STOCKTON – High school and college students from across the region have a rare opportunity this month to meet virtually with representatives from at least 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, just one highlight of Delta College’s commemoration of Black History Month. 

Students attending the Feb. 25 virtual “HBCU Online Tour Caravan” can apply for admission, learn about scholarship opportunities and ask any other questions about the HBCU experience. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Originally scheduled to occur on Delta’s campus, the event has since been moved online (information and registration are available here). But the benefits of attending haven’t changed. 

The HBCU Caravan is a significant opportunity for students in San Joaquin County and in Stockton, one of the most diverse communities in the nation. HBCUs are colleges and universities with the primary mission of educating Black and African American students, though anyone can attend. They typically offer lower tuition, robust financial aid and support services for students who may never have thought that college would be an option in their lives. 

As of 2019 there were 100 HBCUs located in 19 states, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.  

"The Black Faculty Task Force of San Joaquin Delta College is excited to welcome the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) virtual tour," said Valerie Gnassounou, professor of dance at Delta. "This initiative is a new, equitable pathway to student success at Delta. It supports our students with accessibility to recruiters, affordable or free tuition, and scholarships. 

"The event sponsor, Stockton Scholars, has generously committed scholarship opportunities for qualified student applicants," Gnassounou added. "We encourage high school and transfer students to attend this incredible event. Get informed, empower yourself and take a step to higher education."

To make the most out of the event, students are encouraged to have at the ready their unofficial transcripts and, if applicable, ACT/SAT scores. 

Zuzu African Acrobats 

In addition to the HBCU Caravan, Delta College will host a performance of the Zuzu African Acrobats on Feb. 23 (this date has been updated) at 6 p.m. in Atherton Auditorium. 

The acrobats exhibit gravity-defying stunts while simultaneously displaying the beauty of the Tanzanian culture of East Africa, including music, dance, and culturally authentic acrobatic routines. 

This event is free and open to the public. Masks are required indoors on the Delta campus. 

“Delta’s Got Talent” 

Calling all singers, dancers, musicians, fashionistas, poets, rappers, steppers, and more: 

Another event this month is the popular “Delta’s Got Talent” show, sponsored by the Black Student Union. This event starts at noon on Feb. 26 at Danner Hall on the Delta campus.  

Only Delta students can enter, but anyone is welcome to attend. 

To participate, contestants must send a one-minute video audition to bsusjdc@gmail.com. The deadline to submit a video is Feb. 18. 

Sankofa video series

Also in recognition of Black History Month, the Black Faculty Task Force and Ethnic Studies Department shares a new series of short videos entitled, "Sankofa Series." The entire series can be perused at any time by clicking here.