STOCKTON - In a powerful recognition of its work to support underrepresented students, Delta College’s Black Alliance for Student Empowerment (BASE) was presented with the 2025 Freedom Fighter award on Saturday by the Stockton branch of the NAACP.
BASE, formerly known as the Black Faculty Task Force, received the award for its work bringing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan to Delta. That event in early November connected hundreds of local students with institutions long celebrated for supporting and graduating Black scholars.
Delta College Professor Raichelle Strickland, who served as one of the co-leads for the initiative, accepted the award on behalf of the group.
“It truly means a lot to represent the work we’ve accomplished together,” Strickland said. “I also want to thank the NAACP for recognizing the importance of creating access and opportunity for our students and community.”
Since 2020, BASE has focused on advocating for academic success, social justice, and equity at Delta College. The HBCU Caravan has become one of its most impactful efforts, offering students — many of whom cannot afford to travel across the country — the opportunity to meet directly with HBCU representatives, explore transfer pathways, and envision themselves thriving in a college or university setting.
Strickland recalled that one counselor from a rural school district said the event provided a rare chance for her Black students to meet people who looked like them and could speak to their experiences. “They were one of the last groups to leave because they were enjoying themselves so much,” Strickland said. “Moments like that remind us why this work matters.”
Strickland also recognized the many partners who made the event possible, including co-lead Professor Valerie Gnassounou; Director of Student Activities Chris Frymire; the Delta Connect Center staff; and dedicated team members Alondra Hernandez and Alvin Jaimes.
“On behalf of BASE, thank you again for this honor,” Strickland said. “We remain committed to expanding access, uplifting our students, and empowering the next generation of scholars and leaders.”
