. This statewide convening brings together Black students for workshops, cultural activities, college campus tours, and a scholarship banquet, fostering leadership, networking, and unity. The conference concludes with officer installations and a Rites of Passage ceremony honoring graduating seniors.
Surviving the Game (City of Seaside)
Event Details
Friday, March 14 | Time: | Seaside, CAMCBC will be tabling at Surviving the Game, an annual collaborative event hosted by the City of Seaside. The event focuses on empowerment and healing while celebrating individuals impacted by systemic barriers, oppression, and other challenges. Community members will have access to resources and opportunities for connection.
Padres Unidos
Soledad Unified School District Listening Session
In February, Padres Unidos helped facilitate a listening session with Soledad Unified School District, creating a welcoming space for parents and caregivers to share their experiences, concerns, and hopes for their schools. The session centered parent voice and supported open dialogue between families and the district, reinforcing the importance of community-led engagement in educational spaces.
February Sanacion recap
Padres Unidos hosted a Sanción meeting in February focused on health and wellness, featuring a presentation by Parent Organizer Martha Zárate. The session highlighted the importance of healthy food choices and maintaining a balanced diet, emphasizing how nutrition directly impacts overall well-being. Parents engaged in meaningful conversation and reflection, strengthening shared knowledge around caring for themselves and their families.
Upcoming Events
MCBC Monthly Meeting
Date: 2nd Thursday | Time: 6:00PM | Location: Zoom
The Monterey County Black Caucus (MCBC) invites community members to attend its monthly meeting, a space to connect, share updates, and engage in ongoing conversations around Black leadership, advocacy, and community priorities. These meetings provide an opportunity to stay informed, build relationships, and continue strengthening collective efforts across the county.
Interest Form 
La Cosecha Bi-Weekly Meetings
Monday, March 10 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Location: El Gabilan Library
Monday, March 24 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Location: El Gabilan LibraryLa Cosecha will be holding two biweekly meetings in March, providing an opportunity for members of the base to gather, stay informed on current work, and connect with one another. If you know of any youth interested in participating in La Cosecha please feel free to share this information.
Register Here 
First Escuelita Session
Wednesday, March 18
5:30–7:30 PM
232 Monterey St., Salinas, CA
Thriving Neighborhoods Salinas invites community members to attend their first Escuelita session of the year. This gathering will provide an opportunity to learn about local government, understand how decisions are made, and explore ways to be civically engaged at the local level. The Escuelita creates a welcoming space for community learning, conversation, and participation, empowering residents to take an active role in shaping their neighborhoods.
For more information, reach out to Xago, Thriving Neighborhoods Salinas Organizer.
Connect w/ TNHS 
Upcycled Prom Closet
Saturday, March 7 | Time: 10AM-4PM | Location: Oldemeyer Center, Seaside
The Upcycled Prom Closet, hosted by Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, is a donation-based event providing free prom dresses, suits, and accessories to students who plan to attend prom but may face financial barriers. The event also includes resources and giveaways such as restaurant and amusement park gift cards, prom ticket sponsorships, transportation packages, and other items. The event is led by Maiaka Velazquez, MPUSD Trustee Board Member.
Helen Rucker Center’s Annual Black Queens Week
March 16–22 | Various times | Multiple locations
MCBC will play a key role in events throughout the Helen Rucker Center’s Annual Black Queens Week, a week dedicated to uplifting and celebrating Black women across communities and college campuses. MCBC will support events including a community luncheon and an interactive crown-making station designed to encourage participants to honor their individuality, leadership, and strength.
Padres Unidos Monthly Workshop
Wednesday, April 1st | 5:30–7:30 PM | Location: TBD
Padres Unidos invites community members to join their monthly workshop, a learning space focused on building parent leadership, connection, and engagement. These workshops offer an opportunity to share experiences, gain useful information, and continue strengthening community in a supportive and welcoming environment.
For more information, please contact Alma Loredo, Padres Unidos Organizer.
Connect w/ Padres Unidos 
103 DAYS AWAY!!
MCBC is excited to begin the countdown to Juneteenth 2026, taking place on June 13, 2026. Juneteenth is a powerful celebration of Black freedom, resilience, and culture, honoring the legacy of liberation while uplifting joy, community, and collective care. As we move closer to the celebration, stay tuned for updates, opportunities to get involved, and ways to support this meaningful community gathering.
Donate Today!
Can’t decide which program to support? Consider giving a one time, monthly, or yearly donation to BHC Monterey County! Donations help fund the organization as a whole and keep all of these programs going!
DONATE HERE 
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Summer teen programs and educator workshops through the Monterey Bay Aquarium
We’re excited to share information about upcoming summer teen programs and educator workshops through the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
These programs offer powerful opportunities for young people to connect with peers, build leadership and agency for change, and experience hands-on learning—all while having fun at the Aquarium.
Applications are now open, and the Aquarium team is eager to see strong participation from our community. We encourage you to share the attached flyers with:
Students and families
Educators
Schools and community-based organizations
Churches, barber shops, hair salons, and other community spaces where teens gather
Thank you for helping us spread the word and ensure our young people and educators have access to these enriching summer opportunities.
In community,
Thank you,