|
|
|
|
|
|
Happy Black History Month
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, a commemoration rooted in the work of historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who established Negro History Week in 1926 to ensure that Black history, contributions, and lived experiences were recognized, studied, and honored in a society that actively erased them. What began as a correction to exclusion has grown into a global observance, yet its purpose remains the same: to affirm the value of Black life, leadership, and knowledge, and to challenge systems that perpetuate invisibility and anti-Blackness. As we reflect on this centennial moment, the Monterey County Black Caucus (MCBC) carries forward Dr. Woodson’s legacy by grounding our work in truth-telling, healing-informed practice, and community power-building. This Black History Month, we honor the past while continuing to build a future rooted in equity, belonging, and Black joy.
The Monterey County Black Caucus (MCBC) invites you to join us throughout February for a series of events rooted in education, culture, wellness, and community connection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In Dedication:
Remembering Dr. Helen Rucker
|
|
|
We dedicate this Black History Month newsletter to the life and legacy of Helen Rucker, a beloved community leader, elder, and legend whose passing this past November was a profound loss for Monterey County.
Helen Rucker devoted her life to justice, education, and the well-being of Black communities. Her leadership helped open doors, build institutions, and create spaces where Black families could thrive with dignity and care. She led with both strength and compassion, reminding us that true power is rooted in service and love for community.
Though she is deeply missed, Helen Rucker’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the work that continues in her name. As we gather this month, we do so in her honor. We carry forward her vision, values, and commitment to collective care.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monterey County Black Caucus
|
|
|
Founded in 2020, the Monterey County Black Caucus (MCBC) stands as a beacon of progress, resilience, and Black power-building in Monterey County. Through healing-informed practices, community-driven advocacy, and cultural celebration, MCBC works to combat anti-Blackness while cultivating Black leadership, joy, and collective care. From youth leadership development and wellness initiatives to policy advocacy and community healing, MCBC’s work is rooted in love for Black communities and a vision of liberation. In this section, we spotlight the members behind the movement, the people whose lived experiences, leadership, and care continue to transform our county.
|
|
|
|
|
Rosalyn Green
Rosalyn is the Founder of the Monterey County Black Caucus and serves as a BHCMC’s Director of Black Power-Building and Justice Reinvestment. Her leadership has been instrumental in mapping the needs of Black residents, cultivating Black leadership, and building systems rooted in healing, equity, and collective care. Rosalyn’s vision and commitment continue to guide MCBC’s work across education, youth leadership, policy, and community development.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Da’Ja Robinson
Da’Ja is a Founding Member of MCBC whose work centers healing-informed practice, youth leadership, and creative expression. As the youth Black-Power Building organizing manager, she plays a key role in Seaside Rising Youth Leadership Academy (SRYLA) and Wellness Wednesdays, supporting young people through spaces grounded in care, reflection, and civic engagement. Her leadership reflects MCBC’s commitment to cultivating future leaders and sustaining Black joy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peninatautele (Nina) Faumuinaeze
Nina is a core MCBC leader and as the Youth Black-Power Building Organizer, her work with Seaside Rising Youth Leadership Academy (SRYLA) focuses on youth empowerment, leadership development, and cultural pride. She is dedicated to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead, reflecting MCBC’s commitment to investing in the next generation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Daniels Jr.
Robert is a Founding Member of MCBC and the organizer for Thriving Neighborhoods Seaside, where his work centers housing justice, community care, and neighborhood stability. From early Black power mapping and resident surveys to people-centered organizing, Robert’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to collective decision-making and community-driven solutions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pastor Smith
Pastor Smith is a respected MCBC leader and organizer whose work bridges faith, justice, and community power. As the organizer for the action team People Over Profit, he has helped advance Black liberation through coalition-building, prayer vigils, and community action rooted in solidarity. His leadership reflects MCBC’s belief in spiritual grounding, healing, and collective movement-building.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Renee Young
Renee is an MCBC leader whose work as a Parent Organizer and Economic Justice Organizer centers family leadership, community voice, and access to opportunity. Through her organizing, she supports parents and residents in advocating for economic stability, equity, and systems that better serve Black families across Monterey County.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tinisha Dunn-Alcantara
Tinisha is a Founding Member of MCBC whose leadership spans organizing, healing spaces, and youth mentorship. In addition to her organizing work, she serves as the narrative and communications manager, helping shape how MCBC’s story, impact, and vision are shared with the broader community. Her work continues to strengthen Black power-building across generations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shante Mitchell
Shante Mitchell serves as the Black Power-Building Coordinator, supporting strategy, leadership development, and the implementation of healing-centered, anti-racist work across MCBC initiatives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lisa Lewis
Lisa Lewis is a Black Power-Building Community Health Worker (CHW) whose work centers wellness, healing, and direct community support for Black residents. Her role reflects MCBC’s commitment to holistic care and community-driven health equity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Black Gala
📅 February 7th
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 CSU Monterey Bay
A semi-formal Black History Month celebration honoring Black excellence, culture, and community. Join students, faculty, and community members for an evening of recognition and connection inspired by this year’s theme, “Still We Rise.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black History Month Program
📅 February 8th,15th,27th
🕓 11:30 AM
📍 New Hope Baptist Church, Salinas
Throughout the month of February, New Hope Baptist Church will host a Black History Month program led by People Over Profit, featuring a rotating series of actions and community supports in collaboration with their action teams. This month-long focus honors Black history while uplifting collective care, justice, and community power through reflection, education, and action. All are invited to engage, learn, and participate as we honor the legacy and ongoing contributions of Black communities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black History Exposition
📅 February 10th
🕓 9AM-12PM
📍 International School of Monterey
As part of Black History Month, the Monterey County Black Caucus will lead a special exposition at the International School of Monterey that brings Black history to life through storytelling and personal experience. MCBC will share the Black story—our history, our passions, and the paths that shape our work, while inviting students to explore this year’s theme of belonging.
|
|
|
|
|
|
MCOE Recognition
📅 February 11th
🕓 3:00 PM
📍 MCOE Office
At the upcoming Monterey County Office of Education meeting, the Monterey County Black Caucus (MCBC) will be formally recognized and will receive and accept a Resolution honoring its leadership, impact, and ongoing commitment to advancing equity, healing, and Black empowerment across Monterey County. This recognition reflects MCBC’s community-driven work in education, youth leadership, advocacy, and cultural celebration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black History Month Program
📅 February 15th
🕓 3:00-6:00 PM
📍 Oldemeyer Center, Seaside
A community-wide celebration that honors Black leadership across generations, both past, present, and future. In partnership with the Monterey County Black Caucus, this program uplifts community leaders and residents who have taken action to advance justice, culture, and collective well-being. Together, we gather to recognize the legacy, impact, and ongoing contributions of Black leaders shaping our community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Black History Presentation
📅 February 17th
🕓 4:00-5:00 PM
📍 Boys & Girls Club, Seaside
As part of Black History Month, the Monterey County Black Caucus has been invited to serve as guest speakers for the teens of the Boys & Girls Club of Seaside. This presentation creates space to share Black history through storytelling and lived experience, while fostering cross-cultural understanding and solidarity. By engaging youth from diverse backgrounds, the session encourages learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations about how young people can support and strengthen their communities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sickle Cell Blood Drive
📅 February 19th
🕘 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
📍 CSU Monterey Bay
Held in honor of Helen Rucker’s legacy, this blood drive is an opportunity to give back, support community health, and continue her lifelong commitment to care and service.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHSBSU: Black Joy
📅 February 19th
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Seaside High School
A joyful celebration centered on Black culture, creativity, and pride—bringing students, families, and community members together.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cooperative Housing Workshop
📅 February 7th, 21st
🕘 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 BHC Office, Salinas
📍Oldemeyer Center, Seaside
The Intro to Co-operative Housing Workshop brings community members together to learn about people-centered housing models rooted in collective ownership, shared management, and long-term affordability. Led by Robert Daniels (MCBC, Thriving Neighborhoods Seaside), Xago Juarez (BHCMC, Thriving Neighborhoods Salinas), and Ben Nurse, this workshop empowers residents with tools and knowledge to explore cooperative housing as a pathway toward housing justice and community stability.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Night Market
📅 February 25th
🕘 5:00 PM
📍 Everret Alvarez High School
The annual Black History Night Market brings the community together through food, culture, and connection. Hosted in collaboration with the school and Cre’s Soul Food & BBQ (MCBC cohort partner) this event celebrates Black history and community power. MCBC and Seaside Rising will be on-site tabling to share resources, uplift Black history, and build awareness while creating space for community connection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars! Join us on June 13 for the 7th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee, a community-centered celebration honoring Black freedom, culture, and resilience. This annual gathering brings together families, artists, organizers, and community members for a day of joy, reflection, and connection. More details coming soon.
|
|
|
|
|
Black History Month reminds us that Black history is living history—carried forward by our youth, elders, organizers, educators, and families. The Monterey County Black Caucus (MCBC) is a Black-led Action Team within Building Healthy Communities Monterey County (BHCMC), dedicated to centering Black leadership and cultivating community power across Monterey County. This February, we celebrate, we remember, and we recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in justice, joy, and collective care.
In solidarity and remembrance,
MCBC & BHCMC Fam
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 our programs going!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
